How to Change Your Name in Minnesota — Complete 2026 Guide
Marriage, divorce, court, minor, gender — every Minnesota name change path in one place.
Changing your name in Minnesota means picking the right path — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a court petition filed in the District Court of your county after a 6-month residency. Minnesota is unusual: it requires a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) background check before the court grants an adult name change, and publication runs 2 weeks (not 4) in a county-approved newspaper. We fill out every government form for you, free, then walk you through Minnesota DVS ($17.25), Social Security, and the rest. Most marriage and divorce name changes wrap up in 4–6 weeks; court-ordered changes run 6–12 weeks once the BCA clearance and publication are factored in.
Quick Facts: Minnesota Name Change
The numbers you'll come back to. Filing fees vary by county; the BCA background check and 2-week publication are Minnesota-specific.
| Court Filing Fee | $150–$450 (varies by county) |
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| Newspaper Publication | $40–$200 (2 weeks, court-ordered changes only) |
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| Certified Copies | ~$7–$15 each (order 4) |
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| Driver's License Fee | $17.25 (Minnesota DVS, no separate form) |
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| Court-Ordered Timeline | 6–12 weeks (includes BCA check + publication) |
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| Marriage/Divorce Timeline | Immediate with certificate or decree |
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| Court Jurisdiction | District Court in county of residence (6-month minimum) |
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| Publication Required? | Yes for adult court-ordered (2 weeks); usually waived for minors |
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| Background Check | Yes — Minnesota BCA, before court grants order |
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Minnesota-Specific Details
Minnesota name change petitions are filed in the District Court of your county of residence. Major filing courts include the Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis, the Ramsey County District Court in St. Paul, and the Dakota County District Court in Hastings. Filing fees range $150–$450 depending on the county. Minnesota requires criminal background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) before the court will grant a name change — a procedural step that adds 4–6 weeks but exists to confirm the petitioner isn't attempting to evade legal obligations.
Publication is required for two consecutive weeks in a county-approved newspaper at $40–$200. The Star Tribune in Minneapolis and the Pioneer Press in St. Paul handle most general-circulation notices, while Finance & Commerce serves as Minnesota's primary legal-notice publication for attorneys. Minnesota has notably progressive identity-document policies — the Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services 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, Minnesota DVS charges $17.25 and requires an appointment at most driver license exam stations — book at dps.mn.gov. The Plymouth and Eagan stations see the heaviest volume; suburban Maplewood and Burnsville stations process updates faster. Bring your certified court order, current license, and updated Social Security card. Minnesota's Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is REAL ID compliant and also enables land/sea border crossing to Canada and Mexico without a passport. Your new license arrives by mail in 1–4 weeks. Estimate your total at our cost calculator.
Pick Your Minnesota Name Change Path
Each path has its own paperwork, court involvement, and timeline. Tap a card to see how it works in Minnesota, then jump to the full guide.
Marriage Name Change in Minnesota
In Minnesota, your certified marriage certificate is your legal name change document — no court petition, no BCA check, no publication. Order copies from the county clerk who issued your license.
A Minnesota marriage name change is the most straightforward option. Your certified marriage certificate serves as legal proof of your new name — no additional court filings needed.
Step 1: Get Your Certified Marriage Certificate
Request certified copies from the county clerk where your marriage license was issued. You'll need multiple copies (3-5 is recommended) since many agencies require originals or certified copies. Most Minnesota counties charge $7-15 per certified copy.
Step 2: Update Social Security First
Visit your local Social Security office within the first few weeks after marriage. Bring your current driver's license, certified marriage certificate, and Social Security card. This appointment typically takes 30-45 minutes, and your new card arrives by mail in 2-4 weeks.
Step 3: Driver's License and State ID
Once you receive your new Social Security card, visit a Minnesota DVS office. The $17.25 replacement fee covers your new license with your married name. Appointments are recommended — you can schedule online through the DVS website.
Step 4: Other Important Documents
Update your passport, voter registration, bank accounts, and employer records. Your certified marriage certificate serves as proof for all these updates. If you're planning international travel within a year of marriage, prioritize your passport renewal.
Timeline: The entire process typically takes 4-6 weeks, with most of that time waiting for your new Social Security card and driver's license to arrive by mail.
Full marriage name change guide →
Divorce Name Change in Minnesota
Minnesota gives you two paths: name restoration written into your divorce decree (free, easy), or a separate petition after the divorce is final — which falls under the standard court-ordered process with BCA check and publication.
Minnesota divorce name restoration can happen two ways: included in your divorce decree or through a separate petition afterward.
During Divorce Proceedings
The simplest approach is requesting name restoration as part of your divorce. Include this request in your initial divorce petition or bring it up during proceedings. The judge will typically grant this request without additional requirements, and your name restoration becomes part of the final divorce decree.
After Divorce is Final
If name restoration wasn't included in your original decree, you'll need to file a separate petition with the court that handled your divorce. This involves the same process as an adult name change: filing fees (varies by county), possible publication requirements, and a court hearing.
Required Documents
Your certified divorce decree showing name restoration serves as legal proof of your name change. Request multiple certified copies from the court clerk — you'll need them for Social Security, the DMV, and other agencies.
Updating Your Records
Follow the same sequence as marriage: Social Security first, then driver's license, followed by your passport and other documents. The divorce decree replaces the marriage certificate as your proof of name change.
Important: Even if you're returning to a prior name you used before marriage, you still need the divorce decree as legal proof. You cannot simply start using your former name without proper documentation.
Full divorce name change guide →
Court-Ordered Name Change in Minnesota (Adult)
Filed in your county District Court after a 6-month residency. Minnesota requires a BCA criminal background check plus 2 weeks of newspaper publication. Filing fees run $150–$450 depending on county. 6–12 weeks to a signed order.
An adult court-ordered name change in Minnesota requires filing a petition with your county district court. This process applies when you're changing your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce — including personal preference, cultural reasons, or gender identity affirmation.
Step 1: File in the Right County
You must file in the district court for the county where you've lived for at least 6 months. Each Minnesota county has its own filing fees and local procedures, so contact your county court administrator for specific requirements and current fees.
Step 2: Complete Your Petition
Minnesota doesn't have a single statewide form for name changes. Most counties provide their own petition forms, available at the courthouse or county website. Your petition must include your current name, desired new name, reason for the change, and confirmation that you're not seeking the change to avoid creditors or legal obligations.
Step 3: Pay Filing Fees
Filing fees vary significantly by county, typically ranging from $200-400. Some counties offer fee waivers for qualifying low-income petitioners. Ask the court clerk about payment options and waiver procedures when you file.
Step 4: Publication Notice
Most Minnesota counties require publishing notice of your name change petition in a local newspaper for several consecutive weeks. This gives the public opportunity to object to your name change. Publication costs vary but typically run $100-200. Some counties waive publication for safety concerns or domestic violence situations.
Step 5: Court Hearing
After publication is complete, you'll attend a brief hearing before a judge. Bring photo identification and be prepared to explain your reason for the name change. Most hearings last just a few minutes if there are no objections. The judge will sign your name change order if approved.
Step 6: Get Certified Copies
Order multiple certified copies of your court order immediately — you'll need them to update Social Security, your driver's license, and other records. Most courts charge $7-15 per certified copy.
Timeline: The entire court process typically takes 6-12 weeks from filing to final order, depending on publication requirements and court scheduling.
Full court-order name change guide →
Minor Name Change in Minnesota
Minnesota requires court approval for any minor name change. Both legal parents must typically consent, and children 14 and older must consent themselves. Many counties waive publication for minors.
Changing a child's name in Minnesota requires court approval and involves additional considerations around parental rights and the child's best interests.
Who Can File
Either parent can petition for a minor's name change, but both parents must typically consent unless one parent's rights have been terminated. If parents are divorced, check your divorce decree — some include provisions about name changes. A legal guardian can also file if appointed by the court.
Required Consents
Minnesota courts require consent from both legal parents unless exceptional circumstances exist. If one parent is unavailable, you may need to serve them with legal notice or demonstrate that their parental rights have been terminated. For children 14 and older, the child's consent is also typically required.
Filing Process
File your petition in the county where the child lives. Include the child's current name, proposed new name, relationship to the child, and reason for the change. Common reasons include adoption, divorce (returning to a former name), remarriage of a custodial parent, or correcting an error on the birth certificate.
Court Hearing and Best Interest Standard
The judge will consider whether the name change serves the child's best interests. Factors include the child's preference (for older children), potential confusion or emotional harm, relationship with both parents, and practical considerations like school records and medical history.
Birth Certificate Amendment
After receiving your court order, you can request an amended birth certificate from the Minnesota Department of Health. This requires submitting the certified court order along with the appropriate form and fee. The amended certificate will show the new name while maintaining the original filing information.
Important Note: Publication requirements for minors vary by county and situation. Many counties waive publication for minor name changes, especially when both parents consent, but check with your local court.
Full minor name change guide →
Gender Identity Name Change in Minnesota
Minnesota DVS allows self-attestation for gender marker changes — no court order, no medical documentation, M/F/X options. Birth certificate updates require a court order or affidavit; courts routinely approve gender-affirming name changes.
Minnesota supports affirming name and gender marker changes for transgender and non-binary individuals. The state has streamlined procedures that respect personal autonomy while maintaining legal documentation accuracy.
Name Change Process
Follow the standard adult court petition process described above. Minnesota courts routinely approve name changes for gender identity reasons. Your petition should clearly state that you're seeking the change to conform your legal name with your gender identity. Most counties don't require additional documentation beyond the standard petition.
Driver's License Gender Marker
Minnesota allows self-attestation for gender marker changes on driver's licenses — no court order or medical documentation required. You can update your gender marker to M, F, or X (non-binary) at the same time as your name change. Simply inform the DVS clerk of your preferred gender marker when updating your license.
Birth Certificate Gender Marker
Minnesota permits gender marker changes on birth certificates for people born in the state. You'll need to submit a court order or affidavit attesting to your gender identity change, along with the appropriate form and fee to the Minnesota Department of Health. Non-binary (X) markers are available.
Federal Documents
For your passport and Social Security card, follow federal guidelines. The Social Security Administration accepts court orders for both name and gender marker changes. Passport gender markers can be changed with proper documentation or self-attestation in some cases.
Supporting Resources
Many Minnesota counties have experience with gender identity name changes and can provide guidance on local procedures. LGBTQ+ legal organizations in Minnesota also offer resources and sometimes legal assistance for transgender name and gender marker changes.
Privacy Considerations: Some counties allow confidential proceedings for safety reasons. If you're concerned about privacy or safety, ask the court clerk about options to limit public access to your case records.
Full gender identity guide →
Updating Your Documents After Your Minnesota 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.
- Minnesota DVS. Visit a Minnesota DVS office after receiving your new Social Security card. Bring your name change document, new SS card, and current license.
- 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 through your county election office or Minnesota Secretary of State.
- 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, health insurance, 401(k), and benefits.
- Insurance. Health, auto, renters/homeowners, and life policies.
- Professional Licenses. Minnesota licensing boards for medical, legal, real estate, and other licensed professions.
Minnesota DVS Name Change Requirements
In-person visit required at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) exam station. Update Social Security first, then wait 24-48 hours so DVS can verify your new name against SSA records.
What to bring:
- Your current Minnesota driver's license or state ID.
- Certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
- Updated Social Security card showing your new name.
- Proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement).
- $17.25 replacement license fee.
The DVS process: Schedule an appointment online at dps.mn.gov for faster service — appointments are recommended at most exam stations. There's no separate downloadable name change form; you complete the application at the office. New photo, temporary paper license immediately, permanent card by mail in 1-4 weeks.
REAL ID upgrade: Bring your birth certificate or passport plus two proofs of Minnesota residency if you're also upgrading. Minnesota also offers an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) that is REAL ID compliant and lets you cross by land/sea into Canada and Mexico without a passport.
Gender marker changes: Minnesota accepts self-attestation — no additional documentation required beyond stating your preference (M, F, or X) to the DVS clerk.
DVS contact: dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/ · 651-297-3298 · Hours vary by location — check the website before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in Minnesota?
Minnesota name change costs vary by type and county. Marriage and divorce name changes have no additional court costs beyond obtaining certified copies ($7-15 each). Court-ordered name changes typically cost $200-400 in filing fees, plus $100-200 for required newspaper publication. Driver's license updates cost $17.25 regardless of name change type.
How long does a name change take in Minnesota?
Minnesota name change timelines depend on the method. Marriage and divorce name changes are immediate once you have your certified documents. Court-ordered name changes take 6-12 weeks from filing to final order due to publication requirements and court scheduling. Updating all your documents afterward typically takes an additional 4-6 weeks.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Minnesota?
No, you don't need a lawyer to change your name in Minnesota. The court petition process is designed for self-representation. However, an attorney can be helpful if you're facing opposition, have complex circumstances, or want professional guidance through the paperwork and procedures.
Can I change my name without a court order in Minnesota?
Yes, if you're changing your name due to marriage or divorce. Marriage certificates and divorce decrees with name restoration serve as legal proof without additional court proceedings. For all other reasons — personal preference, gender identity, cultural reasons — you'll need a court-ordered name change.
Where do I file for a name change in Minnesota?
File your Minnesota name change petition in the district court for the county where you've lived for at least 6 months. Each county has its own procedures and fees. Contact your county court administrator or visit the courthouse to get the correct forms and current filing requirements for your area.
Can I change my gender marker in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota allows gender marker changes on driver's licenses through self-attestation — no court order required. Birth certificate gender marker changes require a court order or affidavit. Both male, female, and non-binary (X) options are available on Minnesota documents.
What happens if someone objects to my name change?
Objections to Minnesota name changes are rare but possible during the publication period. If someone files an objection, the court will schedule a hearing to consider both sides. Valid objections typically involve fraud, avoiding legal obligations, or causing confusion. Most legitimate name changes proceed even if objections are filed.
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