How to Change Your Name
in Wisconsin
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Wisconsin.
Filing Fee
$160-$200
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Circuit Court
Where you file
Wisconsin Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Circuit Court
Where to File
File in the Circuit Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$160-$200
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for three consecutive weeks, unless waived for safety reasons.
Wisconsin-Specific Rule
Wisconsin requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper once a week for three consecutive weeks. However, courts may waive the requirement if the petitioner provides a valid safety reason.
Required Documents in Wisconsin
Petition for Change of Name (GF-174)
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Wisconsin residency
Affidavit of publication or safety waiver request
6-Step Name Change Process in Wisconsin
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Circuit 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 (GF-174), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Wisconsin residency, Affidavit of publication or safety waiver request.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Wisconsin is approximately $160-$200. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Wisconsin requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for three consecutive weeks, unless waived for safety reasons.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Wisconsin 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 — Wisconsin Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you file in the Circuit Court. File in the Circuit 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 Wisconsin?
The filing fee in Wisconsin is approximately $160-$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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for three consecutive weeks, unless waived for safety reasons.
How long does a name change take in Wisconsin?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin?
For your name change petition in Wisconsin, gather: Petition for Change of Name (GF-174), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Wisconsin residency, Affidavit of publication or safety waiver request. JustiPal™ provides a complete Wisconsin-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Wisconsin. Takes 2 minutes.
Check My ReadinessFull Service · $97
Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Wisconsin-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.
Other State Guides