New Hampshire Petition for Name Change

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New Hampshire Petition for Name Change

A New Hampshire petition for name change is used by adults who want to change their legal name. The requesting person, known as the “petitioner”, must provide their date and place of birth, where they live, and an explanation for why they are changing their name. Petitioners who are incarcerated, on probation, or registered sex offenders must make a compelling argument for the name change.

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Last updated November 23rd, 2025

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A New Hampshire petition for name change is used by adults who want to change their legal name. The requesting person, known as the “petitioner”, must provide their date and place of birth, where they live, and an explanation for why they are changing their name. Petitioners who are incarcerated, on probation, or registered sex offenders must make a compelling argument for the name change.

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Eligibility Requirements

  • Petitioner must be a New Hampshire resident
  • Have a parent or legal guardian as a co-petitioner (for minors)

How to Legally Change a Name in New Hampshire

Step 1 – Complete Online Application

To complete the Petition for Name Change in New Hampshire, the petitioner must use the TurboCourt website. They will need to attach a copy of their photo identification (in PDF format). If a passport is used, a proof of address must also be included (e.g., a gas bill, electric bill, or phone bill).

After the petitioner creates their account, they will click “Start a New Case” and follow the instructions to complete the form.

Step 2 – Pay and File

After completing the five sections of the name change request application, the petitioner must pay the filing fee for their documents to be submitted. Petitioners who wish to pay in person may file their online application and pay at their local Circuit Court.

Step 3 – Serve Order of Notice (If Applicable)

Petitioners who are incarcerated or on probation will receive an Order of Notice from the court. They must arrange for the sheriff’s department to serve the Order and a copy of the Petition to the Department of Corrections.[1]

Registered sex offenders who the Department of Corrections no longer supervises must have the sheriff’s department serve a copy of the Order and Petition to both the Department of Safety and the initial prosecuting authority.

Step 4 – Hearing (If Applicable)

If the court has questions or concerns regarding the petitioner’s application for a name change, a hearing may be scheduled. The petitioner must attend the hearing set by the court and be prepared to answer questions and support their petition.

Step 5 – Name Change Certificate

Within 45 days of filing, the petitioner will receive a Certificate of Change of Name via email if the Court approves the name change. This document can be used to change official records. The petitioner must complete a Record Change Request and submit it to the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of the name change.[2]

Marriage and Divorce

When a couple applies for a Marriage License at their local city or town clerk’s office, they can indicate if they want to change their last name.[3] They can also elect to change their middle name to their pre-marriage surname.

The court may restore an individual’s former surname in the official Divorce Decree.[4]

Sources

  1. NH Rev Stat § 547:3-i(II)
  2. NH Rev Stat § 263:9 
  3. NH Rev Stat § 5-C:41(II-a)(a)
  4. NH Rev Stat  § 458:24