Name Change 

DIRECTIONS ON FILING FOR A NAME CHANGE

1. Before you can file a Name Change Request, you need the name of a newspaper of general circulation that publishes legal notices in the county where you will be filing your name change request (the county where you live).

If you're worried about safety, you may be able to keep your request confidential. Just ask.=

2. Then complete required forms in black ink: 

NC-100   Petition for Change of Name

NC-110  Name and Information about the Person Whose Name is to be Changed

NC-120  Order to Show Cause -Change of Name 

CM-010 Civil Case Cover Sheet (some courts do not require this form)

NC-130  Decree Changing Name Form 

3. File completed forms with your local superior courthouse. 

4. Upload your completed forms and save as a single PDF file 

5. Include Court Fee Waiver Form if necessary. 

6. File forms with appropriate court to initiate adoption proceedings. 

7. May also e-file with Court Angels by clicking here. 

• You will need to pay a fee when you file the forms ($435 - $450).   If you can't afford the fee, fill out another form to ask for a fee waiver.

• You can download the forms or you can use an online program to fill them out.
  Fill out forms online

• Find out if you have any local forms to fill out
  Some courts also have local forms you have to use.
  Contact your court clerk’s office, check your court’s website, or talk to your Self-Help Center to ask if they have any local forms you need to use. Your Self-Help Center may also be able to review your forms before you file them.

• Make Copies
  Make at least 2 copies of all of your forms. When you file them, the court will keep the original and return the copies to you, stamped.
  Keep one of the copies for yourself. The other copy is to publish the request in the newspaper.

NAME CHANGE FOR AN ADULT

What's next?

Once you’ve completed the forms, you’ll file them with the court clerk.

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• Return to an overview of the whole process for legally changing the name of an adult.

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• Get step-by-step instructions for filing your forms with the court.