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Indiana Name Change Forms | Petition

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Indiana Name Change Forms | Petition

Updated July 21, 2023

Indiana name change forms can be used to request a legal name change for any adult living in the state. These forms can be used for name changes not related to marriage, divorce, or correcting a minor spelling error on a birth certificate.

Name Change After Marriage

Fill out your Indiana marriage license application using the new last name that you would like to use and file the application at the clerk’s office in your county. After the license has been issued and the marriage ceremony has taken place, order a certified copy of your marriage certificate by contacting the clerk in the county where it was issued. This document can be used to update your social security card, driver’s license, and other personal records.

Name Change After Divorce

If you have not yet filed your divorce petition, you can request a name change by filling out a marital settlement agreement and creating a policy within your petition stating the desired name. The court will grant the name change at the time the decree of dissolution is entered. Next, request a certified copy of your divorce decree from the clerk’s office in your county. The certified copy can be used to update your name with the Social Security Administration, DMV, and other agencies.

How to Change Your Name (4 steps)

  1. Prepare Forms
  2. Submit Filing
  3. Publish Notice
  4. Attend Hearing

1. Prepare Forms

If you are an Indiana resident age 17 or older and are not prohibited by law from changing your name, you can change your name by petitioning the court.[1] Begin by downloading the Adult Name Change Forms:

  • Appearance by Unrepresented Person (CCA-GF-0820-3018)
  • Verified Petition for Change of Name (CCA-MI-0219-2012)
  • Order Setting Hearing (CCA-MI-0820-2048)
  • Notice of Filing Proof of Publication (CCA-MI-0219-2009)
  • Notice of Petition for Change of Name (CCA-MI-0219-2010)
  • Order on Verified Petition for Change of Name (CCA-MI-0219-2011)

If you feel unsafe making your name change petition public, a different set of documents will be required.[2] Review the instructions for line-by-line help filling out the forms.

2. Submit Filing

Contact the clerk of court in your county to find out about any special local requirements, accepted payment methods for the filing fee, and how many copies of your forms you will need to submit. Sign the forms, create extra copies for your personal records, and prepare your filing as instructed by the clerk. Then, visit the court to submit your filing. If you cannot afford the $157 filing fee, you can apply for a waiver by filling out a Verified Motion for Fee Waiver (CCA-GF-0420-3006).[3]

Upon accepting your forms, the clerk will stamp the documents and return copies to you. Ask the clerk to notify you of the date and time of your court hearing, and enter this information on the Notice of Petition for Name Change.

3. Publish Notice

Bring the completed Notice of Petition for Name Change to a local newspaper. Ask the newspaper to publish the Notice one time each week for three weeks in a row. The final date of publication must be no less than 30 days before the date of your hearing.

After the article has been published for three weeks, the newspaper will issue a document showing proof that the article has been published. Make a copy of this document. Attach the original document to the Notice of Filing Proof of Publication and file it with the court.

4. Attend Hearing

Attend your hearing at the scheduled time. Make sure you have the following documents with you:

  • Photo identification
  • Birth certificate or other proof of birth
  • Copies of all of your filed paperwork

If your request is granted, the judge will sign the Order on Verified Petition for Change of Name and return it to you. This document will serve as legal evidence of your name change. The court will notifiy the state department of health and local county health department. Ask the clerk for certified copies that you can use to notify other government agencies and interested parties of your new name.

Driver’s License

Before the name on your driver’s license can be changed, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) and request a new social security card. This process can be accomplished by filling out the Application for a Social Security Card and submitting it to a local office (see office locator). Along with the application, you will need to have the following documents:

  • Proof of citizenship
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of name change

Review the list of what documents are accepted by the SSA. After a new social security card has been requested, wait at least one business day before attempting to obtain a new driver’s license.

Your new driver’s license must be applied for within 30 days of your name change. To request a new license, appear at a BMV office in person and submit the following:

  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of lawful U.S. presence
  • Proof of name change
  • Proof of residency
  • Filing fee[1]

Find out what documents are accepted by the BMV by reviewing this pamphlet. Additional items may be required. Contact the DMV office prior to your visit to determine the exact requirements. Your new driver’s license will be mailed to you after your filings have been processed.

Voter Registration

Updating your voter registration information to reflect your name change can be accomplished in one of two ways. Either file a new Voter Registration Form in person or by mail or update your information online. If you decide to update your information by mail or in person, select the “Name change” checkbox in section (1) of the form and enter your former name in section (13).

Sources

  1. Ind. Code § 34-28-2-1.5
  2. Ind. Code § 34-28-2-4
  3. How to File Forms — Indiana Legal Help
  4. Filing Fees