You can change your name at any age, but the process depends on whether you are a minor or an adult

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must file the petition in court on your behalf. If you are 18 or older, you file the petition yourself. The court fees, waiting periods, and required documents vary by state — some states charge $200 to $500, others charge less. Some states require you to publish your name change in a local newspaper; others do not. A few states let you change your name without going to court at all if you meet specific conditions, like changing your name after marriage or divorce.

The actual age at which you can petition for a name change is set by your state, not by federal law. Most states allow minors as young as 14 or 16 to request a name change, but only with parental consent and a judge's approval. A handful of states have no minimum age — a parent can petition for a name change for a child of any age. The key difference is who holds the legal right to make the request: you do it yourself once you turn 18, and your parent does it before then.

Key Takeaways

  • Adults 18 and older file a name change petition directly with the court in the county where they live.
  • Minors under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to file the petition, and most states require the minor to consent if they are old enough to understand the change.
  • State law sets the minimum age for a minor to request a name change — typically 14 to 16 — but some states allow parents to petition for any age.
  • Court fees range from under $100 to $500 depending on your state, and some states require you to publish the name change in a newspaper.
  • Name changes after marriage, divorce, or adoption often follow faster or simpler routes than general name changes in many states.

How the process works for adults

Once you turn 18, you can file a petition for a name change in the district or circuit court of the county where you live. You will need to fill out a petition form (the exact name and format varies by state), pay the filing fee, and submit it to the clerk's office. Some states require you to serve notice on the district attorney or publish the petition in a newspaper before the hearing. Others do not.

The judge will review your petition at a hearing. You may need to appear in person, or some courts allow you to submit documents without appearing. The judge will ask why you want to change your name and whether you have any criminal intent — for example, to evade a debt or hide from law enforcement. If the judge approves, you receive a court order. You then use that order to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and other documents.

How the process works for minors

A parent or legal guardian files the petition on behalf of a minor. The parent must sign the petition and usually must appear at the hearing. Many states require the minor to consent to the change if they are old enough to understand it — typically age 12 or 14, depending on the state. Some states require the minor to appear in court; others do not.

The court will consider whether the name change is in the minor's best interest. Judges typically approve name changes for minors without much difficulty, unless there is evidence of fraud or harm. Once the order is issued, the parent or guardian uses it to update the child's Social Security card, school records, and other documents. The child can petition to change their name again after turning 18 if they wish.

State-by-state age rules and fees

Name change laws are set by each state, so the minimum age, court fees, and procedures differ. Some states have a published minimum age for minors — often 14 or 16 — while others allow parents to petition for a child of any age. A few states, like California and New York, allow adults to change their name without court involvement in certain situations, such as after marriage or divorce.

Court filing fees typically range from $100 to $500. Some states charge less if you are low-income and can show financial hardship. Newspaper publication costs, if required, add another $50 to $200. You can find your state's specific rules by searching "[your state] name change petition" on your state court's website or by calling the clerk's office in your county. Many county clerk offices have a name change packet with forms and instructions ready to read.

Name changes after marriage or divorce

Many states allow you to change your name as part of a marriage or divorce without filing a separate petition. When you marry, you can often change your name by updating your Social Security card and driver's license using your marriage certificate — no court order needed. When you divorce, you can request a name change in the divorce decree itself, which serves as your court order.

This route is faster and cheaper than a general name change petition because you avoid the separate filing fee and court hearing. However, you must act within a certain window — usually within a few months of the marriage or divorce. If you miss that window, you will need to file a standard name change petition. Some states also allow you to change your name as part of an adoption, using the adoption decree as your court order.

What happens if a parent refuses to consent

If you are a minor and your parent or guardian refuses to file a petition for a name change, you have limited options. Some states allow a minor to petition the court directly if they can show that the parent's refusal is unreasonable or harmful — for example, if the parent is abusive or the name itself is a source of harm. You would need to file the petition yourself or with the help of a court-appointed guardian ad litem, a person appointed by the court to represent your interests.

This route is more complex and requires you to convince a judge that the name change is necessary despite the parent's objection. It is not common, and the outcome depends on the judge and the specific facts of your case. If you are in this situation, contact your county legal aid office or a family law attorney who can advise you on whether you have grounds to petition without parental consent.

Updating documents after your name change

Once you have a court order, you must update your documents in a specific order to avoid confusion. Start with your Social Security card — you will need it to update everything else. Bring your court order and a form SS-5 to your local Social Security office, or mail them in. Processing takes about two weeks.

Next, update your driver's license or state ID at your DMV. Then update your passport with the State Department. After that, contact your bank, employer, insurance companies, and any other organizations that have your name on file. Keep a copy of your court order in a safe place — you may need it years later to prove your legal name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 16-year-old change their name without parental consent?

In most states, no — a parent or legal guardian must file the petition. However, some states allow a minor to petition the court directly if they can show the parent's refusal is unreasonable or harmful. The rules vary by state, so check with your county clerk or a family law attorney in your area.

How long does a name change take?

The court hearing usually happens within one to three months of filing, depending on the court's schedule. The judge typically issues an order within a few days of the hearing. Updating your Social Security card and other documents takes another two to four weeks. Total time is usually two to four months.

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

Yes, but the judge will ask about your criminal history and may deny the petition if you are trying to evade law enforcement or hide from creditors. If your conviction is old and you have a legitimate reason for the change, the judge may approve it. The outcome depends on the judge and the specifics of your case.

Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper?

It depends on your state. Some states require newspaper publication; others do not. A few states allow you to request a waiver if publication would cause you harm — for example, if you are fleeing domestic violence. Check your state's rules or ask the court clerk whether publication is required in your county.

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

You can request a name change in the divorce decree itself, which is the fastest route. If you did not do that, you can file a standard name change petition after the divorce is final. The process is the same as any other name change, and the court will usually approve it without difficulty.