The Utah name change process starts with a petition filed in district court, followed by a hearing where a judge approves or denies your request

Utah requires you to file a Petition to Change Name in the district court of the county where you live. You pay a filing fee (currently around $300, though this varies by county), submit the petition with proof of residency, and wait for a court date. At the hearing, the judge will ask why you want the change. Most requests are granted unless there is a reason to deny them — such as intent to defraud creditors or avoid criminal liability. Once the judge signs the order, you receive a certified copy, which you then use to update your name with the state and other agencies.

The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from filing to final order, depending on court scheduling and whether you need to publish a notice in a newspaper (required in some counties for adults, but not for minors or certain circumstances).

Key Takeaways

  • File a Petition to Change Name in your county's district court, along with proof that you live in Utah and a filing fee of roughly $300.
  • You must attend a hearing where a judge reviews your petition; most requests are granted unless you are trying to evade debt or criminal responsibility.
  • Some counties require you to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper before the hearing; others do not.
  • After the judge signs the order, use the certified copy to update your name with the state vital records office, Social Security, driver's license, and passport.

Where to file your petition

You file in the district court of the county where you currently live. If you live in Salt Lake County, you file in the Third District Court. If you live in Weber County, you file in the Second District Court. Each county has its own clerk's office, and you can find the correct court and filing instructions on the Utah State Courts website or by calling your county clerk directly.

You can file in person at the courthouse, by mail, or in some counties online through the court's e-filing system. Call ahead to confirm whether your county accepts online filing and what the current filing fee is, as it may have changed.

What documents you need to submit

The petition itself is a standard form available from your district court clerk or online through the Utah State Courts website. You will need to include proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. You will also need a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport.

If you are changing your name as a minor (under 18), a parent or legal guardian must sign the petition. If you are an adult, you sign it yourself. Some courts ask for a brief statement of your reason for the change, though this is not always required.

Newspaper publication requirements

Several Utah counties require you to publish notice of your name change in a newspaper of general circulation in your county before your hearing date. This is not a statewide rule — it depends on your county. Call your district court clerk to ask whether publication is required in your county.

If publication is required, you typically must publish the notice once per week for two consecutive weeks. The newspaper will charge you a fee (usually $50 to $150) and provide you with an affidavit of publication, which you bring to your hearing. If publication is not required in your county, you can skip this step.

Attending your court hearing

The court will schedule a hearing date and send you a notice. You must appear in person unless the judge grants a waiver (which is rare). At the hearing, the judge will ask you why you want to change your name. Be honest and straightforward — common reasons include marriage, divorce, religious conversion, or straightforward preferring a different name. The judge is not looking for a lengthy explanation, just a genuine reason.

Bring your original petition, proof of residency, and your identification. If publication was required, bring the affidavit of publication. If you filed by mail or online, confirm with the court whether you must appear in person or whether you can appear by phone or video.

After the judge approves your name change

Once the judge signs the order, the court clerk will provide you with certified copies. Order at least three to five certified copies — you will need them to update your name with multiple agencies. The order is your legal proof that your name has changed.

Use the certified copy to update your name with the Utah Office of Vital Records (for your birth certificate), the Social Security Administration, the Utah Driver License Division, your bank, your employer, and any other organization that has your name on file. Each agency has its own process and may require additional documents, so contact them directly to ask what they need.

Name changes for minors

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian files the petition on your behalf. The process is the same, but both parents (or the custodial parent and any non-custodial parent with parental rights) must consent unless one parent's rights have been terminated or the other parent cannot be located. If there is a custody dispute or one parent refuses to consent, the court may still grant the change if it is in the minor's best interest.

Minors do not usually need to attend the hearing, though the judge may request it. The parent or guardian attends and answers the judge's questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A judge will deny your petition if you are trying to evade creditors or hide from criminal liability. If you have debts or a criminal history but are changing your name for a legitimate personal reason, you can still file — but be prepared to explain your situation honestly at the hearing. The judge will decide whether your reason is genuine.

How much does a name change cost in Utah?

The filing fee is typically $300 to $350, depending on your county. If your county requires newspaper publication, add $50 to $150 for that. Certified copies of the court order cost a few dollars each. There is no charge to file if you are a low-income person and the court waives the fee, though you must request this in writing.

Can I change my name back to my birth name after a divorce?

Yes. You can file a petition to change your name back to your maiden name or any other name you choose. The process is the same as any other name change. Some people include this request in their divorce decree itself, which can speed up the process — ask your divorce attorney whether this is an option in your case.

What if I filed my petition but missed the hearing date?

Contact your district court clerk when ready. The judge may reschedule your hearing if you have a good reason for missing it. If you do not show up and do not contact the court, your petition may be dismissed, and you will have to file again and pay the fee again.

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

No. The petition form is straightforward, and the process does not require legal representation. If you are unsure about any step, call your district court clerk — they can answer procedural questions. A lawyer is helpful only if there is a dispute (such as a custody disagreement over a minor's name change) or if you need help requesting a fee waiver.