Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 18 or older
- Must be of sound mind
- Must be a Vermont resident
- Must have parental consent (if a minor)
How to Legally Change a Name in Vermont
Step 1 – Prepare Petition
The petitioner must complete the Petition of Adult to Change Name (Form 700-00122). In some cases, the court will require that the Petition be submitted with a copy of the petitioner’s birth certificate and photo ID.
Step 2 – File Documents
The petitioner must file the Petition (along with the birth certificate and photo ID if required) with the probate division of the superior court of the county where they live.[1] Filing may be done in-person, by mail, or by email. A filing fee must be paid at this time.
Step 3 – Attend Hearing
The petitioner will be notified of their hearing date by mail. The hearing may be held over the phone or online. Once the name change request is approved by the judge, the petitioner will be granted a court order with their requested name.
Marriage and Divorce
A name change may also occur when marrying or during divorce. An individual may update their name on their marriage certificate or restore their former name on their divorce decree. Either document can be presented to social security and other government agencies to update their records.
Resources
Forms
- Petition of Adult to Change Name (Form 700-00122)
- Application to Waive Filing Fees and Service Costs (Form 600-00228)
Links