Use the following guidelines to update your name and address. Note that instructions may differ based on your circumstances (e.g., whether you currently have insurance through the university).
Faculty, Staff, and Former Employees
Address changes: Current and former faculty and staff should update residing or campus addresses via Employee Self Service.
Name changes: Current and former faculty and staff should complete name changes via Employee Self Service.
- Standard (legal) name: Your standard name should be your legal name (first and last) as it appears on your Social Security card. If you want to update your standard legal name, request a name change through Employee Self Service and attach appropriate legal documentation supporting the change. If you are/were a University of Iowa student, refer to the Students and Former Students section below.
- Preferred first name: You can also provide a chosen/preferred name to share with your supervisors/HR representatives through your ePersonnel File, and with instructors of your "My Training" courses on class lists. You can also elect to use your chosen/preferred name in the publicly-visible online UI directory, on your campus ID card, as the name associated with your UI email address, and in most other campus systems.
If you are a current or former student at the University of Iowa, please visit the Office of the Registrar for information about name and address changes.
Common Questions about Name Types
My current standard name is not my legal name. How do I change my standard name back to my legal name?
You can and should correct it via Employee Self Service.
How do I get a new university ID card with my preferred first name?
After you have added your chosen/preferred first name via Employee Self Service and allowed up to one business day for systems to refresh, you can request a new ID card at the Iowa One Card Center, 2700 University Capital Centre. The replacement fee for the new card will be charged to your U-Bill. Bring your old ID card, if available. Bring a photo ID with your legal name on it for verification.
Can I choose any name for my preferred first name?
No. Your chosen/preferred first name must be a name you truly use to identify yourself, and the university will not accept a preferred first name that is vulgar or offensive, obscene, fanciful, or creates confusion with another person. See the Preferred First Name Policy.
I have questions about preferred first names. Who can I contact for more information?
Email oie-ui@uiowa.edu with any questions about preferred first name policy or processes.
How are preferred first names used?
Chosen/preferred names for faculty and staff are shared with their supervisors/HR representatives through their ePersonnel File, and with instructors of "My Training" courses on class lists. Faculty and staff can also elect to use their chosen/preferred name in the publicly-visible online UI directory, on their campus ID card, as the name associated with their UI email address, and in most other campus systems.
Some systems, including Human Resources systems such as Payroll and Benefits, require standard name, regardless of selection to use chosen/preferred name publicly.
Do I have to identify a preferred first name?
No. The chosen/preferred first name is an optional alternative to your standard name.
How do I enter my preferred first name and select my usage options?
In Employee Self Service under My Self Service select Name and Pronouns. Please refer to Update my name and pronouns in UI systems for additional information.
Can I select a preferred last name?
No. University business and systems require that your last name is your legal last name.
After I enter my preferred first name, when will it appear in university systems?
Please allow up to one business day for university systems to refresh.
Right now, my standard name is not my legal name (e.g. "Beth" for "Elizabeth"). Is that okay?
Your standard name should be your legal (first and last) name as it appears on your Social Security card. Otherwise, you may encounter difficulties with the IRS or state revenue and tax agencies.
Retirees without University Insurance
Follow the instructions for faculty and staff above.
Retirees with Current University Insurance
Retirees with current university insurance who want to change their names or addresses should contact University Benefits by email at benefits@uiowa.edu or in writing at:
University of Iowa
University Benefits
120 University Services Bldg.
Iowa City, IA 52242-1911
Students and Former Students
Address changes: Students may change their residing, home, and parent addresses on MyUI. Students may also restrict their residing addresses and/or phone numbers.
Name changes: Preferred names and usage options can be entered in MyUI. To change other name types, complete the University of Iowa Request for Change of Name Form available on the Registrar's website.
Questions: Contact the Registrar by e-mail at registrar@uiowa.edu or phone at 319-384-4300.