How to Change Your Name
in Maine
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Maine.
Filing Fee
$25-$60
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Probate Court
Where you file
Maine Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Probate Court
Where to File
File in the Probate Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$25-$60
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Not required
No Publication Required in Maine
No publication required in Maine.
Maine-Specific Rule
Maine processes adult name changes through the Probate Court, which is unusual among states. Maine does not require newspaper publication, and the process is relatively simple and inexpensive.
Required Documents in Maine
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Maine county residency
Social Security card
6-Step Name Change Process in Maine
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Probate 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 Maine county residency, Social Security card.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Maine is approximately $25-$60. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Wait for Court Processing
No newspaper publication is required in Maine. The court will process your petition and schedule a hearing or issue the order directly.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Maine 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 — Maine Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Maine?
In Maine, you file in the Probate Court. File in the Probate 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 Maine?
The filing fee in Maine is approximately $25-$60. 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 Maine?
No publication required in Maine.
How long does a name change take in Maine?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Maine. 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 Maine?
For your name change petition in Maine, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Maine county residency, Social Security card. JustiPal™ provides a complete Maine-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Maine. Takes 2 minutes.
Check My ReadinessFull Service · $97
Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Maine-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Maine 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 Maine.
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