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Eligibility Requirements
- 18 or older
- Lived in Illinois for at least 3 months
- Never been convicted of identity theft or sexual offenses (with limited allowances)
How to Legally Change a Name in Illinois
Step 1 – Fill Out Required Forms
To request a name change, the applicant must complete the Request for Name Change and Order for Name Change forms.[1]
Illinois Legal Aid Online offers a guided Easy Form that enables applicants to easily complete the required forms online by answering a questionnaire.
If the name change being public would endanger or cause hardship to the applicant or their household, they can complete and file the Motion to Impound and Order to Impound forms to request that the case be private.
Step 2 – File Forms
All name change applicants must e-file their Request and Order for Name Change forms, unless they complete the Certification for Exemption from e-Filing and qualify for one of the following exemptions:
- Inmate without a lawyer
- Disabled or unable to e-file
- No internet or computer access at home
- Difficulty with the English language
- The name change case is sensitive
Before e-filing, the PDF documents will need to be “flattened” so they can’t be edited. This is accomplished by printing as a PDF in Adobe Acrobat/Reader, or by saving as a PDF from another program.
The flattened PDFs of the Request and Order forms must be e-filed with an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP). Payment of a filing fee will be required.
If exempt from e-filing, the applicant must file their forms in person at their local circuit court.
Step 3 – Hearing Date
The court will assign a hearing date and time for the applicant’s case. When e-filing, the applicant will either be able to pick a court date during filing or the court will assign one after the filing has been accepted.
If the filing is done in person, the date will be given at the time of filing.
Step 4 – Attend Hearing
The hearing will be conducted either in person or remotely via video call.
For in-person hearings, the applicant must arrive 45 minutes early with the following:
- Stamped copies of the Request and Order for Name Change
- Photo ID
- Any other relevant documents (criminal records, Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, etc.)
For remote hearings, applicants must log in at least five minutes before the hearing.
The judge will interview the applicant and approve or deny the request by completing and signing their Order for Name Change.[2]
A certified copy of the Order will be given to the applicant immediately if the hearing was in-person, and a PDF will be sent by email if they appeared remotely, along with instructions on how to obtain certified copies.
Marriage and Divorce
Illinois residents can assume a new last name during marriage or revert to their maiden name during divorce by specifying the name change on their marriage license application or divorce petition.
After marriage or divorce, an Application for Verification of Marriage or Application for Verification of Dissolution of Marriage can be used to request certified copies of the document that proves the name change.