How to Change Your Name
in Pennsylvania
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Pennsylvania.
Filing Fee
$200-$350
Court fee
Timeline
4-10 weeks
To court order
Court
Court of Common Pleas
Where you file
Pennsylvania Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Court of Common Pleas
Where to File
File in the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$200-$350
Processing Time
4-10 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires publication in two newspapers: one newspaper of general circulation and the county's legal journal, both at least once prior to the hearing.
Pennsylvania-Specific Rule
Pennsylvania requires publication in two newspapers — one general circulation newspaper and one legal journal — both published in the county. This is one of the more extensive publication requirements in the country.
Required Documents in Pennsylvania
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Pennsylvania residency
Affidavit of publication in both required newspapers
6-Step Name Change Process in Pennsylvania
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Court of Common Pleas 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 Pennsylvania residency, Affidavit of publication in both required newspapers.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Pennsylvania is approximately $200-$350. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Pennsylvania requires publication in two newspapers: one newspaper of general circulation and the county's legal journal, both at least once prior to the hearing.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Pennsylvania courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-10 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 — Pennsylvania Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you file in the Court of Common Pleas. File in the Court of Common Pleas 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 Pennsylvania?
The filing fee in Pennsylvania is approximately $200-$350. 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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires publication in two newspapers: one newspaper of general circulation and the county's legal journal, both at least once prior to the hearing.
How long does a name change take in Pennsylvania?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-10 weeks in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania?
For your name change petition in Pennsylvania, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Pennsylvania residency, Affidavit of publication in both required newspapers. JustiPal™ provides a complete Pennsylvania-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Pennsylvania-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
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