How to Change Your Name in Georgia — Complete 2026 Guide
Marriage, divorce, court, minor, gender — every Georgia name change path in one place.
Changing your name in Georgia means picking the right path — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a Petition for Name Change filed at the Superior Court in your county. Filing fees run $215–$220 statewide, and Georgia is one of the strictest states for publication: court-ordered changes require four consecutive weeks of notice in your county's officially designated legal organ newspaper. We fill out every government form for you, free, and walk you through what to file in what order.
Quick Facts: Georgia Name Change
The numbers you'll come back to. Filing fees are unusually consistent statewide; publication is required for four full weeks.
| Court Filing Fee | $215–$220 (consistent statewide) |
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| Newspaper Publication | $40–$100 (4 consecutive weeks, court-ordered changes only) |
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| Certified Copies | $2–$10 each (order 4) |
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| DDS Driver's License Fee | $32 (replacement license) |
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| Court-Ordered Timeline | 30–60 days from filing to decree |
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| Marriage/Divorce Timeline | Immediate with certificate or decree |
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| Court Jurisdiction | Superior Court in your county of residence |
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| Publication Required? | Yes — 4 weeks in the county legal organ (court-ordered only) |
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Georgia-Specific Details
Georgia name change petitions are filed in the Superior Court of the county where you reside, with major filing locations including the Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta, the DeKalb County Superior Court in Decatur, and the Cobb County Superior Court in Marietta. Filing fees are consistent statewide at $215–$220, making Georgia one of the more predictable states for budgeting. A Georgia-specific procedural quirk: every county has an officially-designated "legal organ" — a specific newspaper the county commission has chosen as its official publication for legal notices — and you must publish in that paper, not just any local newspaper.
In Fulton County the legal organ is the Daily Report, and in many other counties it's a longstanding local paper — your clerk of court will tell you which one to use. Publication runs four consecutive weeks at $40–$100 total. Georgia courts also require petitioners to be at least 18 (minors require parental consent and a separate process) and a Georgia resident for at least six months, with most counties accepting a current driver's license or utility bill as proof.
For DMV updates, Georgia's Department of Driver Services charges $32 for a replacement license and requires an appointment at most Customer Service Centers — book online at dds.georgia.gov before driving in. The Atlanta-area centers in Marietta, Lawrenceville, and Conyers have the most slots; downtown Atlanta has fewer and books out further. Georgia does not currently offer self-attestation for gender marker changes or a nonbinary "X" option on licenses, so plan accordingly. Bring your court order, current license, Social Security card with new name (update SSA first), and proof of residency. New cards arrive by mail in 7–10 business days. Estimate your total at our cost calculator.
Pick Your Georgia Name Change Path
Each path has its own paperwork, court involvement, and timeline. Tap a card to see how it works in Georgia, then jump to the full guide.
Marriage Name Change in Georgia
In Georgia, your certified marriage certificate is your legal name change document — no court order, no publication, no extra fees beyond certified copies ($10 each).
Changing your name after marriage in Georgia is the most straightforward type of name change because you don't need a court order. Your certified marriage certificate serves as your legal proof of name change.
Here's how to change your name after marriage in Georgia:
- Get certified copies of your marriage certificate. You'll need multiple copies (usually 3-4) since many agencies require originals. If you were married in Georgia between June 9, 1952 and 1996, request copies from the Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records for $10 each. For marriages outside this date range, contact the Probate Judge in the county where your license was issued.
- Update your Social Security card first. Visit your local Social Security office with your driver's license, certified marriage certificate, and proof of citizenship. This is free and takes 2-4 weeks to receive your new card.
- Change your Georgia driver's license. Wait 24-48 hours after your SSA visit, then go to a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Center. Bring your current license, marriage certificate, new Social Security card, and two proofs of Georgia residency. The replacement license costs $32.
- Update your passport. If your current passport was issued within the last year, you can renew by mail using Form DS-82. Otherwise, you'll need to apply in person with Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility.
The entire process typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete all your primary documents. You can use your certified marriage certificate immediately to update most accounts, but having your new Social Security card and driver's license makes everything smoother.
Georgia doesn't require you to change your name after marriage — keeping your prior name, hyphenating, or creating a new combined name are all legal options. Whatever you choose, your marriage certificate proves your legal right to use either name.
Full marriage name change guide →
Divorce Name Change in Georgia
Georgia offers two paths: name restoration written into your divorce decree (free, easy), or a separate Superior Court petition — which triggers the full 4-week publication requirement.
If you want to restore your prior name after divorce in Georgia, the easiest approach is to include this request in your divorce proceedings. Your divorce decree will then serve as your legal proof of name change, just like a marriage certificate.
When filing for divorce in Georgia, specifically request name restoration in your petition. The court will typically grant this request automatically, and your final divorce decree will include language restoring your prior name. This costs nothing extra beyond your divorce filing fees.
If your divorce is already finalized and didn't include name restoration, you'll need to file a separate petition for name change in Georgia Superior Court. This follows the same process as any court-ordered name change, including:
- Filing a petition in your county's Superior Court
- Paying court filing fees (varies by county)
- Publishing notice in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks
- Attending a court hearing
The separate petition route takes 30-60 days and costs several hundred dollars when you include filing fees and publication costs. That's why requesting name restoration during your original divorce proceedings is much more efficient.
Once you have your divorce decree with name restoration, follow the same document update process as marriage: Social Security first, then your driver's license, passport, and other accounts.
Full divorce name change guide →
Court-Ordered Name Change in Georgia (Adult)
A Petition for Name Change filed at your county Superior Court costs $215–$220, plus four full weeks of publication in the county's designated legal organ — Georgia has one of the strictest publication windows in the country.
A court-ordered name change in Georgia is required when you want to change your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce. This includes personal preference, gender identity, family reasons, or professional purposes.
Here's the step-by-step process for adult court-ordered name changes in Georgia:
1. File Your Petition
File a "Petition for Name Change" in the Superior Court of the Georgia county where you live. The petition must include your current name, desired new name, reason for the change, and a statement that you're not seeking the change to avoid debts or legal obligations. Court filing fees vary by county but typically range from $200-400.
2. Publish Legal Notice
Georgia law requires you to publish notice of your name change petition in a newspaper of general circulation in your county for four consecutive weeks. The notice must include your current and desired names and the date of your court hearing. Publication costs typically range from $80-200 depending on the newspaper.
3. Attend Your Court Hearing
After the publication period ends, you'll attend a hearing before a Superior Court judge. Bring photo identification and be prepared to answer questions about why you want to change your name. The judge will review your petition and the published notice before granting your name change order.
4. Obtain Certified Copies
Once the judge grants your petition, request several certified copies of your name change order from the court clerk. You'll need these certified copies to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and other documents.
The entire court process typically takes 30-60 days from filing to receiving your name change order. Total costs usually range from $300-600 when you include filing fees, publication costs, and certified copies.
Georgia courts generally approve name change requests unless there's evidence of fraudulent intent. Common reasons that might lead to denial include attempting to avoid debts, escape criminal liability, or infringe on someone else's rights.
Some counties have specific forms available, while others accept a standard petition format. Contact your local Superior Court clerk's office for specific requirements and current fees in your county.
Full court-order name change guide →
Minor Name Change in Georgia
Georgia requires both biological parents' consent and a Superior Court petition with the same 4-week publication requirement as adult changes. Children 14 and older must consent themselves.
Changing a minor's name in Georgia requires a court petition, but the process includes additional safeguards to protect the child's interests. The requirements depend on the child's age and family situation.
For children under 18, both biological parents must typically consent to the name change, even if they're divorced or separated. If one parent is deceased, you'll need to provide a death certificate. If one parent is absent or has had their parental rights terminated, you'll need court documentation proving this.
Here's what the minor name change process involves:
- Petition filing: File in the Superior Court of the county where the child lives. Include both parents' names, the child's current and desired names, and reasons for the change.
- Parental consent: Both parents must sign consent forms, or you must prove why one parent's consent isn't required.
- Publication: Like adult name changes, you must publish notice for four consecutive weeks in a local newspaper.
- Court hearing: A judge will review the petition and may ask questions about the name change being in the child's best interest.
Children aged 14 and older must also consent to their own name change in Georgia. The court may ask the child questions during the hearing to ensure they understand and agree with the decision.
Special circumstances that might affect minor name changes include adoption proceedings (which have their own name change processes), guardianship situations, or cases involving domestic violence where publication might pose safety risks.
The timeline and costs are similar to adult name changes: 30-60 days and $300-600 total. However, the court scrutinizes minor name changes more carefully to ensure they serve the child's best interests rather than just parental preferences.
Full minor name change guide →
Gender Identity Name Change in Georgia
Georgia requires a court order for gender marker changes on driver's licenses and birth certificates — no self-attestation, no nonbinary X option. Federal passport allows self-selected M/F/X.
Georgia recognizes the right to change your name as part of your gender identity journey. The process combines a court-ordered name change with updates to your gender marker on various documents, creating a comprehensive approach to legal gender recognition.
The name change portion follows the standard court petition process: file in Superior Court, publish notice for four weeks, attend a hearing, and receive your court order. When requesting a name change as part of gender identity affirmation, you'll want to be prepared to discuss this openly with the court, as Georgia judges generally respect these requests when presented respectfully.
Updating your gender marker involves different requirements depending on the document:
Georgia Driver's License: The Department of Driver Services generally requires a court order or amended birth certificate to change gender markers. Self-attestation is not currently accepted. Contact your local DDS Customer Service Center for current requirements, as policies can evolve.
Birth Certificate: Georgia allows amendments to birth certificates for gender marker changes, but requires a court order and may require medical documentation. The process involves petitioning the Superior Court in the county where you were born (if born in Georgia) or where you currently live.
U.S. Passport: Federal passport rules allow gender marker changes with a self-selected X, M, or F marker. You can update your passport gender marker when renewing with your new name, making this often the easiest document to update.
Social Security Records: The Social Security Administration updates gender markers when you provide acceptable documentation, which typically means a court order, updated birth certificate, or medical certification from a licensed physician.
Many people find it helpful to work with local LGBTQ+ organizations or attorneys experienced in gender identity legal issues. They can provide guidance on the most effective order for updating documents and current requirements that may not be widely publicized.
The legal process respects your privacy — court records are public, but many counties are sensitive to safety concerns and may limit access when appropriate. Your new documents will reflect your chosen name and gender marker without indicating that changes were made.
Full gender identity guide →
Updating Your Documents After Your Georgia 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.
- Georgia Department of Driver Services. Update your driver's license at a DDS Customer Service Center.
- 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 your county Board of Elections to ensure voting records reflect your new name.
- 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 W-2 information for tax purposes.
- Insurance. Health, auto, renters/homeowners, and life policies.
- Professional Licenses. Georgia licensing boards for medical, legal, real estate, and other licensed professions.
Georgia DDS Name Change Requirements
In-person visit required at a Department of Driver Services Customer Service Center. Update Social Security first, then wait 24-48 hours so DDS can verify your new name against SSA records.
What to bring:
- Your current Georgia driver's license or ID card.
- Your name change document (certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
- Your Social Security card showing your new name.
- Two proofs of Georgia residency (utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements).
- $32 replacement license fee — cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card.
The DDS process: Appointments are strongly recommended — schedule online at dds.georgia.gov or call 678-413-8400. Walk-ins are accepted but expect longer wait times, especially at busy locations. You'll complete the application at the center, present your documents, pay the fee, and take a new photo. You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7-10 business days.
REAL ID upgrade: Bring additional documentation including your birth certificate or passport if you're also upgrading to a REAL ID.
Gender marker: Georgia DDS does not accept self-attestation and does not offer a nonbinary "X" option. Bring a court order or amended birth certificate if you're changing your gender marker.
Vehicle registration: Vehicle title and registration are handled separately through your county Tag Office, not through DDS.
DDS contact: dds.georgia.gov · 678-413-8400 · Most centers Monday-Friday, with some Saturday hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in Georgia?
Court-ordered name changes in Georgia typically cost $300-600 total, including filing fees (varies by county, usually $200-400), newspaper publication costs ($80-200), and certified copies of your court order. Marriage-based name changes only require certified copies of your marriage certificate ($10 each) plus document update fees like the $32 driver's license replacement.
How long does a name change take in Georgia?
Court-ordered name changes take 30-60 days from filing your petition to receiving your final court order. This includes the required four-week newspaper publication period. Marriage-based name changes can begin immediately with your marriage certificate, though updating all documents takes 6-8 weeks.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Georgia?
No, you don't need a lawyer to change your name in Georgia. The court petition process is designed for self-representation. However, some people choose to hire an attorney for complex situations involving minors, contested changes, or when combining name changes with other legal proceedings.
Can I change my name without a court order in Georgia?
Yes, if you're changing your name due to marriage or restoring your prior name after divorce (if included in your divorce decree). These situations don't require a separate court petition — your marriage certificate or divorce decree serves as legal proof of your name change. All other name changes require a court order.
Where do I file for a name change in Georgia?
File your name change petition in the Superior Court of the Georgia county where you live. Each county has its own Superior Court clerk's office that handles name change petitions. Contact your local clerk's office for specific forms, current filing fees, and procedural requirements.
What documents do I need to change my name in Georgia?
For marriage name changes, you need certified copies of your marriage certificate. For divorce name restoration, you need your divorce decree. For court-ordered changes, you need your court order after the petition process. When updating documents afterward, you'll also need photo ID, proof of citizenship, and your new Social Security card.
Can I change my child's name in Georgia?
Yes, but minor name changes require both parents' consent (or legal proof why one parent's consent isn't needed), court petition filing, newspaper publication, and a court hearing. Children aged 14 and older must also consent to their own name change. The process takes 30-60 days and costs $300-600.
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