How to Change Your Name
in Michigan
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Michigan.
Filing Fee
$175-$250
Court fee
Timeline
6-10 weeks
To court order
Court
Circuit Court
Where you file
Michigan Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Circuit Court
Where to File
File in the Circuit Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$175-$250
Processing Time
6-10 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Michigan
Michigan requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county. A safety waiver is available.
Michigan-Specific Rule
Michigan requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper in the county. However, publication may be waived if the petitioner can show a safety concern.
Required Documents in Michigan
Petition to Change Name (PC 51)
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Michigan residency
Affidavit of publication or request for waiver
6-Step Name Change Process in Michigan
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Circuit 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 to Change Name (PC 51), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Michigan residency, Affidavit of publication or request for waiver.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Michigan is approximately $175-$250. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Michigan requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county. A safety waiver is available.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Michigan courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 6-10 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 — Michigan Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Michigan?
In Michigan, you file in the Circuit Court. File in the Circuit 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 Michigan?
The filing fee in Michigan is approximately $175-$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 Michigan?
Michigan requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county. A safety waiver is available.
How long does a name change take in Michigan?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 6-10 weeks in Michigan. 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 Michigan?
For your name change petition in Michigan, gather: Petition to Change Name (PC 51), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Michigan residency, Affidavit of publication or request for waiver. JustiPal™ provides a complete Michigan-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Michigan-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Michigan 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 Michigan.
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