Legal Name Change in Maryland: Court-Ordered Process
Petition the Circuit Court for a name change. We’ll fill out CC-DR-060 + every follow-up form for free.
A court-ordered name change in Maryland uses form CC-DR-060 (Petition for Change of Name), filed at your county Circuit Court under Maryland Rule 15-901. Filing fees run $165-$185; newspaper publication runs $100-$300 for 1 week; certified copies $5-$10 each. The process takes 6-10 weeks from filing to your signed order. We fill out the petition, fee waiver, and supporting forms — and walk you through Social Security, passport, and Maryland MVA updates after the hearing.
Maryland Name Change Forms
Maryland uses a standardized statewide petition form. Some counties add local supplements.
The main petition. Captioned per Maryland Rule 15-901: current name, requested name, reason, sworn statement of non-fraudulent purpose.
Final court order signed by the judge after your hearing. Your legal proof of name change.
If you can’t afford the $165-$185 filing fee. Approved based on financial hardship.
Required as proof of your current legal name. Attach to petition when filing.
Step-by-Step Maryland Name Change Process
Same 4-step path in every Maryland county, with local variation in fees and forms.
Step 1: File Your Petition with the Circuit Court
File at the Circuit Court of the county where you reside. Your petition must follow Maryland Rule 15-901 and be captioned “In the Matter of [Current Name] for change of name to [Desired Name].”
Your petition must include your current name, address, date and place of birth, any other names you’ve used and the circumstances, the requested name, all reasons for the change, and a sworn statement that you’re not requesting the change for illegal or fraudulent purposes. If you’re a minor, include your parents’ and guardians’ names and addresses.
Attach a certified copy of your birth certificate or other documentary evidence of your current name. The clerk reviews paperwork, collects the fee, and assigns a case number. You’ll receive a filed-stamped copy and your hearing date — typically 4-6 weeks out.
Step 2: Publish Notice (1 Week)
Maryland typically requires publication of your petition in a local newspaper for one week. The court will specify which newspaper and the exact text of the notice. Cost: $100-$300 depending on the newspaper.
Publication notifies anyone who might object to your name change. The court provides the notice text; the newspaper handles printing and provides an affidavit of publication.
Publication waivers are available if you’re a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or have safety concerns. Some counties also waive publication for transgender petitioners. Request the waiver when filing your petition and provide supporting documentation.
Step 3: Attend Your Court Hearing
Hearing scheduled 4-6 weeks after filing. You must appear in person (or virtually if the court allows) to answer the judge’s questions. Brief proceeding, typically 5-10 minutes.
Bring: photo ID, proof of publication (affidavit from the newspaper), supporting documents explaining your reason, and copies of your filed petition.
Common questions the judge will ask:
- Why do you want to change your name?
- Are you trying to avoid debts or legal obligations?
- Do you understand the legal implications of changing your name?
- Does anyone object to your name change?
Be honest and direct. Most Maryland judges approve name changes unless there’s evidence of fraudulent intent. Dress professionally and arrive early.
Step 4: Get Your Certified Order
Once the judge approves, the order is signed immediately. Request 3-5 certified copies from the clerk — $5-$10 each, depending on county.
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 order. Free, 2-4 weeks. Required first.
DS-82 ($130, order <1 year old) or DS-11 ($160). 6-8 weeks.
Update within 30 days. Bring certified order + new SS card.
Update with your local Maryland election office. Free.
Form 8822 by mail. Free. Important before tax season.
Certified order + new license at branch. Same day.
Special Situations in Maryland
Maryland has specific protections for minors, gender identity, and domestic violence survivors.
Show special situations (minors / gender / DV)
Minor Children Name Changes
Both parents must consent or be served with notice. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem and applies a best-interest standard.
- Both parents (if living) must consent — or be served with notice per Maryland Rule 2-121
- Guardian ad litem — court may appoint one to represent the minor’s interests
- Best-interest standard applies — judge evaluates whether the change serves the child’s interests
See our minor name change guide for the full process.
Gender Identity Name Changes
Maryland courts are generally supportive of name changes for gender identity affirmation. No medical documentation required.
- No medical documentation required — simply state your reason in the petition
- Publication waivers — some counties waive publication for transgender petitioners concerned about safety or privacy
- Discuss with the clerk — ask about waiver options when filing
See our gender identity name change guide.
Domestic Violence Considerations
Survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault qualify for additional protections in Maryland courts.
- Publication waiver — courts may skip newspaper publication entirely
- Sealed records — court can seal your case file
- Confidential address — allowed in court documents
- Bring documentation — protective orders or police reports support your request
Maryland Name Change Cost Breakdown
Total: $300-$500 typical. $0-$50 with a fee waiver.
Show full cost table
| Expense | Maryland Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $165-$185 | Varies by county; fee waiver available |
| Newspaper Publication | $100-$300 | 1 week, court-specified newspaper |
| Certified Copies (3-5) | $15-$50 | $5-$10 per copy |
| MVA License Update | $30 | After receiving certified order |
| Passport Renewal | $130-$160 | DS-82 or DS-11 |
| Total | $440-$725 | Before fee waivers |
Other state guides
See all 50 state legal-name-change guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a court-ordered name change take in Maryland?
A Maryland Circuit Court name change using form CC-DR-060 typically takes 6-10 weeks from filing your petition to receiving certified copies of the signed order. That window covers the 1-week newspaper publication, scheduling your hearing 4-6 weeks out, and the judge signing the order at the hearing.
Where do I file form CC-DR-060 in Maryland?
File CC-DR-060 (Petition for Change of Name) at the Circuit Court of the Maryland county where you reside, under Maryland Rule 15-901. The filing fee runs $165-$185 depending on county, with fee waivers available for financial hardship.
Do I need a lawyer to file CC-DR-060 in Maryland?
No, you can file CC-DR-060 yourself in Maryland Circuit Court. The petition is a standardized statewide form and most petitioners handle the process pro se. Consider an attorney only for complex circumstances or if you anticipate someone will object.
Can the Maryland Circuit Court deny my name change?
Maryland Circuit Courts can deny a CC-DR-060 petition if there is evidence of fraudulent intent, attempts to avoid debts or legal obligations, or potential harm to others. Most legitimate requests are approved, and the judge must state specific reasons for any denial on the record.
Do I have to publish my Maryland name change in a newspaper?
Yes, Maryland Rule 15-901 requires publication of your CC-DR-060 petition in a court-designated newspaper for 1 week (the court provides the exact notice text). Cost runs $100-$300. Publication waivers are available for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or other documented safety concerns.
How do I update my Maryland MVA license after the order is signed?
Update your Social Security card first (Form SS-5, free), then visit the Maryland MVA within 30 days of your court order. Bring a certified copy of the CC-DR-060 order, your new Social Security card, and your current license. The MVA license update fee is approximately $30.
Ready to File Your Maryland Petition?
We’ll generate CC-DR-060 — filled out and ready to sign — plus every Social Security, passport, and MVA form for after your hearing.
Start Your Free Maryland Court PetitionLast verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy