To initiate the process, the petitioner must fill out the Petition to Change Name and attach a copy of their birth certificate. Petitioners can choose to answer an online questionnaire to complete the form. In either case, the petitioner must sign the completed form in front of a notary public.

Before filing, the petitioner must also complete a Civil Coversheet and an Order to Change Name.

The petitioner must bring a copy of their Petition, Coversheet, and filing fee to their local Chancery Court.^[1]

The chancery clerk will give a date and time for a hearing. In some cases, a hearing may not be required.

The petitioner must bring the Order to Change Name to the hearing. The petitioner should be prepared to answer the judge’s questions. If the name change is granted, the judge will sign the Order.

The signed Order will be filed by the Chancery Clerk’s Office. Copies of the Order will be used to update the petitioner’s name on their official identification, with government entities, financial institutions, and other vital records.

Individuals may change their name through marriage by indicating it on their marriage license. The final divorce decree can be used by those who want to restore their former name at the dissolution of their marriage.