South Carolina Petition for Name Change

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A South Carolina petition for name change is a legal document filed with the family court to request a legal name change. It lists the petitioner’s details, including where they reside, their current and desired name, and date of birth. This petition informs the court that the individual has completed a background check and attached the results to the form.

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South Carolina Petition for Name Change

Last updated November 25th, 2025

A South Carolina petition for name change is a legal document filed with the family court to request a legal name change. It lists the petitioner’s details, including where they reside, their current and desired name, and date of birth. This petition informs the court that the individual has completed a background check and attached the results to the form.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must have resided in South Carolina for at least 6 months
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Minors must have petition filed by a parent or guardian

How to Legally Change a Name in South Carolina

Step 1 – Consent to Release

The petitioner must begin by completing the Consent to Release Information and signing it before a notary public or witness. The form must then be mailed in a self-addressed envelope, along with a filing fee, to:

South Carolina Department of Social Services
Attn: CASHIER
1535 Confederate Avenue
P.O. Box 1520
Columbia, SC 29202-1520

Step 2 – Request Filing Packet

The petitioner must contact the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division at (803) 896-1443 to request a name change forms packet. From the packet, the petitioner must complete the following forms:

The Affidavit of Residency, Affidavit, and Child Support/Alimony Affidavit must be signed before a notary public.

Step 3 – Get Fingerprints

The packet also contains two fingerprint cards, which the petitioner must bring to a local law enforcement center. They must then mail the Criminal Record Check, along with one of the completed fingerprint cards, a filing fee, and a self-addressed envelope to the address on the form.

Step 4 – File Papers

The petitioner must make copies of the rest of the completed documents and bring them to the family court clerk’s office, along with the following:[1]

  • Originals of the completed documents
  • Birth certificate
  • Driver’s license
  • Social Security card
  • SCDSS statement
  • Second fingerprint card
  • Self-addressed envelope
  • Filing fee

The exact document and filing requirements may vary by county. The petitioner will be mailed a hearing date after filing (some counties will not require a hearing).

Step 5 – Go to Hearing

If a hearing is set, the petitioner must bring the Motion Cover Sheet and Order to Change Name from the packet, along with a copy of the rest of the forms, to the hearing.[2] The judge will sign the Order if they approve the request, and the petitioner’s name will be legally changed.[3]

Marriage and Divorce

A name can be changed for a marriage or divorce without petitioning the court. Individuals only need to request that their surname be changed to their spouse’s on their marriage license application, or ask the court to restore their former surname on the divorce decree.[4]

A marriage certificate or divorce decree is accepted by the DMV, Social Security Administration office, and other agencies as proof of a name change when updating records.

Sources

  1. §§15-49-10(A), 15-49-20(A)
  2. §15-49-20(B)
  3. §15-49-20(C)
  4. §20-3-180