Where to File Your Name Change in Colorado

You file a name change petition in the district court of the county where you live. Colorado does not have a separate name-change office or a statewide form you mail to Denver. Instead, you go to your local district court, pay a filing fee (usually between $200 and $300, though this varies by county), and submit paperwork to a judge. The judge reviews your petition and, in most cases, grants it without a hearing.

If you do not know which county you live in, look at your driver's license or property tax bill. Then search online for "[your county name] Colorado district court" to find the courthouse address and phone number. Many county courts now accept filings by mail or through their website, so you do not have to appear in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You file your name change petition at your local district court, not a state office, and the process usually takes four to eight weeks.
  • Colorado requires you to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper once, which costs $50 to $150 depending on the paper.
  • You will need a government-issued ID, proof of residence, and a completed petition form, which your courthouse can provide or you can read from the court's website.
  • After the judge approves your name change, you receive a certified court order that you use to update your driver's license, Social Security record, and other documents.

What Forms and Documents You Need

Start by getting the petition form from your district court. Most Colorado courts post the form on their website under "Forms" or "Self-Help Center." If it is not online, call the court clerk and ask for the "Petition to Change Name" form. The form is usually free to read or pick up in person.

Fill out the petition with your current legal name, the name you want, and your reason for the change (you can write "personal preference" if you do not have a specific reason). You will also need to provide your date of birth, current address, and driver's license number. Attach a copy of your government-issued ID and a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current address. Some courts also ask for a criminal history check, which you can request from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Filing Your Petition and Paying the Fee

Once your forms are complete, take or mail them to the district court clerk's office along with the filing fee. Fees range from $200 to $300 depending on your county; call ahead to confirm the exact amount and whether the court accepts checks, credit cards, or cash. Some courts allow you to file online through their website, which can save you a trip.

Keep a copy of everything you submit. The clerk will stamp your petition with a case number and a filing date. Write down this case number—you will need it to track your petition and to get your certified court order later.

Publishing Notice in a Local Newspaper

Colorado law requires you to publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper in your county once. This is not optional, and the court will not approve your petition without proof of publication. Contact a local newspaper (often a smaller community paper rather than the largest one in your area) and ask about their legal notice rates. Publication usually costs $50 to $150.

The newspaper will write the notice for you or tell you what to include. After it runs, the paper will send you a "proof of publication" certificate. Bring this certificate to the court or include it with your paperwork. If you file by mail, send it to the clerk before your hearing date or before the judge reviews your petition.

Timeline and What Happens Next

After you file, the court typically reviews your petition within two to four weeks. If everything is in order and you have published the notice, the judge usually approves it without requiring you to appear. You will receive a certified court order in the mail showing your new legal name.

The entire process from filing to receiving your court order usually takes four to eight weeks, though it can be faster if your court has a light caseload or slower if there are questions about your paperwork. Once you have the certified order, you use it to update your name with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (for your driver's license), the Social Security Administration, your bank, your employer, and any other organization that has your legal name on file.

Special Situations: Minors and Name Changes After Divorce

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must file the petition on your behalf, and both parents usually have to consent (unless one parent's rights have been terminated). The process is otherwise the same, though some judges may want to meet with the minor to confirm the name change is not being forced.

If you are changing your name as part of a divorce, you may be able to include the name change in your divorce decree rather than filing a separate petition. Ask your divorce attorney or the court clerk whether this option is available in your county. If you handle your divorce without an attorney, the court clerk can tell you how to add a name change to your divorce paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Colorado?

No. The process is straightforward enough that most people handle it themselves. The court clerk can answer questions about forms and fees, and many courts have a self-help center with written guides. A lawyer can speed things up if your petition is complicated or if you are concerned about privacy, but it is not required.

Can I change my name if I have a criminal record?

Yes, but the judge has the authority to deny your petition if they believe the name change is intended to evade criminal liability or harm someone. Be honest about your reason for the change. If you are changing your name for legitimate personal reasons and your criminal history is old, judges typically approve the petition.

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

The process is the same as any other name change. You file a petition, pay the fee, publish notice, and wait for the judge to approve it. You do not need a divorce decree or any other document—the petition itself is enough.

How much does it cost to change my name in Colorado?

The filing fee ranges from $200 to $300 depending on your county. Add $50 to $150 for newspaper publication. Some courts waive or reduce fees if you cannot afford them; ask the clerk about a fee waiver form.

Can I use a nickname or middle name instead of going through the court?

You can use a nickname socially, but your legal name on government documents, your driver's license, and your Social Security record will not change without a court order. If you want your new name to be your official legal name everywhere, you need to file the petition.