The Illinois name change process starts in circuit court, costs between $200 and $500, and takes four to eight weeks from filing to final order

You file a petition in the circuit court of the county where you live, pay a filing fee, publish a notice in a local newspaper for two weeks, and attend a brief hearing where a judge signs off on your new name. The court then issues a certified order, which you use to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents. You do not need a lawyer, though one can speed the process if complications arise.

Illinois does not restrict what name you can choose — you can pick any name that is not fraudulent (meaning you are not changing it to evade debt, hide from law enforcement, or commit fraud). The process is the same whether you are changing your first name, last name, or both.

Key Takeaways

  • You file your petition in the circuit court of your home county, and the filing fee ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the county.
  • Illinois requires you to publish notice of your name change in a newspaper for two consecutive weeks before your court hearing.
  • You must attend a hearing in front of a judge, who will review your petition and sign the order if there is no objection.
  • After the judge signs your order, you receive certified copies that you use to update your Social Security number, Illinois driver's license, and passport.

Where to file and what documents you need

Contact the circuit court clerk's office in the county where you live. You can find the correct office by searching "[your county name] Illinois circuit court clerk" online — each county maintains its own office, and filing in the wrong county will delay your case. Call ahead to ask about current filing fees, as they vary by county.

You will need to bring or submit a completed petition for name change (the court clerk can provide the form or you can read it from the county court website), a valid photo ID, and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Some counties also require a background check or fingerprinting; ask the clerk when you call.

The clerk will tell you the filing fee at that time. You pay it when you submit your petition. Keep your receipt — you will need it to prove you filed when you appear for your hearing.

Publishing your notice and the waiting period

After you file, the court will give you a notice to publish. You must place this notice in a newspaper that is published in your county at least once a week. The notice must run for two consecutive weeks. The newspaper will handle the publication and send you proof when it is complete — keep this proof and bring it to your hearing.

The publication requirement exists so that anyone who objects to your name change has a chance to know about it and appear in court. In practice, objections are rare unless someone believes you are changing your name to commit fraud or evade a legal obligation.

The two-week publication period does not count toward your waiting time. You can schedule your hearing any time after publication is complete. Most hearings are scheduled four to eight weeks after you file, depending on the court's calendar.

What happens at your court hearing

You appear before a judge with your proof of publication, your filing receipt, and your photo ID. The hearing is brief — usually five to ten minutes. The judge will ask you why you want to change your name and whether the change is for a lawful purpose. Answer honestly and directly. If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, gender identity, or personal preference, straightforward say so.

The judge will sign your order if there are no objections and no reason to believe the change is fraudulent. If someone has filed an objection, the judge will hear both sides before deciding. Objections are uncommon, and judges routinely grant name changes when the petitioner has followed the rules.

You do not need a lawyer to appear, but if you are nervous or if someone has indicated they will object, having one present can help. A lawyer typically charges $300 to $800 for a straightforward name change case.

Getting certified copies and updating your documents

After the judge signs your order, ask the court clerk how many certified copies you need. Order at least five — you will need them to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and bank or employer records. The clerk can provide certified copies on the spot or mail them to you for a small fee per copy, usually $5 to $15.

Take your certified order and photo ID to your local Social Security office to update your Social Security card. This is the first step because many other agencies require your updated Social Security number. Bring the certified order, your current Social Security card, and your photo ID. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you will receive a new card in the mail within two weeks.

Next, visit a Secretary of State facility to update your Illinois driver's license or ID card. Bring your certified order, your current license, and your photo ID. You will pay a renewal fee (currently around $20 for a standard ID) and receive a new license with your new name. If your license is not expiring soon, you can still renew it early to get your new name on it.

Update your passport by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility. Bring your certified order, your current passport, and a new passport photo. Processing takes four to six weeks by mail or one to two weeks in person, depending on the service level you choose.

Costs and timeline summary

The total cost of a name change in Illinois ranges from $200 to $500 for court fees, plus $5 to $15 per certified copy (order at least five), plus fees for updating your driver's license and passport. If you hire a lawyer, add $300 to $800. If you do it yourself, expect to spend $300 to $600 total.

The timeline from filing to final order is typically four to eight weeks. Publication takes two weeks, and the court schedules your hearing sometime after that. Once the judge signs your order, you can begin updating your documents when ready. Updating everything — Social Security, driver's license, passport, and employer records — usually takes four to six weeks because of mail delays and processing times at each agency.

Name changes after divorce or marriage

If you are changing your name as part of a divorce, you can request the name change in your divorce petition itself. The judge can grant it as part of the divorce order, which is faster and cheaper than filing a separate petition. Ask your divorce attorney or the court clerk whether you can include it in your divorce case.

If you married and took your spouse's name, you do not need a court order — you can update your documents using your marriage certificate. However, if you want to change to a name other than your spouse's name, or if you are divorced and want to change to something other than your maiden name, you must file a petition in court using the process described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A name change will not erase debts or criminal records, and courts will deny a petition if they believe you are changing your name to evade legal obligations or hide from law enforcement. If you have debts or a record, be honest with the judge about why you want to change your name. A legitimate reason — such as personal preference, gender identity, or religious practice — will be granted even if you have debts or a record.

Do I need to publish my notice in a specific newspaper?

The newspaper must be published in your county at least once a week. You can use any may have access to newspaper — it does not have to be the largest one. Some people choose smaller or community papers because the publication fee is lower. The court clerk can tell you which newspapers in your county may have access to.

What if someone objects to my name change?

If someone files an objection, the judge will hold a hearing where both you and the objector can present your case. You will need to show that your name change is for a lawful purpose and not fraudulent. If the objection is frivolous, the judge may dismiss it. Objections are rare in routine name change cases.

Can I change my child's name?

Yes, but the process is slightly different. You file a petition on behalf of your minor child, and if both parents agree, the process is the same as above. If only one parent is filing or if the parents disagree, the court may require additional documentation or a hearing with both parents present. Contact your county circuit court clerk for the specific steps for a minor's name change.

How long does my name change order last?

Once the judge signs your order, your name change is permanent and lasts for life. You do not need to renew it or file anything again. Your certified order is proof of the change and can be used to update documents at any time in the future.