Updated August 14, 2023
New Hampshire name change forms allow residents ages 18 and older to apply for a legal name change. In New Hampshire, except in cases of marriage or divorce, name change forms must be filed electronically with the circuit court. Under limited circumstances, the court may grant a request to be excused.
Name Change After Marriage
New Hampshire allows individuals to adopt a spouse’s last name or hyphenate two last names after getting married. To make the name change, indicate the desired name on the marriage license application. A certified copy of the marriage license can be obtained at the city or town clerk’s office in the jurisdiction where the license was issued. This can be used as legal proof of the name change.
Name Change After Divorce
A person getting divorced has the right to revert to a maiden (or former) name after the divorce is finalized. Anyone who intends to change their name after a divorce must indicate it in the marital settlement agreement. The court will take note of the statement and will include it in the judgment, also known as a divorce decree.
A certified copy of the decree can be obtained by filing a Request for Certified Copy of Divorce Decree with the clerk of the superior or family court. The filing fee is $40.
How to Change Your Name (4 steps)
1. Create an eFile Account
Navigate to the Turbo Court interface. If you don’t have an account, click “Sign Up” and follow the prompts to create an account.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Download and complete the following forms. These forms are standard across all New Hampshire counties:
You will also need to prepare a copy of the following identification:
- Driver’s license or passport, or other form of photographic ID that shows your current name, current address, and date of birth
- If you have an out of state license at the time of filing, you will need to file proof of New Hampshire residence (i.e. current utility bill, lease, property tax bill, etc.).
3. File Your Petition
Log in to your account and click “Start Now” next to Name Change – Start a New Case.
When filing the petition, you will be required to submit the following:
- Petition for Change of Name (NHJB-2175-FPe)
- Confidential Information Sheet (NHJB-2878-DFPe)
- Personal identifying documents
The filing fee for a name change is $130.[1] If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver. The process for doing so is built into the eFile system.
4. Attend Hearing (If Required)
Typically, the court will grant a name change without a hearing if there are no objections or issues with the submitted documentation. If a hearing is required, you will receive notice in the mail with the date and time of your hearing.
After the court approves the name change, allow 45 days for them to process and issue a Certificate of Change of Name. You can request additional copies for a fee. Request enough copies to change your name with each agency that requires it.
Driver’s License
Anyone who changes their name is required by state law to update their driver’s license within 30 days.[2]
You must make an appointment with a local DMV and bring the following documents:
- A completed and signed Record Change Request
- Your current driver’s license
- Legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
There is no fee for this service. A temporary driver’s license will be issued at the DMV, and a permanent driver’s license will be mailed within 60 days.[3]
Voter Registration
In New Hampshire, voter registration must be updated by visiting your local town or city clerk’s office, where you can complete a Voter Registration Form and submit it to the clerk. You must bring an acceptable form of proof establishing your residency in the town or city where you will vote.[4]