The Pennsylvania court process for changing your name

In Pennsylvania, you change your name through the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you live. You file a petition, attend a brief hearing, and the judge signs an order. The whole process takes four to eight weeks and costs between $200 and $400 in court fees, depending on your county. You do not need a lawyer, though some people hire one.

The court does not care why you want to change your name — you do not have to prove hardship or give a reason. The judge will ask you a few questions at the hearing to confirm you are not doing it to commit fraud or evade a debt. After the order is signed, you take certified copies to the vital records office, Social Security, your driver's license, and any other agency that has your name on file.

Key Takeaways

  • File a petition for name change in the Court of Common Pleas in your county; the form is available from the court clerk or online.
  • You must publish a notice of your petition in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks before the hearing, which costs $50 to $150.
  • Attend a short hearing where the judge will ask why you want to change your name and confirm you have no criminal intent.
  • Once the judge signs the order, get certified copies and use them to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and birth certificate.
  • The entire process from filing to final order usually takes four to eight weeks, depending on court scheduling.

What forms you need and where to get them

The main form is called a Petition to Change Name. You can get it from the Court of Common Pleas clerk's office in your county courthouse, or read it from your county's website. Some counties post the form on their court website; others require you to pick it up in person or call the clerk to request it by mail.

The petition asks for your current legal name, the name you want, your date of birth, your current address, and whether you have any criminal convictions or pending cases. You sign it in front of a notary public — most banks, law offices, and UPS stores offer notarization for $5 to $15. You do not need a lawyer to fill out the form, but the clerk's office can answer questions about how to complete it correctly.

Filing your petition and paying court costs

Take the signed, notarized petition to the Court of Common Pleas clerk's office in your county. You will pay a filing fee, which ranges from $150 to $300 depending on the county. Ask the clerk for a receipt and keep it with your case number.

Before your hearing date, you must publish a notice of your petition in a newspaper that circulates in your county. The newspaper will charge you $50 to $150 to run the notice for two consecutive weeks. The clerk can tell you which newspapers are approved for this purpose. After publication, the newspaper will give you an affidavit of publication — bring this to your hearing.

The hearing and what to expect

The judge will schedule your hearing four to six weeks after you file. You will receive a notice in the mail with the date and time. Dress neatly and arrive on time. Bring your petition, the affidavit of publication from the newspaper, your ID, and any certified copies of documents the court asked for.

The hearing is short — usually five to ten minutes. The judge will ask you your current name, the name you want, why you want to change it, and whether you have any criminal convictions or pending cases. Answer honestly. The judge is not looking for a detailed reason; "I prefer this name" or "It is my family name" is enough. If you have no criminal intent and the paperwork is in order, the judge will sign the order on the spot or mail it to you within a few days.

Getting certified copies of the court order

After the judge signs the order, ask the clerk how many certified copies you need. Most people order five to ten copies — they cost $5 to $10 each. You will need at least one for Social Security, one for your driver's license, and one for the vital records office. Keep the originals in a safe place and use the certified copies for official business.

Some counties mail the certified copies automatically; others require you to request them in person or by mail. Ask the clerk before you leave the courthouse. If the order is mailed to you, it usually arrives within two weeks.

Updating your Social Security card, driver's license, and birth certificate

Once you have the court order, visit your local Social Security office with a certified copy and your ID. They will issue a new Social Security card with your new name at no cost. This usually takes two to four weeks by mail.

Take a certified copy of the order and your current driver's license to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) office to get a new license. You can do this in person at any PennDOT location, or by mail if your county allows it. There is no fee to change your name on your license if you are renewing it at the same time; otherwise, it costs $30.50.

To update your birth certificate, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. Send them a certified copy of the court order, a completed process form, and a check for $20. They will issue a new birth certificate with your new name. You can mail the request or explore online through their website.

What to do if you have a criminal record or pending case

If you have a criminal conviction or a case pending in court, you must disclose it on your petition. The judge may still grant the name change, but they will ask more questions about your intent. A name change alone does not erase a criminal record — your old name will still appear in court documents and background checks.

If you are trying to change your name to evade a debt, hide from law enforcement, or commit fraud, the judge can deny your petition. Be honest about your situation. If you have concerns, you can speak with a lawyer before filing — many offer free or low-cost consultations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The process is straightforward enough to do on your own. A lawyer can help if you have a complicated situation — such as a criminal record, a pending case, or a custody dispute — but most people file without one. The clerk's office can answer basic questions about the form and process.

How much does it cost to change your name in Pennsylvania?

Court filing fees range from $150 to $300 depending on your county. Newspaper publication costs $50 to $150. Certified copies of the order cost $5 to $10 each. Notarization costs $5 to $15. Total cost is usually $250 to $500, not including a lawyer if you hire one.

Can I change my child's name?

Yes, but the process is different. You file a petition in the Court of Common Pleas, but you must notify the other parent if they have custody or visitation rights. If the other parent objects, the judge will hold a hearing to decide what is in the child's best interest. If the other parent agrees or has no custody rights, the process is similar to an adult name change.

What if I want to change my name back to my maiden name after a divorce?

You can do a regular name change petition, or you can request it as part of your divorce decree. If your divorce is final, a name change petition is the standard route. If your divorce is still pending, ask your lawyer whether to include the name change in the divorce agreement — it may be faster and cheaper than filing separately.

How long does the whole process take?

From filing to receiving the signed court order usually takes four to eight weeks. The newspaper publication period is two weeks, and the court schedules hearings four to six weeks out. After the order is signed, getting certified copies takes one to two weeks. Updating your Social Security card, driver's license, and birth certificate can take another two to four weeks depending on processing times.