How to Change Your Name
in Delaware
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Delaware.
Filing Fee
$85-$175
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Superior Court
Where you file
Delaware Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Superior Court
Where to File
File in the Superior Court in the county where you have resided for at least 6 months
Filing Fee
$85-$175
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Delaware
Delaware requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least once prior to the hearing.
Delaware-Specific Rule
Delaware requires the petitioner to have been a resident of the county for at least 6 months. The court may require a background check at its discretion.
Required Documents in Delaware
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Delaware residency for 6 months
Affidavit of publication
6-Step Name Change Process in Delaware
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Superior 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 Delaware residency for 6 months, Affidavit of publication.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Delaware is approximately $85-$175. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Delaware requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least once prior to the hearing.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Delaware 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 — Delaware Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Delaware?
In Delaware, you file in the Superior Court. File in the Superior 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 Delaware?
The filing fee in Delaware is approximately $85-$175. 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 Delaware?
Delaware requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least once prior to the hearing.
How long does a name change take in Delaware?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Delaware. 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 Delaware?
For your name change petition in Delaware, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Delaware residency for 6 months, Affidavit of publication. JustiPal™ provides a complete Delaware-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Delaware. Takes 2 minutes.
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Delaware-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Delaware 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 Delaware.
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