Pennsylvania name changes go through the Court of Common Pleas in your county

To change your name in Pennsylvania, you file a petition with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you live. The court reviews your request, and if there is no legal reason to deny it, a judge signs an order. You then take that order to the courthouse to get certified copies, which you use to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents. The whole process usually takes four to eight weeks from filing to final order.

You do not need a lawyer, though some people hire one. The court clerk can tell you the exact forms your county uses and what the filing fee is — fees vary by county but typically range from $100 to $300. You will also need to pay for certified copies of the final order, usually $5 to $10 per copy.

Key Takeaways

  • File a petition for name change with the Court of Common Pleas in your county; the clerk's office has the forms and can tell you the filing fee.
  • You must publish a notice of your petition in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks before the court can grant the order.
  • A judge will review your petition; if you have no criminal record disqualifying you and no objections are filed, the order is usually granted.
  • After the judge signs the order, get certified copies from the courthouse and use them to update your Social Security card, Pennsylvania driver's license, and birth certificate.
  • The entire process from filing to final order typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on your county's court schedule.

How to file a petition with the court

Start by calling or visiting the Court of Common Pleas clerk's office in your county. Tell them you want to file a petition for a name change. The clerk will give you the forms — usually a petition form and an order form — and tell you the filing fee for your county. Some counties have forms online; you can read them and bring them in, or the clerk can hand them to you.

Fill out the petition with your current legal name, the name you want, and your reason for the change. Pennsylvania does not require you to state a reason, but you can if you want to. Sign the petition in front of a notary public; the courthouse or a bank can notarize it for a small fee, usually $5 to $10. Make two copies of everything — one for the court, one for you.

Bring the original petition, two copies, and the filing fee to the clerk's office. The clerk will stamp it, assign it a case number, and tell you when your hearing will be. Some counties schedule a hearing automatically; others only hold a hearing if someone objects to your petition. Ask the clerk which applies in your county.

Publishing notice in a newspaper

Pennsylvania law requires you to publish a notice of your petition in a newspaper in your county for two consecutive weeks. This gives anyone who objects to your name change a chance to file an objection with the court. The clerk's office will give you a list of newspapers that publish legal notices in your area.

Call the newspaper and ask about their legal notice rates. They will tell you the cost — typically $50 to $150 per publication — and ask you to provide the text of the notice. The newspaper will draft the notice for you based on information from your petition, or you can use the form the court provided. The newspaper publishes it on the same day each week for two weeks and sends you proof of publication, which you file with the court.

You must file the proof of publication with the court before your hearing date. If you do not, the judge cannot grant your petition. Ask the clerk when the important date is for filing this proof.

What happens at the hearing

If no one objects to your petition, many counties grant the name change without requiring you to appear in court. The judge signs the order, and the clerk notifies you by mail. If someone does object, or if your county requires all name-change petitioners to appear, you will have a brief hearing before a judge.

At the hearing, the judge will ask you why you want to change your name. Answer honestly and briefly. The judge is looking for signs that you are trying to evade debts, hide from the law, or commit fraud. If you have a criminal record, tell the judge about it — hiding it will hurt your case. If you have no disqualifying history and no one has objected, the judge will sign the order on the spot or within a few days.

Disqualifying factors include an active criminal case, outstanding warrants, or a history of using name changes to defraud people. If the judge denies your petition, you can ask why and may be able to refile after addressing the judge's concern.

Getting certified copies of the order

Once the judge signs the order, go back to the Court of Common Pleas clerk's office and ask for certified copies of the final order. Order at least five copies — you will need them to update your Social Security card, driver's license, birth certificate, and bank accounts. Certified copies usually cost $5 to $10 each.

The clerk will stamp each copy with the court seal and sign it. These are the official proof that your name has legally changed. Keep the originals in a safe place and use copies for your updates.

Updating your documents after the name change

Start with your Social Security card. Go to your local Social Security office with your certified copy of the court order and a photo ID. You can also mail your documents to Social Security, but going in person is faster. Social Security will issue a new card with your new name within two weeks.

Next, update your Pennsylvania driver's license at a PennDOT office. Bring your certified copy of the court order, your current license, and proof of your new address if you have moved. You can also renew your license by mail if you do not need a new photo, but updating your name requires an in-person visit. There is a small fee, usually $30 to $35.

To update your birth certificate, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. Mail them a certified copy of the court order, a completed process form, and the fee — usually $20 to $30. They will issue a new birth certificate with your new name. You can read the process from their website or call them to request one.

Update your bank accounts, insurance policies, employer records, and any other documents that list your name. Bring a certified copy of the court order to each institution. Most will update your records within a few business days.

Name changes for minors

If you are changing a minor's name, a parent or legal guardian must file the petition on their behalf. The process is the same — petition, newspaper notice, hearing — but the judge will consider the child's best interests. If both parents agree, the process is straightforward. If one parent objects, the judge may require more information or deny the petition.

A minor can also petition for their own name change if they are at least 14 years old in Pennsylvania, though a parent or guardian usually handles the filing. If you are a minor seeking a name change without parental consent, ask the court clerk about your options in your specific county.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but you must disclose it to the court. The judge will consider whether you are trying to evade law enforcement or hide from creditors. If your conviction is old and you have no active cases or warrants, the judge will likely grant your petition. Be honest — hiding a record will hurt your case.

How much does a name change cost in Pennsylvania?

Filing fees vary by county, typically $100 to $300. Newspaper publication costs $50 to $150, notary fees are $5 to $10, and certified copies are $5 to $10 each. Total cost is usually $200 to $500, depending on your county and how many certified copies you order.

Can I change my name without publishing in a newspaper?

No. Pennsylvania law requires newspaper publication for two consecutive weeks. This is a mandatory step, not optional. The court cannot grant your petition without proof of publication filed with the case.

What if someone objects to my name change?

If someone files an objection, the judge will hold a hearing and listen to both sides. You will have a chance to explain your reason for the change. The judge will decide whether to grant or deny the petition based on the evidence and arguments presented. Objections are rare unless someone believes you are trying to commit fraud or evade the law.

How long does the whole process take?

From filing to final order usually takes four to eight weeks. The newspaper publication takes two weeks, and the court schedules hearings based on its calendar. Once the judge signs the order, getting certified copies takes one to two business days. Updating all your documents can take several weeks depending on how quickly each agency processes your request.