The Utah name change process starts in district court, not with the state

To change your name in Utah, you file a petition in the district 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, the DMV, and other agencies. The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks from filing to final order.

You do not need a lawyer, though one can help if your case is complicated—for example, if you are changing a child's name and the other parent objects. Most people file the petition themselves and represent themselves at the hearing.

Key Takeaways

  • File your petition in the district court of the county where you live, along with a filing fee that ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the county.
  • The court will require you to publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper of general circulation in your county, which costs roughly $50 to $150.
  • You must attend a hearing before a judge, who will ask why you want to change your name and whether the change is for a lawful purpose.
  • After the judge signs the order, you use it to update your name with Social Security, the DMV, your bank, employer, and insurance companies.
  • Name changes for minors require consent from both parents or a court finding that one parent is unavailable or unfit.

Gather the documents you need before filing

Start by collecting proof of your identity and residency. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof that you have lived in your county for at least 30 days. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works for residency.

If you are changing a minor's name, bring the child's birth certificate and the birth certificates or ID of both parents. If one parent is deceased, bring a death certificate. If you are the sole custodian, bring custody documents or a court order showing you have legal custody.

You do not need a criminal background check or fingerprints for an adult name change in Utah, but the judge will ask during the hearing whether you are changing your name to avoid legal obligations or to commit fraud. Answer honestly.

File your petition in the correct district court

Go to the district court clerk's office in the county where you live. Ask for the name change petition form—it is usually called a "Petition to Change Name" or "Petition for Change of Name." Some courts post the form online; others only have paper copies at the clerk's window.

Fill out the petition with your current legal name, the name you want, and your reason for the change. Common reasons are "personal preference," "to reflect my identity," or "to use a name I have gone by." You do not need an elaborate explanation. Sign the petition in front of the clerk or a notary public (the clerk can direct you to one nearby).

Pay the filing fee when you submit the petition. Fees vary by county—call ahead or check the court's website to confirm the exact amount. Most counties charge between $100 and $300. Some courts offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee; ask the clerk whether you may have access to.

Publish notice in a local newspaper

After you file, the court will tell you which newspaper to use for publication. It must be a newspaper of general circulation in your county—usually the largest local paper. Call the newspaper's legal notices department and tell them you need to publish a name change notice.

The newspaper will provide you with the exact text to publish. You typically run the notice once a week for two consecutive weeks. The cost is usually $50 to $150 total, depending on the paper and the length of the notice. Pay the newspaper directly and keep the receipt and proof of publication—you will need to show this to the court before your hearing.

Some newspapers allow you to submit the notice online and pay by credit card. Others require you to mail or fax the notice. Ask the legal notices department for their process when you call.

Attend your hearing before the judge

The court will schedule a hearing date, usually four to six weeks after you file. You will receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and courtroom. Bring the proof of publication from the newspaper, your ID, and any other documents the court asked you to bring.

At the hearing, the judge will ask you your current name, the name you want, and why you want to change it. Answer clearly and briefly. The judge will also ask whether you are changing your name to avoid legal obligations (like child support or criminal liability) or to commit fraud. If you answer no, the judge will almost always grant the change.

If you are changing a minor's name and both parents are present and agree, the hearing is usually very short. If one parent objects, the judge will hear both sides and decide based on the child's best interests. If you are the sole custodian, bring your custody documents and be ready to explain why the other parent is not involved.

Get certified copies of your court order

After the judge signs the order, ask the clerk for certified copies. Order at least three to five copies—you will need them to update your name with Social Security, the DMV, your bank, and your employer. Each certified copy costs a few dollars. Some courts mail them; others let you pick them up the same day.

Keep the original order in a safe place. You may need it later if a government agency or business questions your name change.

Update your name with government and financial agencies

Start with the Social Security Administration. Go to your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. Bring your certified court order, your current ID, and your Social Security card. The SSA will issue you a new card with your new name within two weeks.

Next, update your driver's license or state ID at the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles. Bring your certified court order, your current ID, and proof of residency. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. There is a small fee for a replacement ID.

Then update your name with your bank, credit card companies, insurance companies, employer, and any other organization that has your legal name on file. Each will have its own process, but most accept a certified copy of your court order by mail or in person. Some may ask you to fill out a form as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. A criminal record does not prevent you from changing your name in Utah. However, the judge will ask whether you are changing your name to avoid legal obligations or to commit fraud. If you answer honestly that you are not, the judge will grant the change. Your criminal record remains part of the public record regardless of your name change.

How long does the whole process take?

From filing to final court order usually takes four to eight weeks. The main delays are the two-week newspaper publication requirement and the court's scheduling of your hearing. Once the judge signs the order, you can start updating your name with other agencies when ready.

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

No. Most adult name changes are straightforward and you can file and represent yourself. A lawyer is helpful if the other parent of a minor is objecting to the name change, or if your situation is unusual. Many lawyers charge $300 to $800 for a straightforward name change.

Can I change my child's name if the other parent does not agree?

You can file a petition, but the judge will hold a hearing where both parents can present their views. The judge will decide based on the child's best interests. If one parent objects, the case may take longer and you may want a lawyer to represent you.

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

You can use the same district court petition process. Some people include the name change in their divorce decree itself, which is faster. Ask your divorce attorney whether your divorce judgment already includes a name change order—if so, you may not need to file a separate petition.