The plaintiff must complete the first five forms found in the How to Ask The Court to Change Your Name (Adults Only) packet. Additionally, the Civil Case Information Statement (CIS) must be completed to summarize the case for the court.

To change the name of a minor, the How to Change a Name in the Chancery Division, Family Part packet should be used.

When the forms are completed, the plaintiff must send the paperwork to the local Superior Court. This can be done online, in person, or by mail.

Individuals applying by mail or in person must ensure they:

• Remove all instruction sheets.
• Submit the original of each form along with one copy.
• Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents.
• Include a check or money order made out to Treasurer, State of New Jersey, with the filing fee ($250 at the time of this writing).

Individuals unable to pay the fee may file an Application for Fee Waiver.

The court will send the plaintiff copies of the Verified Complaint, Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change, and Order Fixing Date of Hearing.

The plaintiff must send via certified mail (return receipt requested) a copy of the Order Fixing Date of Hearing to the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice no later than 20 days before the hearing. Those with pending criminal charges must also include a copy of the Verified Complaint and Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change.

The plaintiff will receive a green card, otherwise known as a certified mail receipt, confirming the documents were delivered. They can then complete the Proof of Mailing form and send it along with a copy of the green card to the court.

The plaintiff must bring proof of their current name to their court hearing. The judge will generally question the plaintiff on why they want to change their name. If satisfied, they will sign the Final Judgment confirming the name change. The court will file the Final Judgment and the Final Judgment Addendum.

When the name change is approved, the plaintiff will need to send certified copies (with a raised seal) of the Final Judgement and Final Judgement Addendum to the:

• Department of Treasury – by mail, within 45 days of the judgment.
• Registrar of Vital Statistics in the state where the plaintiff was born.
• Motor Vehicles Commission – in person, within two weeks of the final judgment.^[1]

Individuals can request certified copies of the documents via the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS).

Other agencies, such as the Social Security Administration (informed by submitting the SS-5 form), must also be notified of the name change.

If an individual wants to adopt their new spouse’s last name, they must indicate it on their marriage license application. After the wedding, certified copies of the marriage certificate are needed to change the name officially.

An individual may request that the court restore their surname by filing a motion during or following the divorce proceedings.^[2]