Before filing with the probate court, the name change applicant must ensure they’ve prepared each of the following documents:

• Application for Change of Name of Adult (Form 21.0)
• Affidavit in Support of Application for Change of Name of Adult (Form 21.01)^[1]
  • Signature must be notarized
• Release for Criminal Background Check (Form 21.14)
• Certified copy of birth certificate
• Proof of residency
• Copy of government-issued photo ID

Documents must be submitted to the probate court in the county where the applicant has lived for at least 60 days.^[2] Court fees vary by county, but filers can expect to pay between $100 and $150. Some courts may also require payment for a criminal background check.

It’s up to the court to decide whether the applicant needs to attend a hearing.^[3] If a hearing is scheduled, the applicant must publish a Notice of Hearing on Change of Name (Form 21.5) in a local newspaper at least 30 days before the hearing date.

The applicant must ensure the court receives proof of publication before the hearing.

If required, the applicant must attend the hearing and present the court with copies of their name change paperwork and respond to any questions the judge or magistrate may have.

If the applicant receives approval to change their name, the judge or magistrate will sign a Judgment Entry – Change of Name of Adult (Form 21.1) to officially authorize the request.

Married individuals do not need to undergo the standard name change process in order to adopt their spouse’s surname. Instead, their marriage certificate serves as proof and can be used to obtain a new driver’s license, passport, and other forms of identification.

Either spouse in a divorce case may ask the court to restore the name used before marriage. Once the divorce is finalized, the divorce decree serves as the authorization needed to revert to the prior name.^[4]