Name Change Works
Where to go next

You’ll need to go through a court first.

Change my answer

Our kit picks up after your new name has already been approved — by a marriage, by a decree that restores a former name, or by a judge. From what you’ve told us that hasn’t happened yet, so the first step is asking a court. That part isn’t something we do.

What that usually involves

  • A petition filed with a court in the county where you live, on that court’s own forms.
  • A filing fee. What it costs varies by state and by county — your state’s court, linked below, is the place that publishes the current figure.
  • Depending on the state: a published notice, a background or fingerprint check, and a short hearing.
  • A signed order at the end. That order is the document everything else needs.

Where your state’s judiciary is

Each state runs its own courts, and the state judiciary’s own website is the only source worth trusting on how they work.

State court directory — USA.gov

Many counties publish a self-help center with the exact forms and the current fee. Search for “[your county] court name change” alongside the state directory.

Every state’s judiciary

Come back when you have the order

Once a judge has signed it, everything downstream — Social Security, your license, your passport, your bank — is exactly what we do. Come back here when you have the order. If you’d like, leave your email: we’ll keep it, and if we ever cover this part we’ll write. No newsletter, and no reminder in the meantime.

One moment — getting the form ready.

We’re not a law firm and this isn’t legal advice. We don’t prepare, review, or file court petitions. Back to the start