How to Change Your Name
in Illinois
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Illinois.
Filing Fee
$250-$400
Court fee
Timeline
3-6 weeks
To court order
Court
Circuit Court
Where you file
Illinois 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
$250-$400
Processing Time
3-6 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Not required
No Publication Required in Illinois
No publication required in Illinois, though the court retains discretion to order publication in specific cases.
Illinois-Specific Rule
Illinois generally does not require publication, but the court may order it. A certified copy of the order must be filed with the county recorder. Petitioners must have been residents of the county for at least 6 months.
Required Documents in Illinois
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Illinois residency for at least 6 months
Social Security card
6-Step Name Change Process in Illinois
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 Illinois residency for at least 6 months, Social Security card.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Illinois is approximately $250-$400. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Wait for Court Processing
No newspaper publication is required in Illinois. The court will process your petition and schedule a hearing or issue the order directly.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Illinois courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 3-6 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 — Illinois Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Illinois?
In Illinois, 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 Illinois?
The filing fee in Illinois is approximately $250-$400. 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 Illinois?
No publication required in Illinois, though the court retains discretion to order publication in specific cases.
How long does a name change take in Illinois?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 3-6 weeks in Illinois. 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 Illinois?
For your name change petition in Illinois, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Illinois residency for at least 6 months, Social Security card. JustiPal™ provides a complete Illinois-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Illinois. Takes 2 minutes.
Check My ReadinessFull Service · $97
Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Illinois-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Illinois 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 Illinois.
Other State Guides