How to Change Your Name
in Colorado
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Colorado.
Filing Fee
$90-$225
Court fee
Timeline
3-8 weeks
To court order
Court
District Court
Where you file
Colorado Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
District Court
Where to File
File in the District Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$90-$225
Processing Time
3-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Not required
No Publication Required in Colorado
No publication required in Colorado.
Colorado-Specific Rule
Colorado does not require newspaper publication for adult name changes. The court will set a hearing date, and if no objections are filed, the name change is typically granted.
Required Documents in Colorado
Petition for Change of Name (JDF 415)
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Colorado residency
Order for Change of Name (JDF 416)
6-Step Name Change Process in Colorado
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the District Court in the county where you reside. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Petition for Change of Name (JDF 415), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Colorado residency, Order for Change of Name (JDF 416).
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Colorado is approximately $90-$225. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Wait for Court Processing
No newspaper publication is required in Colorado. The court will process your petition and schedule a hearing or issue the order directly.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Colorado courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 3-8 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 — Colorado Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Colorado?
In Colorado, you file in the District Court. File in the District Court in the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Colorado?
The filing fee in Colorado is approximately $90-$225. 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 Colorado?
No publication required in Colorado.
How long does a name change take in Colorado?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 3-8 weeks in Colorado. 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 Colorado?
For your name change petition in Colorado, gather: Petition for Change of Name (JDF 415), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Colorado residency, Order for Change of Name (JDF 416). JustiPal™ provides a complete Colorado-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Colorado-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Colorado 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 Colorado.
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