Nebraska Petition for Name Change

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The Nebraska petition for name change is used by self-representing individuals to request a legal name change from the district court. The petitioner will need to provide their current address, full name, requested new name, email address, and a reason for the request on the document. They can then file it with the clerk of court in the county where they live.

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Nebraska Petition for Name Change

Last updated December 13th, 2025

The Nebraska petition for name change is used by self-representing individuals to request a legal name change from the district court. The petitioner will need to provide their current address, full name, requested new name, email address, and a reason for the request on the document. They can then file it with the clerk of court in the county where they live.

Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 19 years old
  • If under 19, they must be either emancipated or married
  • Resident of the county where filing for at least 1 year

How to Legally Change a Name in Nebraska

Step 1 – Fill Out Initial Forms

To begin, eligible individuals must complete the Petition for Name Change (Instructions) and the Confidential Party Information (Instructions).

Step 2 – File Documents

The petitioner must take the Petition and the Confidential Information forms to their local district court and file them with the clerk.[1] They will need to be prepared to pay the filing fee.

Step 3 – Schedule Hearing

A hearing will need to be set for at least six weeks after the Petition has been filed. The petitioner can ask the district court clerk for the information on who to contact to schedule the hearing.

Step 4 – Publish Notice

Once the hearing date is set, the petitioner must complete the Legal Notice for Publication (Instructions) and have it published in a local newspaper.[2] The petitioner must request that the newspaper inform the court that notice was published for four consecutive weeks.

The petitioner can ask the court to waive the requirement by filing a Petitioner’s Showing and Request for Waiver of Publication with the Petition if they believe publishing notice would put them in danger.[3]

Step 5 – Mail Notice

Within five days of the first publication, the petitioner must mail a copy of the published notice to each person who has a legal interest in the name change.[4]

The petitioner will then complete the Affidavit of Mailing Published Notice (Instructions).[5] It must be signed in the presence of a notary public and filed with the clerk.

Step 6 – Hearing

The petitioner will need to complete the Decree of Name Change (Instructions) and the Instructions for Your Name Change Hearing before the hearing date. They will need to bring both forms to the hearing, including two copies of the Decree. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether to approve the name change.

Step 7 – Name Change

If the name change is granted, the judge will sign the Decree. The petitioner will need a certified copy of the document to change their name with government agencies such as the DMV and the Social Security Administration. Certified copies can be obtained from the clerk of district court.

Marriage and Divorce

Individuals can change their last name by providing a certified copy of their marriage license to government agencies, banks, and other entities.

Someone can have their former name restored by making the request during the divorce proceedings. The divorce decree or declaration of annulment will serve as proof of the restored name.[6]

 Sources

  1. NE Code § 25-21,271(1)
  2. NE Code § 25-21,271(2)(a)
  3. NE Code § 25-21,271(2)(b)
  4. NE Code § 25-520.01(1)
  5. NE Code § 25-520.01(1)
  6. NE Code § 42-380(1)