How to Change Your Name
in North Dakota
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in North Dakota.
Filing Fee
$80-$150
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
District Court
Where you file
North Dakota Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
District Court
Where to File
File in the District Court in the county where you have resided for at least 6 months
Filing Fee
$80-$150
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in North Dakota
North Dakota requires publication of the name change notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
North Dakota-Specific Rule
North Dakota requires publication of the name change notice once a week for two consecutive weeks. The petitioner must also have been a resident of the county for at least 6 months.
Required Documents in North Dakota
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
6-Step Name Change Process in North Dakota
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the District 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 Dakota is approximately $80-$150. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
North Dakota requires publication of the name change notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some North Dakota 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 — North Dakota Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, you file in the District Court. File in the District Court in the county where you have resided for at least 6 months. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in North Dakota?
The filing fee in North Dakota is approximately $80-$150. 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 North Dakota?
North Dakota requires publication of the name change notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
How long does a name change take in North Dakota?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in North Dakota. 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 North Dakota?
For your name change petition in North Dakota, gather: 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. JustiPal™ provides a complete North Dakota-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
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Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with North Dakota-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- North Dakota 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 North Dakota.
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