How to Change Your Name
in Maryland
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Maryland.
Filing Fee
$165-$200
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Circuit Court
Where you file
Maryland Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Circuit Court
Where to File
File in the Circuit Court in the county or Baltimore City where you reside
Filing Fee
$165-$200
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Not required
No Publication Required in Maryland
No publication required in Maryland.
Maryland-Specific Rule
Maryland does not require newspaper publication for adult name changes. The petitioner must appear at a scheduled hearing before a judge or magistrate.
Required Documents in Maryland
Petition for Change of Name (CC-DR-060)
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Maryland residency
Social Security card
6-Step Name Change Process in Maryland
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Circuit Court in the county or Baltimore City 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 (CC-DR-060), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Maryland residency, Social Security card.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Maryland is approximately $165-$200. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Wait for Court Processing
No newspaper publication is required in Maryland. The court will process your petition and schedule a hearing or issue the order directly.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Maryland 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 — Maryland Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Maryland?
In Maryland, you file in the Circuit Court. File in the Circuit Court in the county or Baltimore City where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Maryland?
The filing fee in Maryland is approximately $165-$200. 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 Maryland?
No publication required in Maryland.
How long does a name change take in Maryland?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Maryland. 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 Maryland?
For your name change petition in Maryland, gather: Petition for Change of Name (CC-DR-060), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Maryland residency, Social Security card. JustiPal™ provides a complete Maryland-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Maryland. Takes 2 minutes.
Check My ReadinessFull Service · $97
Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Maryland-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Maryland 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 Maryland.
Other State Guides