How to Change Your Name
in Nebraska
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Nebraska.
Filing Fee
$150-$200
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
District Court
Where you file
Nebraska Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
District Court
Where to File
File in the District Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$150-$200
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Nebraska
Nebraska requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a legal newspaper published in the county.
Nebraska-Specific Rule
Nebraska requires publication once a week for three consecutive weeks in a legal newspaper in the county. The court will issue an order after the publication period and a brief hearing.
Required Documents in Nebraska
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Nebraska residency
Affidavit of publication
6-Step Name Change Process in Nebraska
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 Nebraska residency, Affidavit of publication.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Nebraska is approximately $150-$200. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Nebraska requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a legal newspaper published in the county.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Nebraska 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 — Nebraska Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, 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 Nebraska?
The filing fee in Nebraska is approximately $150-$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 Nebraska?
Nebraska requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a legal newspaper published in the county.
How long does a name change take in Nebraska?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Nebraska. 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 Nebraska?
For your name change petition in Nebraska, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Nebraska residency, Affidavit of publication. JustiPal™ provides a complete Nebraska-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Nebraska. Takes 2 minutes.
Check My ReadinessFull Service · $97
Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Nebraska-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Nebraska 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 Nebraska.
Other State Guides