Legal Name Change in Arizona: Court-Ordered Process
Petition the Superior Court for a name change.
A court-ordered name change in Arizona uses a Petition for Change of Name (Maricopa County uses form CV60), Affidavit of Publication, and a Proposed Order, filed at your county Superior Court. Filing fees vary; newspaper publication varies; certified copies vary. Total typical: Varies, less with a fee waiver; check your court.
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Arizona Name Change Forms
Arizona doesn’t have a single statewide petition form — each county Superior Court has its own packet. Maricopa County uses CV60.
The main petition. Current name, requested name, reason for change, residency declaration.
Proof from the newspaper that you published the required legal notice.
The order the judge will sign at your hearing. Your legal proof of name change.
If you can’t afford the filing fee (varies; check your court). Approved based on financial hardship.
Step-by-Step Arizona Name Change Process
Same 4-step path in every Arizona county, with local variation in fees and forms.
Step 1: File Your Petition with the Superior Court
File at the Superior Court in the county where you live. You must be an Arizona resident for the required period before filing. Bring your completed forms, filing fee or fee-waiver application, and a valid photo ID.
Each county may have additional forms or requirements. Maricopa County, Pima County, and other Arizona counties provide their specific forms through their Superior Court websites or clerk’s offices.
Step 2: Publish Notice (varies; check your court)
Arizona requires publication of your name change petition in a qualified newspaper in your county for the required period. The notice must include your current name, requested new name, and court hearing date. Cost: Varies; check your court.
Contact newspapers in your area to place the legal notice — many have standard name change notice formats. The newspaper will provide you with an Affidavit of Publication once the period is complete. You’ll need this affidavit for your court hearing.
Publication exceptions: Some Arizona counties may waive publication requirements in specific circumstances, such as cases involving domestic violence where publication could endanger your safety. Discuss confidential proceedings with your county court if you have safety concerns.
Step 3: Attend Your Court Hearing
Hearing scheduled after your publication period ends. Brief proceeding. The judge verifies your identity, residency, and reasons.
Bring: valid photo ID, Affidavit of Publication from the newspaper, any additional supporting documents, and payment for certified copies of the court order.
Common questions the judge will ask:
- Why do you want to change your name?
- How long have you lived in Arizona?
- Are you changing your name to avoid debts or legal problems?
- Do you understand this is a permanent legal change?
- Have you published the required notice?
Be honest and direct. Most requests are approved unless there’s evidence of fraud or an attempt to avoid debts or legal obligations. Dress appropriately — business casual attire shows respect for the process. Arrive early to check in with court staff and review any last-minute instructions.
Step 4: Get Your Certified Order
Once the judge approves, you receive a signed Order Granting Name Change. Request 3-5 certified copies from the clerk immediately.
After Your Court Order: Updating Your Documents
Federal first. Social Security, then everything else cascades.
Show 6-step update checklist
Form SS-5 with certified court order. Free, 5-10 business days by mail after SSA processes your request. Required first.
The State Department explains which passport form applies to a name change on its Change or Correct a Passport page; its fee calculator and form guide shows what you’ll pay.
Varies; check your state's DMV fee. Bring order. New AZ license usually mailed within the required time. Check your state's DMV.
Update through your county recorder. Free. Update at the same time as your MVD visit if you prefer.
No separate IRS form for most people: the IRS matches your next return to Social Security records. Free.
Order + new license at branch. Same day.
Special Situations in Arizona
Arizona has specific protections for minors, gender identity, and domestic violence survivors.
Show special situations (minors / gender / DV)
Minor Children Name Changes
Changing a minor’s name in Arizona requires additional steps. Both parents (or legal guardians) must typically consent, and the court may require additional documentation proving the change is in the child’s best interest.
- Both parents must consent — or the petitioning parent must show diligent search for the absent parent
- Best-interest standard — the court evaluates whether the change serves the child’s interests
- Additional documentation — courts may require proof of best interest
- If one parent objects — the court may still approve with additional evidence and procedures
See our minor name change guide for the full process.
Gender Identity Name Changes
Arizona courts handle gender identity-related name changes through the same legal process. You don’t need to provide medical documentation or explain your gender identity — the standard petition process applies.
- No medical documentation required — Arizona doesn’t require proof of medical treatment or transition
- Standard petition process — same forms and steps as any name change
- Affirming recognition — court order provides official recognition of your chosen name
- Experienced courts — some counties have judges and staff particularly experienced with gender identity cases
See our gender identity name change guide.
Domestic Violence Protections
If you’re changing your name due to domestic violence or stalking concerns, inform the court when you file your petition. Arizona law provides mechanisms to keep your new name confidential in certain circumstances.
- Publication exemption — potential exemptions from publication requirements for safety
- Sealed records — court can seal your name change records
- Alternative publication — methods that don’t reveal your new name
- Confidential proceedings — discuss with your county court if you have safety concerns
Arizona Name Change Cost Breakdown
Court costs (filing, publication if required, 4 certified copies): Varies; check your court. ID updates are extra. Less with a fee waiver; check your court.
Show full cost table
| Expense | Arizona Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | Varies; check your court | Varies by county; fee waiver available |
| Newspaper Publication | Varies; check your court | Varies; check your court, county-approved newspaper |
| Certified Copies (3-4) | Varies; check your court | Varies; check your court |
| MVD License Update | Varies; check your state's DMV | After receiving certified order |
| Passport Renewal | $130 (DS-82); DS-11: $130 + $35 acceptance fee ($165 total) | DS-82 or DS-11 |
| Court costs total | Varies | Filing + publication (if required) + 4 certified copies; ID updates extra |
Other state guides
See all state guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a legal name change take in Arizona?
Arizona requires you to publish notice of your petition in an approved newspaper once a week for the required period, and the publication must be completed before your hearing. Urban counties like Maricopa and Pima can have longer hearing backlogs.
Which Arizona court handles name change petitions?
Name change petitions in Arizona are filed in the Superior Court of the county where you live. Each county has its own forms and local rules — for example, Maricopa County uses Form CV60 (Application for Change of Name - Adult). You must file in the county where you currently reside; you cannot file in a different Arizona county or in another state.
Do I really have to publish a newspaper notice in Arizona?
Yes, in most cases. Arizona requires you to publish notice of your name change petition in a newspaper of general circulation in your county once a week for the required period, with the last publication before your hearing. Publication varies; check your court. The court can waive publication if you show that publication would jeopardize your safety — for example, in cases involving domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.
How much does an Arizona name change cost?
Total costs vary. Superior Court filing fees vary, newspaper publication varies, and certified copies of your decree vary (plan on 3-4 copies). Arizona courts offer a Deferral or Waiver of Court Fees for qualifying low-income petitioners — ask the clerk for the application when you file.
Do I need a lawyer for a name change in Arizona?
Many people handle a name change themselves. If your situation involves custody, immigration, or a criminal record, consider talking to a lawyer.
Can a judge deny my Arizona name change?
Arizona judges grant most uncontested name change petitions, but they have discretion to deny a request if the change appears intended to defraud creditors, evade law enforcement, interfere with another person's rights, or mislead the public. You must disclose any felony convictions and any pending criminal or civil matters in your petition. Names containing numbers, symbols, or obscenities are also typically rejected.
Official sources
Forms, fees and rules change. Check these official pages (and your county court) before you file.
- Self-Service Center (Arizona Judicial Branch)
- Application for Change of Name of an Adult with No Minor Children (Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County)
- AZ MVD Now (Arizona Department of Transportation MVD)
- Change your name with Social Security (Social Security Administration)
- Replace your Social Security card (card mailed 5-10 business days after processing) (Social Security Administration)
- Name change for a U.S. passport or correct an error (U.S. Department of State)
Links checked 2026-10-09.
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Last verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy