How to Change Your Name
in South Carolina
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in South Carolina.
Filing Fee
$150-$200
Court fee
Timeline
4-10 weeks
To court order
Court
Court of Common Pleas
Where you file
South Carolina 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
$150-$200
Processing Time
4-10 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in South Carolina
South Carolina requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
South Carolina-Specific Rule
South Carolina requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for three consecutive weeks before the hearing date.
Required Documents in South Carolina
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of South Carolina residency
Affidavit of publication
6-Step Name Change Process in South Carolina
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 South Carolina residency, Affidavit of publication.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in South Carolina is approximately $150-$200. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
South Carolina requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some South Carolina 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 — South Carolina Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, 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 South Carolina?
The filing fee in South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
South Carolina requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
How long does a name change take in South Carolina?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-10 weeks in South Carolina. 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 South Carolina?
For your name change petition in South Carolina, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of South Carolina residency, Affidavit of publication. JustiPal™ provides a complete South Carolina-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with South Carolina-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- South Carolina 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 South Carolina.
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