The Oregon name change process starts in circuit court, not with the state

To change your name in Oregon, you file a petition in the circuit court of the county where you live. The court reviews your request, publishes a notice in a local newspaper, and holds a hearing. If the judge approves, you receive a court order that you then use to update your name with the Social Security Administration, Oregon Department of Transportation, and other agencies. The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks from filing to final order.

You do not need a lawyer, though you can hire one. The filing fee is usually between $200 and $350 depending on your county. Some counties waive or reduce the fee if you cannot afford it. You can request this waiver when you file.

Key Takeaways

  • File your petition in the circuit court of the county where you live, not online or by mail to a state office.
  • The court will require you to publish a notice in a local newspaper and attend a hearing before granting the name change.
  • After the judge signs your order, use that court document to update your name with Social Security, your driver's license, and other agencies.
  • The process takes four to eight weeks and costs $200 to $350, though you can request a fee waiver based on income.

What documents you need before filing

Gather your current identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of residency in Oregon. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

If you have a criminal record in Oregon, you will need to disclose it on your petition. Oregon law does not automatically bar name changes for people with convictions, but the court must know about them. If you have a restraining order or protection order against you, the court will also need that information.

How to file your petition in circuit court

Contact the circuit court clerk's office in your county. Ask for the name change petition form—it is usually called a "Petition for Change of Name" or similar. Some counties provide the form online; others require you to pick it up in person or request it by phone. Fill out the form with your current legal name, the name you want, and your reason for the change (you can straightforward write "personal preference" if that applies).

File the completed petition at the courthouse, along with the filing fee or your fee waiver request. The clerk will give you a case number and a hearing date. Write down both. The court will then order you to publish a notice of your name change petition in a newspaper of general circulation in your county. This notice must run once a week for two consecutive weeks before your hearing date.

Contact a local newspaper—usually the largest one in your county—and ask about publishing a legal notice. The newspaper will charge you a publication fee (typically $50 to $150) and handle the actual printing. Keep the proof of publication the newspaper gives you; you will need to bring it to your hearing.

What happens at your court hearing

On your hearing date, go to the courthouse at the time listed on your paperwork. Bring your proof of publication, your current ID, and any other documents the court asked for. You will meet with the judge, who will ask you why you want to change your name. Answer honestly and briefly—judges rarely deny name changes unless there is fraud involved or a protection order issue.

If the judge approves, they will sign your order right away or mail it to you within a few days. This signed court order is your proof of the name change. Make several copies—you will need them to update your name everywhere else.

Updating your name after the court order

Start with the Social Security Administration. Go to your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 with your court order, current ID, and birth certificate. They will update your Social Security record and issue a new card with your new name. This usually takes one to two weeks.

Next, update your Oregon driver's license or state ID at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Bring your court order, your new Social Security card, and your current license. You can do this in person at any DMV office or by mail. In-person service is faster—usually same-day or next-day.

After that, update your name with your bank, employer, insurance companies, and any other organizations that have your legal name on file. Each will have its own process, but all will accept your court order as proof. Keep copies of your court order for this purpose.

Name changes for minors and special situations

If you are changing a minor's name, both parents or guardians must consent and sign the petition, unless one parent's rights have been terminated. The process is otherwise the same. If the minor is old enough (usually 14 or older), they may need to sign the petition as well—ask the court clerk.

If you are changing your name as part of a gender transition, Oregon courts grant these requests routinely. You do not need medical documentation or a letter from a therapist. The process is identical to any other name change petition.

If you have an active protection order or restraining order against you, the court may require the protected person to be notified. This does not prevent the name change, but it may delay it. Ask the court clerk whether this applies to your situation.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not skip the newspaper publication step. It is required by law, and the court will not hold your hearing without proof that you published the notice. Some people try to avoid publication because they want privacy, but there is no exception for this in Oregon law.

Do not assume your name is changed everywhere once the court order is signed. You must update each agency and organization separately. Many people update their driver's license and Social Security but forget about their bank, employer, or insurance, which can cause problems later.

Do not file in the wrong county. You must file in the circuit court of the county where you currently live. If you have recently moved, use your new county. If you are unsure which county you live in, check your driver's license or ask the clerk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name without publishing a notice in the newspaper?

No. Oregon law requires you to publish notice of your petition in a newspaper of general circulation in your county for two consecutive weeks. The court will not hold your hearing without proof of publication. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

How much does a name change cost in Oregon?

The court filing fee ranges from $200 to $350 depending on your county. You will also pay the newspaper to publish your notice, which typically costs $50 to $150. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a waiver when you file your petition.

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

Yes. Oregon does not automatically deny name changes based on criminal history. You must disclose any convictions on your petition, but the court will still consider your request. The judge may deny it only in rare cases involving fraud or if a protection order is in place.

How long does the whole process take?

From filing to receiving your signed court order usually takes four to eight weeks. The newspaper publication alone takes two weeks, and the court schedules your hearing after that. Once the judge signs your order, updating your name with Social Security and the DMV takes another one to two weeks.

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

No. The petition form is straightforward, and judges routinely approve name changes without a lawyer present. You can handle the entire process yourself. A lawyer can help if you have complications like a protection order or custody issues, but most people do not need one.