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Georgia Name Change Forms | Petition

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Georgia Name Change Forms | Petition

Updated March 27, 2024

Georgia name change forms are used to formally request a legal name change for an adult who resides in the state. All documents must be submitted to the superior court of the county where the applicant resides. If the applicant’s name is being changed because of a marriage or a divorce, they do not need to use these forms.

Name Change After Marriage

Your marriage license application will contain a space in which you can specify a new last name. The new name can be either your spouse’s last name, a hyphenated name containing both your and your spouse’s last name, or a name that is a combination of the two. Once your marriage certificate is issued, it can be used as legal proof of your name change.

Certified copies of the marriage certificate can be obtained by contacting the probate court in the county where the marriage was granted. You can also amend your marriage certificate to include the name change by contacting the probate court in the county where the marriage was granted.

Name Change After Divorce

When filling out your divorce papers, including a marital settlement agreement, you will have the option to revert to your former name. Once your divorce is final, the name change will be legal. You can use your divorce decree to serve as proof of your name change. Certified copies can be obtained by contacting the clerk of the superior court in the county where the divorce was granted.

How to Change Your Name (5 steps)

  1. Complete Paperwork
  2. File Petition
  3. Publish Notice
  4. Wait 30 Days
  5. Attend Hearing

1. Complete Paperwork

Forms placed on folder with pen and a pair of glasses.

The forms required to complete a Georgia name change petition may vary by county, but typically include the following:

The superior court clerk in your county of residence can assist you with locating the required paperwork. Some documents may need to be signed in the presence of a notary public.

2. File Petition

File folder with paperwork, check and driver's license.

Visit your local superior court to file your name change petition. Be sure to bring photo identification, copies of each required form, and a method of payment. The court will assign you a case number; keep the number, along with copies of all the documents, for your records.

Filing fees vary by county.[1] If you are unable to afford the filing fee, you can request an exemption by obtaining an Affidavit of Poverty from the clerk of court.

3. Publish Notice

Georgia law requires name change petitioners to publish notice in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks.[2] When you file your petition documents and pay the additional publication fee, the clerk will forward your Notice of Petition to an approved publisher.[3]

The newspaper will supply you with a Publisher’s Affidavit after the notice has been published. Make a copy of this form for your records.

4. Wait 30 Days

You will need to wait at least 30 days from your initial filing date before a hearing for your case can be conducted. During this period, contact the clerk of court to set a hearing date and inquire about additional documents that may be required for your hearing. Be ready to provide your case number and any additional information pertaining to your case.

5. Attend Hearing

On the day of your hearing, bring all the required forms and documents as directed by the clerk of court. This may include the following:

If your request is authorized, the judge will sign the Final Order form and return it to you. Ask a clerk to make you a certified copy of the Final Order form. This certified copy will be the legal evidence of your change of name.

Driver’s License

The State of Georgia requires individuals who have recently changed their names to notify the Department of Driver Services (DDS) within 60 days of the change. However, before contacting the DDS, it will be necessary for you to apply for a new social security card.

To obtain a new social security card, you will need to submit the following documents to a Social Security Administration (SSA) office:

  • A completed Application for a Social Security Card
  • Proof of name change, such as a marriage certificatedivorce decree, or court order
  • Proof of identity, such as your driver’s license or passport
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as your birth certificate or citizenship certificate

Next, you will need to visit a DDS office in person and supply the following:

  • Current Georgia driver’s license
  • Proof of name change
  • Payment for the fee (if applicable)

Your first name change with the DDS will be free. If this is not your first name change, contact the office prior to your visit in order to find out the exact amount.

Voter Registration

Updating the name on your registered voter information can only be accomplished after you have changed your name with the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

Your voter registration information can be updated either online, by mail, or in person. To update online, select the button for name changes. If you’d like to update your name by mail or in person, submit a Voter Registration Form to the County Board of Registrars Office (in person) or to the Secretary of State (by mail). If submitting in person, make sure you select the “Change of Nae” box found on the right side of the form.

Sources

  1. Ga. Code § 15-6-77
  2. Ga. Code § 19-12-1(d)
  3. Apply for a Name Change | Georgia.gov