Legal Name Change in Minnesota

Overview

Minnesota law allows any person to change their legal name through a court process. The rules are found in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 259, starting at Minn. Stat. § 259.10 .

People change their names for many reasons: marriage, divorce, gender identity, personal preference, or cultural reasons. Whatever your reason, the process is the same.

There are two common ways to change your name in Minnesota:

• Court petition – File a petition with the district court (covered in this guide)
• Marriage or divorce – You can change your last name as part of a marriage license or divorce decree without a separate petition

Am I Eligible?

Almost anyone can petition for a name change in Minnesota. You must:

• Be a resident of Minnesota
• File in the county where you currently live
• Be at least 18 years old (a parent or guardian must file for a minor)
• Not be a registered predatory offender (special rules apply under Minn. Stat. § 259.13 )

If you are changing a child’s name, both parents generally must consent. If one parent does not consent, the court will hold a hearing to decide.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Complete the petition forms

Get the name change forms from the Minnesota Judicial Branch website at mncourts.gov. You will need:

• Petition for Name Change (form available online)
• Proposed Order for the judge to sign
• If changing a child’s name: Consent of Other Parent form or explanation of why consent is not available

Fill out the forms completely. Include your current legal name, the name you want, and your reason for the change.

Step 2: File with the district court

File your petition at the district court in the county where you live. You will need to pay a filing fee of about $310. If you cannot afford the fee, ask for a fee waiver (In Forma Pauperis) at the same time.

The court clerk will give you a case number and a hearing date.

Step 3: Publish notice (if required)

Under Minn. Stat. § 259.11 , the court may require you to publish a notice of your name change in a legal newspaper in your county. This must be published once, at least 30 days before the hearing. The purpose is to let anyone who might object know about the change.

The publication cost varies by newspaper but is typically $40 to $80.

If you have safety concerns (for example, you are a survivor of domestic violence or stalking), you can ask the court to waive the publication requirement. Explain your concerns in your petition.

Step 4: Attend the court hearing

On your hearing date, appear before the judge. The hearing is usually brief – about 5 to 15 minutes. The judge may ask you:

• Why you want to change your name
• Whether you have any criminal history
• Whether you are trying to avoid debts or legal obligations

If no one objects and the judge finds no improper purpose, the judge will sign the order granting your name change. You will receive a certified copy.

Step 5: Update your identity documents

After you have the court order, update your name everywhere. Do this in the following order:

1. Social Security card – Apply at your local Social Security office (free)
2. Driver’s license or state ID – Visit a Minnesota DVS office (fee applies)
3. Birth certificate – Contact the Minnesota Office of Vital Records if you want an amended birth certificate
4. Passport – Apply through the U.S. Department of State
5. Banks, employers, schools, insurance – Bring your certified court order to update your accounts
6. Voter registration – Update through the Minnesota Secretary of State

Order several certified copies of the court order. Many institutions require an original certified copy, not a photocopy.

Key Deadlines

• Publication notice: Must be published at least 30 days before the hearing date (if required by the court).
• Hearing: Typically scheduled 6 to 8 weeks after filing.
• Document updates: No legal deadline, but update documents promptly to avoid confusion. Update Social Security first, as other agencies require the new card.

Costs & Fees

Item	Estimated Cost
Court filing fee	~$310
Fee waiver	Free (if you qualify)
Legal newspaper publication	$40 – $80
Certified copies of order	$10 – $20 each
New driver’s license/ID	~$30
New Social Security card	Free
Attorney fees (if hired)	$500 – $1,500

Most people handle a name change without a lawyer. The process is straightforward, and court self-help centers can assist you.

When to Get a Lawyer

Most name changes are straightforward, and you do not need a lawyer. Court self-help centers can assist you with the forms. However, consider a lawyer if:

• You have a criminal record that might complicate the process
• You are a registered predatory offender (special rules apply)
• One parent objects to changing a child’s name
• You have safety concerns and need the publication requirement waived

Related Guides

Getting Divorced in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to the divorce process in Minnesota. Learn the steps, costs, timelines, and where to get help with your divorce.

Where to Get Help

• Court self-help centers: Free help with forms and procedures at your county courthouse.
• Minnesota Judicial Branch: Forms, instructions, and FAQs at mncourts.gov.
• OutFront Minnesota: Provides assistance with name changes for LGBTQ+ individuals at outfront.org.
• Gender Justice: May offer legal assistance for gender-related name changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the whole process take? Plan on 6 to 10 weeks from filing to getting the court order. Updating all your documents can take a few more weeks after that.

Can I change my child’s name? Yes. A parent or guardian can file a petition on behalf of a minor. If both parents have legal custody, both must generally consent. If one parent objects, the court will hold a hearing and decide based on the child’s best interests.

Do I need to give a reason for the name change? The court will ask your reason, but Minnesota law does not require a specific reason. Common reasons include marriage, divorce, gender identity, and personal preference. The court will only deny the petition if it finds a dishonest or illegal purpose.

Will my old name appear on background checks? Your old name will still be associated with records under that name. Name changes do not erase your history. Employers running a thorough background check may find records under both names.

Can I change my name during a divorce? Yes. You can include a name change request in your divorce petition. This is the simplest way to restore a prior name after a divorce. There is no extra filing fee for this.