How to Change Your Name Through the Court

Where to file your name change petition

You file a name change petition in the district court or superior court in the county where you live. The exact court name varies by state — some call it district court, others superior court or circuit court — but your county courthouse is always the right place to start.

Call the courthouse clerk's office and ask for the name change division or civil division. They will tell you which forms to use, what the filing fee is (usually $100 to $300, though some courts waive fees for people with low income), and whether your state requires you to publish a notice in a local newspaper. Some states do; others do not.

You can also visit your state's court website to read the petition form. Search "[your state] name change petition" or "[your state] court forms" to find it. The form is usually free to read, though you will pay the filing fee when you submit it to the courthouse.

Key Takeaways

You file your name change petition at the district or superior court in your home county, not online or through the state.
The petition form is available from your courthouse clerk or your state's court website, and filing fees range from $100 to $300 depending on your county.
Some states require you to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper; your courthouse clerk will tell you whether yours does.
After the court approves your petition, you receive an order that you then take to the DMV, Social Security, and other agencies to update your records.
The entire process from filing to court approval usually takes four to eight weeks, though it varies by county.

What to include in your petition

The petition form asks for your current legal name, the name you want, and your reason for the change. You do not need a reason — courts approve name changes for any reason or no reason at all — but the form may have a blank asking you to state one. You can write "personal preference" or leave it brief.

You will also need to provide your date of birth, current address, and sometimes your driver's license number or state ID number. If you have been convicted of a felony, some states require you to disclose that on the petition. Check your state's form or ask the courthouse clerk whether your state has this requirement.

Attach a copy of your birth certificate to the petition. If you do not have one, you can order it from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail.

Filing and court approval

Take or mail the completed petition, the filing fee, and a copy of your birth certificate to the courthouse clerk. If you mail it, include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return a stamped copy to you. Keep that stamped copy — you will need it later to update your other records.

In most counties, the judge approves name change petitions without a hearing. The clerk reviews your paperwork, the judge signs off, and you receive an order in the mail within two to four weeks. If your state requires newspaper publication, the timeline is longer — usually six to eight weeks — because you have to publish the notice first, then wait a set period (often 30 days) before the judge can sign the order.

A small number of cases do go to a hearing, usually because the petition is incomplete or because someone objects to the change. If the clerk contacts you, it means something is missing. Ask what you need to provide and send it back promptly.

Updating your records after approval

Once you have the court order, take it to the Social Security Administration to update your Social Security card. Bring the order, your current ID, and your Social Security card to your local Social Security office. You can also mail these documents to Social Security, though visiting in person is faster. The new card arrives in one to two weeks.

Next, go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to update your driver's license or state ID. Bring the court order, your current license, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). The DMV will issue a new license with your new name, usually on the spot or within a few days.

Update your name with your bank, employer, insurance company, and any other organization that has your legal name on file. Bring a copy of the court order as proof. You do not need the original — a photocopy works for all of these.

Name changes for minors

A parent or guardian can file a name change petition for a minor child. The process is the same as for an adult, except you file as the parent or guardian and the petition states the child's current name and the name you want to change it to.

In some states, if the child is old enough (usually 12 or 14), the court requires the child's consent or may want the child to appear at a hearing. Ask the courthouse clerk whether your state has an age requirement for the child's consent.

Name changes after divorce or separation

If you want to change your name as part of a divorce, you can include the name change in your divorce petition. The judge can approve both the divorce and the name change at the same time, which is faster than filing separately. Ask your divorce attorney or the courthouse clerk how to add a name change to your divorce paperwork.

If you are already divorced and want to change your name now, you file a separate name change petition using the same process described above. You do not need to go back to family court.

Costs and fee waivers

Filing fees for a name change petition range from $100 to $350 depending on your county. Some counties charge less; others charge more. Call your courthouse clerk to find out the exact fee for your county.

If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it. Fill out a form called a "motion to waive court fees" or "affidavit of indigency" (the exact name varies by state). This form asks about your income and expenses. If the judge approves, you do not have to pay the filing fee. Ask the courthouse clerk for the form and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to change my name?

No. The name change process is straightforward enough that most people file the petition themselves without a lawyer. If you are unsure about any step, the courthouse clerk can answer questions about the forms and process. A lawyer is not required.

Can I change my name if I have outstanding debts or a criminal record?

Yes. A name change does not erase debts or criminal history. Creditors and law enforcement can still find you under your old name. Courts approve name changes regardless of debt or criminal history, though some states require you to disclose felony convictions on the petition.

How long does it take to get the court order?

In most counties, you receive the court order within two to four weeks of filing. If your state requires you to publish a notice in a newspaper, add four to six weeks for the publication and waiting period. The exact timeline depends on your county's workload.

What if I want to change my name back to my birth name?

The process is identical. You file a new petition with your current legal name and the name you want to change it to. The court treats it the same way as any other name change.

Do I need to tell my employer or landlord about my name change?

You should update your name with your employer for payroll and tax purposes. For your landlord, check your lease — some require you to notify them of legal name changes. Either way, updating your name prevents confusion with mail and official documents.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.