Georgia Petition to Change Name

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A Georgia petition to change name is a form that is filed with the superior court to request approval for the legal changing of a person’s name. The document requires the person to declare their reason for changing their name and to disclose any pending or past criminal charges. Before consideration, notice of the petition must be published in a local newspaper.

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Georgia Petition to Change Name

Last updated November 13th, 2025

A Georgia petition to change name is a form that is filed with the superior court to request approval for the legal changing of a person’s name. The document requires the person to declare their reason for changing their name and to disclose any pending or past criminal charges. Before consideration, notice of the petition must be published in a local newspaper.

Eligibility Requirements

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Georgia resident
  • Cannot be for fraudulent purposes
  • If under 18, parental permission is required

How to Legally Change a Name in Georgia

Step 1 – Complete Forms

The person changing their name will be required to complete a Petition to Change Name. The form packet also includes a Verification form, Notice of Petition to Change Name, and a Final Order. The Notice and Final Order should be completed, and a notary public will fill out and sign the Verification form in the next step.

Step 2 – Notarize Petition

The Petition and Verification forms must be brought before a notary public. The notary will confirm the person’s identity and review the Petition to ensure it’s been filled out correctly. The person will need to sign the Verification form in front of the notary, who will complete and sign the form.

Step 3 – File Documents with Superior Court

The Petition to Change Name, Verification, Notice of Petition to Change Name, and Final Order must be filed with the person’s local superior court.[1] ID and payment for filing fees will be required.

Step 4 – Publish Notice

Within seven days of filing the Petition, the Notice of Petition to Change Name must be published in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks.[2] A publishing fee will be required.

After the requirement has been fulfilled, the newspaper will give the person a Publisher’s Affidavit, which must be filed with the court along with copies of the published notice.

The court may require payment for a publishing fee when the Petition is filed, in which case they will handle the publication arrangements.

Step 5 – Court Hearing

At least 30 days after the Petition is filed, the court will set a hearing date for the name change.[3] The person must arrive on time for their hearing and be prepared to answer any questions the court may have.

Upon approval of the name change, the judge will sign the Final Order, which the person must bring to the court clerk to obtain a Certificate of Change of Name.[4]

Marriage and Divorce

Georgia residents can change their last name during marriage and divorce by requesting the change in the relevant court documents, which will be reflected in their marriage license or divorce decree. In divorces, the person can only revert to their previous name.

To change their entire name or to adopt a new last name after divorce, a person must file a Petition as described above.

Sources

  1. § 19-12-1(b)
  2. § 19-12-1(d)
  3. § 19-12-1(h)(1)
  4. § 19-12-3