Know Your Rights: Name Changes in Minnesota

Any Minnesota resident can petition the court to change their legal name. You do not need a specific reason. Here is what you need to know about the process.

Your Rights

1. You can change your name for any lawful reason. Minnesota law does not require a specific reason. Common reasons include marriage, divorce, gender identity, cultural preference, or personal choice. See Minn. Stat. § 259.10 .

2. You can ask the court to waive the publication requirement. If you have safety concerns such as domestic violence or stalking, the court can keep your name change private by waiving the newspaper publication under Minn. Stat. § 259.11 .

3. You can request a fee waiver. If you cannot afford the filing fee (about $310), you can ask the court for an In Forma Pauperis waiver at no cost.

4. You can change your name during a divorce at no extra cost. You can include a name change request in your divorce decree without filing a separate petition.

5. Immigration status does not prevent a name change. You have the right to petition for a name change regardless of your citizenship or immigration status.

6. Court self-help centers will help you for free. Most courthouses have staff who can help you fill out the name change forms at no charge.

7. Special rules apply for predatory offenders. If you are on the predatory offender registry, additional restrictions apply under Minn. Stat. § 259.13 .

What to Do

• Get the forms from mncourts.gov. Download the Petition for Name Change and Proposed Order from the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
• File in the county where you live. Bring your completed forms and the filing fee (or fee waiver request) to your county district court.
• Publish notice if required. The court may order you to publish a notice in a local legal newspaper before your hearing. Ask the court about the specific timing requirement, which varies by county. Cost is typically $40 to $80.
• Attend your hearing. The hearing is usually brief (5 to 15 minutes). The judge will ask why you want to change your name and confirm there is no dishonest purpose.
• Update your documents in order. After getting the court order, update Social Security first, then your driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, banks, employer, and voter registration.
• Order extra certified copies. Many institutions require an original certified copy of the court order, not a photocopy.

Important Deadlines

Deadline	What It Means
Varies by county	Publication notice must appear before the hearing if ordered by the court
6-8 weeks	Typical time from filing to receiving the court order
After the order	Update your identity documents promptly, starting with Social Security

Get Help

For more detail: See our full guide on Legal Name Changes in Minnesota.