Updated November 28, 2023
Michigan name change forms allow anyone who has lived in the state for at least a year to apply for a legal name change. The petition should be filed with the Circuit Court in the county where they live. For name changes involving marriage or divorce, a petition is not required.
Name Change After Marriage
A couple in Michigan can change their names as part of applying for a marriage license.[1] Afterward, a certified copy of the marriage license can be used to change your name at government agencies. No court process is necessary.
To obtain a certified copy of a marriage license, an individual can request a copy online or by standard mail using the PDF application (DCH-0569-MX).
Name Change After Divorce
A woman involved in a divorce may change their name as a part of the court proceedings and record in the divorce judgment.[2] However, a man can request a judge to change their name as part of a divorce, which is not guaranteed under State law.
A certified copy of the divorce judgment, which is legal proof of the name change, can be requested online or by mailing the PDF application (DCH-0569-DIV).
How to Change Your Name (7 steps)
- Petitioner Qualifications
- Complete the Court Forms
- File with the Circuit Court
- Obtain a Background Check
- Mail to the State Police
- Make a Newspaper Publication
- Go to the Court Hearing
1. Petitioner Qualifications
2. Complete the Court Forms
To start the process, complete the following forms:
- Petition to Change Name (PC-51) – Make sure to check box #9 to have the court issue a new birth certificate.
- Publication of Notice of Hearing (PC-50)
- Order Following Hearing on Petition to Change Name (PC-52)
3. File with the Circuit Court
Bring the following documents to the Family Division of the Circuit Court in the county you reside:
- Petition to Change Name (PC-51) – 3 copies
- Publication of Notice of Hearing (PC-50) – 2 copies
- Order Following Hearing on Petition to Change Name (PC-52) – 2 copies
- Filing Fee – $175 filing fee or complete the Fee Waiver Request (MC 20)[4]
- Government-issued ID – Driver’s license, State ID, or passport are sufficient.
4. Obtain a Background Check
Within 15 days of filing, it is required to have a criminal background check conducted by a police station or “Live Scan” location (depending on the court).[5]
- Police Station – Must be submitted using the RI-008 Applicant and Personal Identification Card. This type of background check process can take anywhere from three to five weeks to process.
- “Live Scan” – Some circuit courts allow the use of a “Live Scan” submission (find a vendor). It takes approximately seven business days to process.
Either option will be a processing fee of $43.25.
Make sure to bring a copy of the filed Petition to Change Name (PC-51) to the police station or “Live Scan” location.
5. Mail to the State Police
Mail a copy of the Petition for Name Change (PC-51) and completed fingerprint cards (mark the boxes on Segment E under “search requirements” for ‘FBI’ and ‘State’). Include the appropriate fee and send it to:
Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center
Identification Center
P.O. Box 30266
Lansing, MI 48909
Once complete, the FBI and State police will send a report to the court.
6. Make a Newspaper Publication
Use a copy of the Publication of Notice of Hearing (PC-50) and take it to a local newspaper that serves the county where the court is located. When requesting the publication, make sure to obtain a copy of the Affidavit of Publication, which must be filed with the court.
7. Go to the Court Hearing
Bring a copy of all the documents to the court hearing, including a complete version of the Order Following Hearing on Petition to Change Name (PC-52). Prior to the hearing, it is recommended to contact the clerk’s office to ensure the background check has been received. If not, a request to reschedule the hearing should be made.
If the court approves the name change, the judge will sign the Order Following Hearing on Petition to Change Name (PC-52), which can be used to legally change a person’s name with other government agencies and organizations.
Driver’s License
To update a driver’s license, schedule an appointment at least six months after the name change. Bring the following documents to the appointment:
- Proof of use of the new name (i.e., utility bill, bank statements, etc.)
- Current driver’s license
- Proof of name change: (choose one)
- Order Following Hearing on Petition to Change Name (PC-52);
- Marriage license; or
- Divorce judgment.
- $9 fee
Voter Registration
After a name change, a resident of Michigan must update their voter information by using the online registration or schedule an appointment (in person) at a Secretary of State office.
To update online, it is required for a driver’s license to be changed first.