How to Change Your Name
in Arkansas
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Arkansas.
Filing Fee
$100-$165
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Circuit Court
Where you file
Arkansas Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Circuit Court
Where to File
File in the Circuit Court in the county where you have resided for at least 6 months
Filing Fee
$100-$165
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Arkansas
Arkansas requires publication of the name change notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in the county where the petition is filed.
Arkansas-Specific Rule
Arkansas requires publication of the name change notice and that the petitioner has been a resident of the county for at least 6 months before filing.
Required Documents in Arkansas
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of county residency for at least 6 months
Affidavit of publication after notice is published
6-Step Name Change Process in Arkansas
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Circuit Court in the county where you have resided for at least 6 months. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of county residency for at least 6 months, Affidavit of publication after notice is published.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Arkansas is approximately $100-$165. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Arkansas requires publication of the name change notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in the county where the petition is filed.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Arkansas courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Arkansas Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, you file in the Circuit Court. File in the Circuit Court in the county where you have resided for at least 6 months. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Arkansas?
The filing fee in Arkansas is approximately $100-$165. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires publication of the name change notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in the county where the petition is filed.
How long does a name change take in Arkansas?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Arkansas. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in Arkansas?
For your name change petition in Arkansas, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of county residency for at least 6 months, Affidavit of publication after notice is published. JustiPal™ provides a complete Arkansas-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Arkansas-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Arkansas document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in Arkansas.
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