Name Change Law - Laws Vary by State

Name Change Law - Laws Vary by State

Every state and county has different name change laws. In the United States, the name change process varies from region to region, but most states follow the same guidelines. You fill out government issued forms, file the papers with the court, publish a notice in an area newspaper, have your hearing and, finally, submit your name change to different agencies, such as the DMV, passport office and social security office.

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This is where things differ. Some states require you to pay hefty fees, while others are minimal. Some states require dozens of forms and certified copies of things like wedding certificates, birth certificates and criminal records. Learn what to expect with every state in the U.S.

Different U.S. Name Change Laws

Below find some name change laws pertinent in the U.S.

Arizona – A change of name does not override any obligations made under a former name.

Arkansas – Any authorized court official can handle a name change if the judge is on vacation.

California – Sex offenders who opt to change their name must register as a sex offender under their new name.

Colorado – Anyone over 14 must provide a certified, fingerprinted criminal record check with their name change request.

Delaware – Inmates may apply for a name change, but generally only religious reasons are accepted.

Florida – You must offer proof that you do, in fact, live in the Florida county where you apply for a name change.

Georgia – After filing name change forms, you have seven days to place a notice in your area newspaper for four consecutive weeks.

Hawaii – Only a family court official or lieutenant governor can approve name change requests.

Idaho – A notice of name change must be placed in a local newspaper for four weeks. If your county lacks a newspaper, you must place a notice in three public buildings.

Illinois – Only after you've lived in Illinois for six consecutive months can you apply for a name change.

Indiana – Inmates may not make a name change request.

Iowa – You must list five years worth of residential addresses on your name change application.

Kansas – Sixty days of residence within Kansas is required before submitting a name change petition.

Louisiana – Name changes are often granted if a parent has been absent from their child's life or fails to keep up with support payments.

Maine – Expect to pay a $25 filing fee (2009) to have your name change filed with the court.

Maryland – You must place a public notice in one newspaper at least 14 days before your name change hearing.

Massachusetts – If you have no birth certificate on file, you cannot request a name change.

Michigan – You must live in Michigan for at least one year before petitioning the court.

Minnesota – Six months of residence are required before asking to change your name.

Mississippi – An illegitimate child gains the birth father's name on a birth certificate if the parents decide to marry only if the birth father requests so.

Missouri – A name change notice must be placed in your county's newspaper within 20 days of your hearing and for three consecutive weeks.

Montana – Name change hearings can be sealed if any party is in danger.

Nebraska – Place a weekly notice in a county newspaper for four consecutive weeks if you are 19 years or older. Name changes on minors require weekly newspaper notices for two weeks.

New Jersey – A criminal record check must be provided.

New Mexico – Children 14 years and older can request a name change without parent or guardian.

New York – Residents of New York City can request name changes from any NY supreme court.

North Carolina – Minors 16 and older can change their name without parental involvement.

Oregon – Children are often asked to speak at their name change hearing.

Texas – Any child 10 or older must provide a statement approving their name change.

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