Preferred Name Change

Drake University allows a student to submit a preferred name that will appear in place of the student's legal name in certain university records.  The preferred name will appear instead of the person's legal name in university related documents except where the use of the legal name is required by university business or legal need.  Electing to use a preferred first name will not change a student's legal name.  The University may disallow or remove a preferred name if it contains inappropriate or offensive language or is being used for misrepresentation. Students who need to update their legal name must contact registrar@drake.edu. Students will be required to provide legal documentation of their name change.

The student's preferred name is listed in the following places:

• Drake ID card
• Residence hall roster (for students who live on campus)
• Blackboard listing
• Instructors' class lists with photos
• Advisors' list with photos
• Drake email

The student's legal name is used in the following places, including but not limited to:

• Drake transcript
• Diploma
• Documents within the Office of Student Financial Planning
• Official University records
• Visa verification

To Set or Change Your Preferred Name

1. Instructions for setting or changing your preferred name are available here.

Preferred Name Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)