How to Change Your Name
in Minnesota
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Minnesota.
Filing Fee
$325-$395
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
District Court
Where you file
Minnesota Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
District Court
Where to File
File in the District Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$325-$395
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Not required
No Publication Required in Minnesota
No publication required in Minnesota for most adults, though courts retain discretion.
Minnesota-Specific Rule
Minnesota does not require newspaper publication for most adult name changes. However, the court has discretion to order publication. Registered sex offenders must follow additional notification procedures.
Required Documents in Minnesota
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Minnesota residency
Social Security card
6-Step Name Change Process in Minnesota
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the District 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 Minnesota residency, Social Security card.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Minnesota is approximately $325-$395. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Wait for Court Processing
No newspaper publication is required in Minnesota. The court will process your petition and schedule a hearing or issue the order directly.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Minnesota 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 — Minnesota Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, you file in the District Court. File in the District 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 Minnesota?
The filing fee in Minnesota is approximately $325-$395. 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 Minnesota?
No publication required in Minnesota for most adults, though courts retain discretion.
How long does a name change take in Minnesota?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota?
For your name change petition in Minnesota, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Minnesota residency, Social Security card. JustiPal™ provides a complete Minnesota-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Minnesota-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Minnesota 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 Minnesota.
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