How to Change Your Name
in North Carolina

Complete the Name Change Petition

File your petition in File in the Superior Court in the county where you have resided for at least 6 months. 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 county residency for at least 6 months, Affidavit of publication.

Pay the Filing Fee

The filing fee in North Carolina is approximately $150-$200. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.

Complete Newspaper Publication

North Carolina requires publication of the name change notice once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in the county.

Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)

Some North Carolina 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.