How to Change Your Name
in Indiana
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Indiana.
Filing Fee
$132-$157
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Circuit Court or Superior Court
Where you file
Indiana Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Circuit Court or Superior Court
Where to File
File in the Circuit Court or Superior Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$132-$157
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Indiana
Indiana requires publication of the name change notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county prior to the hearing.
Indiana-Specific Rule
Indiana requires publication of the name change notice once in a local newspaper. The petitioner must also certify they are not filing to defraud creditors or avoid legal obligations.
Required Documents in Indiana
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Indiana residency
Affidavit of publication
6-Step Name Change Process in Indiana
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Circuit Court or 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, Proof of Indiana residency, Affidavit of publication.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Indiana is approximately $132-$157. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Indiana requires publication of the name change notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county prior to the hearing.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Indiana 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 — Indiana Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Indiana?
In Indiana, you file in the Circuit Court or Superior Court. File in the Circuit Court or 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 Indiana?
The filing fee in Indiana is approximately $132-$157. 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 Indiana?
Indiana requires publication of the name change notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county prior to the hearing.
How long does a name change take in Indiana?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Indiana. 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 Indiana?
For your name change petition in Indiana, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Indiana residency, Affidavit of publication. JustiPal™ provides a complete Indiana-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Indiana. Takes 2 minutes.
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Indiana-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Indiana 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 Indiana.
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