Alabama

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the probate court for the county where you live.

Before You File

• You must be 19 or older to file for an adult name change.
• Forms, documents, steps, and fees can vary by county. Ask your probate court clerk what is required.
• Your court may require a background check.

Links & Forms

• Form: Request to Change Name
• AlabamaLegalHelp.org: Alabama Adult Name Changes

Alaska

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in an Alaska Superior Court.

• Find Your Court: Alaska Court Directory

Public Notice

• The court normally posts notice of your case on its legal notice website.
• You may ask the court not to post the notice if you have safety concerns.
• The judge may require another type of notice. Follow the instructions in your court order.

Links & Forms

• Alaska Courts: Adult Name Change Forms

Arizona

Where to File

File an application (a formal written request) in the superior court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Arizona Superior Court

Before You File

• Forms, documents, steps, and fees can vary by court.
• Use county specific forms if they are available.

Links & Forms

• Arizona Courts: Statewide Name Change Forms
• AZ Court Help: County Name Change Forms

Arkansas

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the circuit court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Arkansas Circuit Courts

Before You File

• Forms, documents, steps, and fees can vary by county.
• Ask the circuit clerk what forms and documents you need.

California

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the superior court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: California Court Search

Before You File

• California has different steps for a name change and for a name change that matches your gender identity. Select the process that is right for you.
• The court’s online guides will show you which forms to use.

Links & Forms

• California Court Guide: Adult Name Change
• California Court Guide: Change Your Name to Match Your Gender Identity

Colorado

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the county or district court for the county where you live. Ask the clerk which court to use.

• Find Your Court: Search by County

Background Checks and Public Notice

• You need fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history checks dated within 90 days before you file.
• If the court approves your petition, it may order you to publish notice three times within 21 days.
• Some people do not have to publish notice. Read the official guide for exceptions.

Links & Forms

• Colorado Judicial Branch: Name Change Guides

Connecticut

Where to File

File an application (a formal written request) in the probate court for the district where you live.

• Find Your Court: Connecticut Probate Courts

Before You File

• Ask the probate court which forms and identity documents you need.
• Fees and local steps can vary.

Links & Forms

• Connecticut Probate Courts: Changing Legal Name

Delaware

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the Court of Common Pleas for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Court of Common Pleas

Before You File

• Use the current court packet. It lists the forms, documents, fee, and filing steps.
• Extra notice rules may apply if you are in prison or on probation.

Links & Forms

• Delaware Courts: Name Change Packet

District of Columbia

Where to File

File an application (a formal written request) with the DC Superior Court.

• Find Your Court: DC Superior Court

Documents You May Need

• Proof that you live in DC
• Current photo document
• Original or certified copy of your birth certificate
• Any earlier name change orders or immigration documents that apply to you

Links & Forms

• DC Courts: Adult Name Change

Florida

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) with the circuit court clerk in the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Florida circuit court

Background Check

• You usually need fingerprints for a state and national criminal history check.
• You may not need the background check if you are asking to restore a former name.
• Ask the clerk how to submit fingerprints and schedule a hearing.

Links & Forms

• Florida Courts: Family Law Forms and Name Change
• Florida Courts: Adult Name Change Forms
• Southern Legal Counsel: FloridaNameChange.org

Georgia

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the superior court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Georgia Superior Court clerk

Public Notice

• You must publish notice once a week for four weeks in the newspaper your county uses for legal notices.
• Ask the superior court clerk about local forms, filing fees, and hearing steps.

Links & Forms

• Georgia.gov: Apply for a Name Change
• Georgia Courts: Judicial Gateway

Hawaii

Where to File

Apply through the State of Hawaii Online Name Change System. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor handles adult name changes.

• Apply Online: Hawaii Name Change System

How to File 

• Have your petition notarized. Send it to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor within 30 days.
• You may need to publish a notice in a newspaper. If you have safety concerns, you can ask to skip this requirement.
• After approval, file the signed order with the Bureau of Conveyances by the deadline in the instructions.

Links & Forms

• Hawaii Office of the Lieutenant Governor: Name Changes

Idaho

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the district court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Idaho district court

Public Notice

• You must publish notice once a week for four weeks before your hearing.
• Read the court instructions for exceptions and extra rules.

Links & Forms

• Idaho Court Assistance Office: Name Change Forms

Illinois

Where to File

File a Request for Name Change in the circuit court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Illinois circuit court clerk

Use the Current Forms

• Illinois updated its statewide adult name change forms in 2025.
• Follow the notice and court-date steps in the current instructions.
• You may ask the court to keep some information private for safety.

Links & Forms

• Illinois Courts: Adult Name Change Forms

Indiana

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in a court in the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Indiana court

Public Notice & Other Rules

• You must publish notice once a week for three weeks.
• You may ask the court to keep the case private if publication could put you at risk.
• Extra rules apply to some people with criminal convictions. Read the official instructions before you file.

Links & Forms

• Indiana Courts: Self-Service Legal Center

Iowa

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) with the district court. Iowa generally requires you to file online.

• Find Your Court: Iowa district court

Before You File

• File online unless the court gives you permission to file on paper.
• Include a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you cannot get one, explain why and provide another identity document.
• If you are married, you must give legal notice to your spouse.

Links & Forms

• Iowa Judicial Branch: Name Change

Kansas

Where to File

File a Civil Cover Sheet and a Petition for Change of Name in the district court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Kansas district court

Public Notice

• The court may require notice by newspaper, certified mail, or both.
• Follow the judge’s order and the instructions in the court packet.

Links & Forms

• Kansas Judicial Branch: Name Change

Kentucky

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the district court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Kentucky court

Before You File

• Ask the district court clerk for the current form and filing fee.
• Publication is not generally required for an adult name change.

Links & Forms

• Kentucky Court of Justice: Legal Forms

Louisiana

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the district court for the parish where you live.

• Find Your Court: Louisiana district court

Before You File

• Forms, documents, steps, and fees can vary by parish.
• Ask the clerk of court what it requires before you file.
• Extra rules apply to some people with felony convictions.

Links & Forms

• Louisiana Courts: Supreme Court
• Louisiana Trans Advocates: ID Documents Center

Maine

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the probate court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Maine Probate Court

Public Notice

• The court may require public notice before the hearing.
• Ask the probate court about the notice steps and whether a safety exception applies.

Maryland

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in a circuit court.

• Find Your Court: Maryland circuit court

Public Notice

• Maryland does not require newspaper publication for an adult name change.
• The court may require another type of notice. Follow the court’s instructions.

Links & Forms

• Maryland Courts: Family Law Forms

Massachusetts

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the Probate and Family Court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Massachusetts Probate and Family Court

Before You File

• The court may require a certified birth certificate and other records.
• Follow the court’s instructions about citation and notice.
• You may ask the court not to require publication or to keep records private for a good reason, such as safety.

Links & Forms

• Mass.gov: Change Your Legal Name

Michigan

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the family division of the circuit court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Michigan trial court

Background Check and Public Notice

• If you are age 22 or older, you must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
• You may need to publish notice. For a good reason, such as safety, you can ask the court not to require publication and to protect the record.

Links & Forms

• Michigan Courts: Legal Name Change

Minnesota

Where to File

File an application (a formal written request) in district court in the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Minnesota district court

Residency & Witnesses

• You must have lived in Minnesota for at least six months.
• You must bring two adult witnesses to the hearing. They must know you and be able to confirm your identity.

Links & Forms

• Minnesota Judicial Branch: Name Change

Mississippi

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the chancery court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Mississippi chancery court

Before You File

• Mississippi does not provide one statewide adult name change form.
• Ask the chancery clerk about forms, documents, fees, notice, and hearing steps.

Missouri

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the circuit court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Missouri circuit court

Public Notice

• If the court approves the change, you must publish notice once a week for three weeks.
• The court may not require publication for some survivors of domestic violence or child abuse.

Links & Forms

• Missouri Courts: Adult Name Change Forms

Montana

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the district court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Montana district court

Public Notice

• You must publish notice of the hearing for four weeks.
• If public notice could put you at risk, use the court’s sealed-record packet instead.

Links & Forms

• Montana Judicial Branch: Name Change Forms

Nebraska

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the district court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Nebraska district court

Residency & Public Notice

• You must have lived in the county for at least one year before you file.
• You must publish notice once a week for four weeks.
• You may ask the court not to require publication if it could put you at risk.

Links & Forms

• Nebraska Judicial Branch: Adult Name Change

Nevada

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the district court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Nevada court

Public Notice

• You must publish notice one time in a newspaper in the county where you filed.
• Publication is not required when the request is made to match your gender identity.

Links & Forms

• Nevada Self-Help Center: Name Changes for Adults

New Hampshire

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the Circuit Court Probate Division.

• Find Your Court: New Hampshire circuit court

Before You File

• Use the court’s current petition and follow its filing instructions.
• The court will tell you if notice or a hearing is required.

Links & Forms

• New Hampshire Judicial Branch: Name Changes

New Jersey

Where to File

File a verified complaint (a formal written request) in the Superior Court.

• Find Your Court: New Jersey courthouse

How to File 

• The state packet explains where to file, what documents to include, and how to notify government agencies.
• Do not rely on older instructions that require newspaper publication. Use the current court packet.

Links & Forms

• New Jersey Courts: Name Change

New Mexico

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the district court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: New Mexico district court

Public Notice

• The court may require public notice.
• You may ask the court not to require notice if publication could put you at risk.

Links & Forms

• New Mexico Courts: Name Change

New York

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the county court or Supreme Court. New York City residents may also file in New York City Civil Court.

• Find Your Court: New York court

Privacy

• Newspaper publication is not required.
• You may ask the court to seal the case if making it public could put you at risk of harm or discrimination.

Links & Forms

• New York Courts: Name Change Basics

North Carolina

Where to File

File an application (a formal written request) with the clerk of superior court in the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: North Carolina court

Public Notice & Background Checks

• You must post notice at the courthouse for at least 10 days before you file.
• You may ask to skip public notice if you have proof that you experienced domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.
• You need state and federal criminal background checks.

Links & Forms

• North Carolina Judicial Branch: Adult Name Change

North Dakota

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the district court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: North Dakota district court

Residency & Public Notice

• You  must have lived in the county for at least six months.
• You must publish notice at least 30 days before you file.
• Some people may use a different notice process or ask the court not to require publication. Read the official instructions.

Links & Forms

• North Dakota Courts: Adult Name Change

Ohio

Where to File

File an application (a formal written request) in the probate court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Ohio trial court

Residency & Public Notice 

• You must have lived in the county for at least 60 days.
• The court decides what notice is required.
• You may ask the court to keep the case private if publication could put you at risk.

Links & Forms

• Supreme Court of Ohio: Change of Name Forms
• Ohio Legal Help: Name Change

Oklahoma

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the district court for the county where you live. A tribal court may also have authority in some cases.

• Find Your Court: Oklahoma district court

Public Notice

• You must publish notice at least 10 days before the hearing.
• For a good reason, such as safety, you may ask the court not to require publication and to seal the case.
• Extra restrictions apply to some people who must register as sex offenders.

Links & Forms

• Oklahoma Courts: State Courts Network

Oregon

Where to File

File an application (a formal written request) in an Oregon circuit court.

• Find Your Court: Oregon circuit court

Name & Gender Options

• You can ask for a name change, a legal gender change, or both.
• Use the statewide court packet and ask the local court about filing steps and fees.

Links & Forms

• Oregon Judicial Department: Name and Sex Change Forms

Pennsylvania

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the Court of Common Pleas for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas

Background Check & Public Notice

• You must submit fingerprints.
• You must publish notice in two newspapers before the hearing.
• If public notice could put you at risk, you may ask the court not to require publication and to seal the record.

Links & Forms

• Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Self-Help Resources
• Pennsylvania Courts: Courts of Common Pleas
• Philadelphia Courts: Adult Name Change Packet

Rhode Island

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the probate court for the city or town where you live.

• Find Your Court: city or town probate court

Background Check & Public Notice

• You may need a state criminal background check.
• The probate court may require public notice. Ask whether a safety exception applies.
• Forms, documents, steps, and fees can vary by city or town.

South Carolina

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in family court.

• Find Your Court: South Carolina Clerk of Court

Background Check

• You do not have to publish notice.
• You must submit fingerprints and criminal record check results.
• You may also need records about child support or alimony.

Links & Forms

• South Carolina Judicial Branch: Court Forms

South Dakota

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the circuit court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: South Dakota circuit court

Residency & Public Notice

• You must have lived in the county for at least six months.
• Sign the verification part of the petition in front of a notary or court clerk.
• You must publish notice once a week for four weeks.

Links & Forms

• South Dakota Unified Judicial System: Name Change Forms

Tennessee

Where to File

Ask your local court clerk where to file a petition (a formal written request). The court may be a chancery, circuit, or probate court, depending on the county.

• Find Your Court: Tennessee court

Links & Forms

• Tennessee Courts: Find a Court Clerk

Texas

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in a district court in the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Texas trial court

Fingerprints & Background 

• Include a fingerprint card with your petition.
• Extra forms and waiting periods may apply if you have a felony conviction.
• If you must register as a sex offender, you must notify law enforcement and include proof of that notice.
• Rules for changing a sex marker are separate and may vary by court.

Links & Forms

• Texas State Law Library: Name Change Legal Research Guide
• Texas State Law Library: Adult Name Changes
• Texas Judicial Branch: Find a District Clerk

Utah

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the district court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Utah district court

Before You File

• You must have lived in the county for at least one year.
• You may need certified records from state agencies before you file.
• Use the court’s online program to prepare the correct forms.

Links & Forms

• Utah State Courts: Name Change

Vermont

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the Probate Division of the Superior Court.

• Find Your Court: Vermont court

Before You File

• Use the court’s current form.
• Ask the probate clerk about documents, fees, and hearing steps.

Links & Forms

• Vermont Judiciary: Name Change

Virginia

Where to File

File an application (a formal written request) in the circuit court for the county or city where you live.

• Find Your Court: Virginia circuit court

Before You File 

• You must have lived in the county or city where you file for at least six months.
• Use the instructions and form for an adult name change.

Links & Forms

• Virginia’s Judicial System: Change of Name Forms
• Form CC-1411: Application for Change of Name (PDF)

Washington

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in a district court. You may file in any district court in Washington.

• Find Your Court: Washington Court Directory

Privacy & Local Steps

• Ask the district court for its forms, filing fee, and hearing steps.
• Some people may file in superior court when they need special privacy protections.

Links & Forms

• Washington Courts: Name Change Process

West Virginia

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the circuit court or family court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: West Virginia circuit court

Public Notice & Restrictions

• You must publish notice at least 10 days before the hearing.
• Extra restrictions apply to some people with certain criminal convictions or sex offender registration requirements.
• Ask the court clerk for the current forms and local filing steps.

Links & Forms

• West Virginia Legal Aid: Changing Your Name 

Wisconsin

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the circuit court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Wisconsin Circuit Court Clerks Directory (PDF)

Public Notice & Restrictions

• You must publish notice once a week for three weeks.
• You may ask the court not to require publication if it could put you at risk.
• Some people who must register as sex offenders cannot change their legal name.

Links & Forms

• Wisconsin Court System: Name Change Self-Help
• Wisconsin Court System: Adult Name Change Instructions (PDF)

Wyoming

Where to File

File a petition (a formal written request) in the district court for the county where you live.

• Find Your Court: Wyoming district court

Residency & Public Notice

• You must have lived in Wyoming for at least six months.
• You must publish notice once a week for four weeks.

Links & Forms

• Wyoming Judicial Branch: Legal Assistance and Forms