How to Change Your Name
in Georgia
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Georgia.
Filing Fee
$200-$250
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Superior Court
Where you file
Georgia Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Superior Court
Where to File
File in the Superior Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$200-$250
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Georgia
Georgia requires publication of the name change petition in the county's official legal organ once a week for four consecutive weeks prior to the hearing.
Georgia-Specific Rule
Georgia requires publication in the county's legal organ (official legal newspaper) once a week for four weeks before the hearing. The petitioner must also notify the sheriff and district attorney.
Required Documents in Georgia
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Affidavit of publication after four weeks
Proof of Georgia residency
6-Step Name Change Process in Georgia
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Superior 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, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Affidavit of publication after four weeks, Proof of Georgia residency.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Georgia is approximately $200-$250. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Georgia requires publication of the name change petition in the county's official legal organ once a week for four consecutive weeks prior to the hearing.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Georgia 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 — Georgia Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Georgia?
In Georgia, you file in the Superior Court. File in the Superior 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 Georgia?
The filing fee in Georgia is approximately $200-$250. 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 Georgia?
Georgia requires publication of the name change petition in the county's official legal organ once a week for four consecutive weeks prior to the hearing.
How long does a name change take in Georgia?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Georgia. 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 Georgia?
For your name change petition in Georgia, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Affidavit of publication after four weeks, Proof of Georgia residency. JustiPal™ provides a complete Georgia-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Georgia-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Georgia 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 Georgia.
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