Updated December 21, 2023
Iowa name change forms can be used by any adult residing in Iowa to change their name. If the individual is seeking a new name due to a pending divorce or marriage, the standard name change process does not apply, as the process can be accomplished through divorce/marriage proceedings.
Name Change After Marriage
Fill out your marriage license application and enter your new last name in the applicable area of the form. File the application with the County Recorder’s Office and pay the fee (usually between $30 and $35). Once you are legally married, request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Department of Public Health. The certified copy can be used to update the information on record with the Social Security Administration, DMV, and similar agencies.
To amend your marriage certificate to reflect your name change, fill out the amendment form and file it with the state vital record office.
Name Change After Divorce
If you are in the process of getting divorced, you have the option to change your name to the one recorded on your birth certificate or to the one used immediately prior to your marriage. After completing a marital settlement agreement in which you can indicate your intention of changing your name, fill out a divorce petition and specify your former name or birth name. After the divorce proceedings, obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree from the Department of Public Health and use it to update your social security card, driver’s license, bank accounts, and other records which contain the name used during your marriage.
How to Change Your Name (5 steps)
- Complete Paperwork
- Request Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
- Submit Filing
- Notify Your Spouse
- Await the Court’s Decision
1. Complete Paperwork
If you are above the age of 18 and you do not have any civil disabilities (e.g., legal rights or privileges revoked), you can request a name change in Iowa by filing a Petition for Change of Name.[1] Download the form and fill out your personal information, including residence history, real estate interests, and the reason for your request.[2]
2. Request Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
A certified copy of your birth certificate must be attached to your petition. If you were born in the State of Iowa, you can request your certificate from the Department of Public Health. The certificate will cost $15. If you were born in any state other than Iowa, request your birth certificate by contacting the state’s vital records agency.
3. Submit Filing
Petitioners are required to file electronically unless they obtain special permission from the court. Contact a clerk in your county to see if you would like to file in person or by mail. In your filing, include your signed Petition for Change of Name and the certified copy of your birth certificate.
A $195 filing fee will be due at the time of filing.[3] If you cannot afford the fee, you can file an Application to Defer Costs with the clerk of court.
4. Notify Your Spouse
If you are married, you must provide your spouse with legal notice of your name change petition.[4] Have them sign an Acceptance of Service form if you are notifying them in person, or use certified mail, the sheriff’s office, or a newspaper’s legal notice service.
After notifying your spouse, file the Acceptance of Service or other document showing evidence of notice with the clerk of court.
5. Await the Court’s Decision
Once your filing is complete, the court will issue a judgment on your case. You can check the status of your case by logging into your eFiling account or by calling the court directly. If the court approves the name change, a Decree of Name Change will be issued and sent to you by mail. This document serves as legal evidence of your name change.
Driver’s License
The name on your driver’s license can only be updated after you have corrected your social security information. Therefore, if you have yet to request a new social security card, you must submit Form SS-5 to a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office along with the required accompanying documents.
After notifying the SSA, go in person to an Iowa driver’s license issuance office and provide them with a copy of your name change document (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order). You must also supply the necessary identifying documents and pay the $10 processing fee. Your new driver’s license will be issued after completing the above steps.
Voter Registration
In order to update your voter registration information, you will need to either specify the new information online or through the submission of a new Voter Registration Form. If you decide to use the paper form, enter your former name in the “PREVIOUS VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION” portion of the application before filing it with the County Auditor/Commissioner of Elections Office.