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Connecticut Name Change Forms | PC-901

Connecticut name change forms are used to legally change one's name for reasons other than marriage or divorce. The petitioner must submit a written request informing the court of the proposed new name and the reason for the change. If the court approves the request, a decree will be issued officializing the name change.
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How to Change Your Name (6 steps)

A name change in Connecticut can be accomplished by submitting to either the probate court or the superior court. The instructions below apply only to the procedures for filing with a probate court.

1. Complete the Petition for Change of Name (PC-901)

Laptop with Petition for Change of Name displayed.

Begin by downloading and completing the Petition for Change of Name (PC-901). This document will be used to provide the court with your personal information, the proposed new name, your spouse’s personal and contact information (if applicable), and the reason for the change of name.

2. Complete the Affidavit Re Change of Name (PC-910)

Affidavit form with pen and coffee cup.

Next, you will need to fill out the Affidavit Re Change of Name (PC-910). This form will be used to notify the court of your criminal history as well as supply them with additional personal information.

Fill out the form completely except for the signature field. You will need to sign this form in front of a notary public before filing it with the probate court OR you may have an official of the court (e.g., clerk, judge) witness the signing of the document when it is filed.

3. Prepare for Submission

Check made out to county clerk with file folder and pair of glasses.

Before submitting to the probate court, ensure that the following items are included with your filing:[1]

  • Completed Petition for Change of Name (PC-901)
  • Completed Affidavit Re Change of Name (PC-910)
  • Certified copy of your long-form birth certificate
  • Two forms of identification, including at least one form of photo ID
  • Payment of $250 is required at the time of submission.[2] Individuals that cannot afford the fee may request a waiver by including a Request/Order Waiver of Fees – Petitioner (PC-184) with their submission.

4. Submit to Probate Court

Desktop calendar with Court Hearing date circled.

Take your completed documents to the probate court in the county where you reside and submit them to the clerk.

Unless you request an exemption, the $250 fee will be paid by cash, credit card, money order, or check. Checks should be made payable to the “Treasurer, State of Connecticut.”

5. Attend the Hearing

Female judge seated on bench with American flag behind.

After your filing has been submitted, the court will schedule a date, time, and location for your hearing. Notice of the hearing will be sent to you and to all other interested parties. The court will then send your personal information to the Department of Public Safety in order to have your background checked on the Connecticut sex offender registry.

Typically, the court will approve the request after a short hearing and then issue a court order or court decree, the document used to change your name.

6. Obtain Copies for Your Records

Hand placed upon on desktop copier/printer.

The court will issue the first copy of the order or decree for free. Each certified copy after that will cost $5 for the first two pages and $2 for each additional page.[3] A minimum of 3 certified copies is recommended but each individual should determine and purchase the actual number of certified copies required to update their identity.

Marriage Certificate

If you would like to change your last name after marriage, you can simply begin to use the new name as soon as you are legally married. Contact the Registrar of Vital Records in the county where your marriage took place in order to obtain a certified copy of your marriage license ($20 processing fee).[4] The certified copy will serve as evidence that your name has changed.

This certificate can be used to update your social security card, driver’s license, bank accounts, credit cards, etc.

Divorce Decree

Connecticut law allows you to restore your birth name or former name by making a request in the marital settlement agreement at the time of your divorce proceedings. The court, upon your request, may also restore your birth name or former name after your divorce decree has been issued.[5]

After obtaining a certified copy from the Superior Court where the divorce was granted, use the divorce decree as proof of your name change when updating your driver’s license, social security card, personal accounts, and other records containing the name held during marriage.

Driver’s License

You will need to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your change of name and request a new social security card before you can change the name on your driver’s license.Request a new social security card by submitting the following documents to the SSA:

All of the above documents must be the originals or certified copies.[6]

Wait 48 hours after submitting your Application for a Social Security Card so that the Social Security Administration’s system has time to update. Name change applications processed by DMV are by appointment only. Find a local DMV or AAA office location, make an appointment (if necessary) and provide them with the following:

A $30 fee will be required upon submission of your documents. DMV express office locations, including AAA locations and Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union locations, may charge a convenience fee of up to $8 for each DMV transaction.[7] Your new driver’s license will be delivered to you by mail.

Voter Registration

Changing the name on your voter registration can be accomplished by submitting a Voter Registration Form to a town clerk. Be sure to indicate the purpose of the form by selecting the “Name Change” option available in section 1(a) of the form. Alternatively, you can update your voter registration information online via the Secretary of State website. You will need to have either a current and valid driver’s license, a learner’s permit, or a non-driver photo identification card issued by the Connecticut DMV in order to use the online registration webpage.