How to Change Your Name in Colorado — Complete 2026 Guide
Marriage, divorce, court, minor, gender — every Colorado name change path in one place.
Changing your name in Colorado means picking the right path — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a Petition for Change of Name filed at the District Court in your county of residence (Denver, Arapahoe, El Paso, and other county districts). We fill out every government form for you, free, and walk you through what to file in what order. Marriage and divorce name changes wrap up in 6–8 weeks; court-ordered changes run 4–8 weeks plus a 3-week newspaper publication, with filing fees $150–$450 by county.
Quick Facts: Colorado Name Change
The numbers you'll come back to. Filing fees vary by county; certified copies cost extra at every step.
| Court Filing Fee | $150–$450 (varies by county) |
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| Newspaper Publication | $40–$200 (3 weeks, court-ordered changes only) |
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| Certified Copies | ~$10–$30 each (order 4) |
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| DMV Driver's License Fee | $30.87 (in person, no DMV form number) |
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| Court-Ordered Timeline | 4–8 weeks from filing to final order |
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| Marriage/Divorce Timeline | Immediate with certificate or decree |
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| Court Jurisdiction | District Court in your county of residence |
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| Publication Required? | Yes for court-ordered (waivable for safety) |
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Colorado-Specific Details
Colorado adult name change petitions are filed in the District Court of your county of residence. Major filing courts include the Denver District Court, the Arapahoe County District Court in Centennial, and the El Paso County District Court in Colorado Springs. Filing fees typically range $150–$450, with most counties at the higher end of that band. One Colorado-specific provision worth knowing: minors aged 14 and older can petition for their own name change with a parent's consent, and the courts will hear the minor's preference directly — a more youth-empowering process than most states.
Publication is required for two consecutive weeks in a county-approved newspaper at $40–$200. The Denver Daily Journal handles most legal notices in the Denver metro, while the Colorado Springs Gazette and the Pueblo Chieftain serve those areas. Colorado has notably progressive identity-document policies — the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles allows self-attestation for gender marker changes and offers a nonbinary "X" option on driver's licenses, no court order or medical documentation required.
For your license update, the Colorado DMV charges $30.87 and requires an appointment at most driver license offices — book at mydmv.colorado.gov. The Denver Northeast and Lakewood offices see the heaviest volume; suburban Boulder and Larimer County offices process updates faster. Bring your certified court order, current license, and updated Social Security card. Colorado's REAL ID compliant licenses serve as federal-travel-acceptable identification. Your new license arrives by mail in 1–4 weeks. Estimate your total at our cost calculator.
Pick Your Colorado Name Change Path
Each path has its own paperwork, court involvement, and timeline. Tap a card to see how it works in Colorado, then jump to the full guide.
Marriage Name Change in Colorado
In Colorado, your marriage certificate is your legal name change document — no court order, no publication, no hearing. The Colorado DMV charges $30.87 for the new license.
After marriage in Colorado, you can change your name using your certified marriage certificate as proof. This is the most straightforward Colorado name change process since no court order is required.
Getting Your Marriage Certificate
First, obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk where you got your marriage license. You'll need this original or certified copy — photocopies won't work for official name changes. The certificate shows your legal name change from your prior name to your married name.
Step-by-Step Process
Start with Social Security first, since most other agencies require your updated Social Security card as proof of your name change. Visit your local Social Security office with your marriage certificate, current ID, and proof of citizenship. The new card arrives in 2-4 weeks.
Next, update your Colorado driver's license. The DMV requires your updated Social Security card, so wait at least 24-48 hours after your SSA visit before going to the DMV. Bring your current license, marriage certificate, new Social Security card, and $30.87 for the replacement fee.
For your passport name change, you can use form DS-82 if your current passport was issued within the last 15 years and you were age 16 or older when it was issued. Mail the form with your current passport, marriage certificate, and new passport photo.
Timeline Expectations
The entire marriage name change process in Colorado typically takes 6-8 weeks once you have your marriage certificate. Social Security takes 2-4 weeks, your driver's license is updated the same day with the permanent card arriving in 1-4 weeks, and passport processing takes 6-8 weeks for routine service.
Full marriage name change guide →
Divorce Name Change in Colorado
Colorado offers two paths: name restoration written into your divorce decree (free, easy), or a separate petition at the District Court after the divorce is final.
Colorado divorce name changes can happen in two ways: as part of your divorce decree or through a separate petition afterward. If you want to restore your prior name, it's usually easier to include this request in your original divorce proceedings.
Name Restoration in Divorce Decree
The simplest approach is requesting name restoration when you file for divorce. Your attorney or you (if representing yourself) can include this request in the divorce petition. The final divorce decree will include language restoring your prior name, making the decree your proof of name change.
Once your divorce is final, use the certified divorce decree the same way you'd use a marriage certificate. Start with Social Security, then move to the DMV, passport, and other agencies. The decree must specifically state that your name is restored — if it doesn't mention the name change, you'll need a separate court order.
Separate Name Change Petition
If your divorce decree didn't address the name change, you can file a separate petition for name change with the district court. This follows the same process as a court-ordered name change for adults, including publication requirements and court hearings.
This separate petition is more expensive and time-consuming than including name restoration in the original divorce, but it's available if needed. The process takes 4-8 weeks and requires filing fees that vary by county.
Full divorce name change guide →
Court-Ordered Name Change in Colorado (Adult)
For any name change that's not through marriage or divorce. File a Petition for Change of Name at the District Court in your county. Filing fees $150–$450, plus 3 weeks of newspaper publication.
For name changes not related to marriage or divorce, Colorado adults must petition the district court in their county of residence. This court-ordered name change process is more involved but handles any reason for changing your name.
Step 1: File Your Petition
Start by filing a Petition for Change of Name with the district court in your county. The petition must include your current legal name, the name you want to adopt, your reason for the change, and confirmation that you're not trying to avoid debts or legal obligations. Colorado courts have specific forms for name change petitions — contact your local court clerk for the exact forms required in your county.
Step 2: Pay Filing Fees
Filing fees vary by county but typically range from $150-300. Some courts charge additional fees for publication costs. If you can't afford the fees, you may request a fee waiver by filing an affidavit of indigency along with your petition.
Step 3: Publication Requirement
Colorado requires publishing notice of your name change petition in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. This gives the public notice of your intended name change. The court can waive publication in cases involving personal safety concerns, such as domestic violence situations or transgender individuals who might face harassment.
Step 4: Court Hearing
After publication, the court will schedule a hearing. You must appear before the judge, who will ask about your reasons for the name change and whether anyone has objected. If the judge approves your petition, you'll receive a court order officially changing your name. This order becomes your proof of legal name change.
What Courts Consider
Colorado judges approve name changes unless they find fraudulent intent or the change would be harmful to public interest. Valid reasons include personal preference, religious beliefs, gender identity, professional reasons, or wanting to match a name you've used informally. Courts typically deny requests for names that are obscene, confusing, or intended to defraud creditors.
Processing Timeline
The entire court-ordered name change process takes 4-8 weeks in Colorado. This includes time for filing, publication (3 weeks), and scheduling the hearing. Some counties move faster than others, so check with your local court clerk for current timelines.
Full court-order name change guide →
Minor Name Change in Colorado
Colorado requires court approval for any minor name change, with both biological parents' consent. A Colorado-specific provision: minors aged 14+ can petition for their own name change with a parent's consent.
Changing a minor's name in Colorado requires court approval and involves additional considerations around parental consent and the child's best interests. The process protects children while allowing necessary name changes.
Parental Consent Requirements
Both biological parents must consent to the minor's name change, even if they're divorced or separated. If one parent objects, the court will hold a hearing to determine what's in the child's best interest. The petitioning parent must demonstrate that the name change benefits the child.
If one parent is deceased, absent, or has had their parental rights terminated, the court may proceed without their consent. You'll need to provide documentation showing why the absent parent cannot consent, such as a death certificate or termination order.
Guardian and Stepparent Situations
Legal guardians can petition for a ward's name change following the same process as parents. Stepparents wanting to change their stepchild's name must have the biological parent's consent and, if applicable, consent from the non-custodial biological parent.
In cases where the biological father is unknown or uninvolved, the court may still require attempts to notify him of the name change petition. Each situation is unique, so consulting with the court clerk about your specific circumstances is recommended.
Court Considerations for Minors
Colorado courts prioritize the child's best interest when evaluating minor name change petitions. Factors include the child's relationship with both parents, the reason for the change, the child's preference (if age-appropriate), and any potential confusion or harm from the name change.
For older minors (typically 12+), judges often consider the child's opinion about the name change. The court may interview the child privately to understand their feelings without parental pressure.
Full minor name change guide →
Gender Identity Name Change in Colorado
Colorado allows DMV self-attestation for gender marker changes — no court order or medical documentation required — and offers a nonbinary "X" option on driver's licenses.
Colorado provides inclusive procedures for transgender and non-binary individuals changing their names and gender markers. The state recognizes that name changes are often essential for transgender people's safety, dignity, and legal recognition.
Name Change Process
The court petition process for gender identity-related name changes follows the same steps as other adult name changes: filing a petition, paying fees, publication, and a court hearing. However, Colorado courts can waive the publication requirement if it might subject the petitioner to harassment or discrimination.
When requesting publication waiver, explain in your petition how publication might threaten your safety or privacy. Many Colorado judges grant these waivers for transgender petitioners, recognizing the legitimate safety concerns around public disclosure.
Gender Marker Changes
Colorado allows gender marker changes on both driver's licenses and birth certificates. For your driver's license, the DMV accepts self-attestation — no court order or medical documentation required. You can choose male (M), female (F), or non-binary (X) markers.
Birth certificate gender marker changes require a court order. File a separate petition requesting both name change and gender marker amendment. The court typically grants both requests simultaneously, providing a single order that updates both your name and gender marker on your birth certificate.
Medical Documentation
Colorado doesn't require surgery or specific medical treatments for legal gender marker changes. Some courts may request a letter from a healthcare provider familiar with your gender transition, but this varies by judge and county. The letter should confirm your gender identity and that the change is appropriate.
Having medical documentation can strengthen your petition, but Colorado law increasingly recognizes self-determination in gender identity matters. Focus on explaining how the name and gender marker changes support your wellbeing and safety.
Full gender identity guide →
Updating Your Documents After Your Colorado Name Change
Work through these in order — federal first, then state, then private. Your Social Security card unlocks every other update.
- Social Security Administration. Update your card first — every other agency verifies against SSA records.
- Colorado DMV. Update your driver's license in person; bring your updated SS card and name change document.
- U.S. Passport. Change your passport name using DS-82, DS-11, or DS-5504 depending on your situation.
- IRS. File Form 8822 to notify the IRS, though they'll auto-update when you file your next tax return.
Show 6 more agencies + accounts to update
- Voter Registration. Update with the Colorado Secretary of State or your county clerk's office.
- U.S. Postal Service. Update with USPS and set up mail forwarding if needed.
- Banks & Credit Cards. Contact every financial institution to update account names and order new cards.
- Employer / HR. Update employment records, payroll, and benefits.
- Insurance. Health, auto, renters/homeowners, and life policies.
- Professional Licenses. Colorado licensing boards for medical, legal, real estate, and other licensed professions.
Colorado DMV Name Change Requirements
In-person visit required. Update Social Security first, then wait 24-48 hours so DMV can verify your new name against SSA records.
What to bring:
- Your current Colorado driver's license or state ID.
- Certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
- Your Social Security card with your new name.
- Proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.).
- $30.87 replacement license fee — cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card.
The DMV process: Appointments are recommended — schedule online at mydmv.colorado.gov. There's no separate downloadable form for a name change; you complete the application at the office, present documents, pay the fee, and take a new photo. Temporary paper license immediately, permanent card by mail in 1-4 weeks.
Gender marker: Colorado accepts self-attestation for gender marker changes on driver's licenses — no court order or medical documentation needed. Non-binary (X) markers are available. Simply tell the DMV clerk your preferred gender marker during your name change visit.
REAL ID upgrade: Bring your birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and two proofs of Colorado residency in addition to the documents above. REAL ID is recommended for domestic air travel.
DMV contact: dmv.colorado.gov · 303-205-5600 · Hours vary by location — check the website before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in Colorado?
A court-ordered name change in Colorado costs vary by county, typically ranging from $150-300 in filing fees plus publication costs. Marriage and divorce name changes only require document fees (marriage certificate, divorce decree copies). The DMV charges $30.87 for a replacement license after your name change.
How long does a name change take in Colorado?
Court-ordered name changes take 4-8 weeks from filing to receiving your final order. Marriage name changes can be completed immediately once you have your marriage certificate. The full document update process (Social Security, DMV, passport, etc.) takes 6-12 weeks regardless of your name change type.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Colorado?
No lawyer is required for a name change in Colorado. You can represent yourself in court proceedings for name change petitions. However, consulting an attorney may be helpful in complex situations like contested minor name changes or when dealing with criminal history issues.
Can I change my name without a court order in Colorado?
Yes, if you're changing your name due to marriage or divorce. Marriage certificates and divorce decrees with name restoration serve as legal proof of name change without requiring a separate court order. All other name changes require a court-ordered petition and hearing.
Where do I file for a name change in Colorado?
File your name change petition with the district court in the county where you reside. Each county has specific forms and procedures, so contact your local court clerk's office for exact requirements and current fees before filing.
Can I change my child's name in Colorado?
Yes, but minor name changes require court approval and consent from both biological parents unless one parent is deceased, absent, or has terminated parental rights. The court considers the child's best interests when evaluating the petition.
Are there restrictions on what name I can choose in Colorado?
Colorado courts deny name changes that are obscene, confusing, intended to defraud creditors, or harmful to public interest. Otherwise, you can choose almost any name for personal, religious, professional, or gender identity reasons. Judges have broad discretion in approving reasonable name change requests.
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