Legal Name Change in Pennsylvania: Court-Ordered Process
Petition the Court of Common Pleas for a name change.
A court-ordered name change in Pennsylvania uses a county-specific Petition for Change of Name filed at your local Court of Common Pleas. Pennsylvania has no statewide standardized form — each judicial district publishes its own petition packet. The filing fee is set by your county court; check your court (official source). How long the court process takes varies by county; check your court (official source).
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Pennsylvania Name Change Forms
Pennsylvania has no statewide standardized form. Each county’s Court of Common Pleas publishes its own petition packet.
County-specific form from your Court of Common Pleas. Includes current name, requested name, reason, and residency declaration.
Sworn statement confirming the information in your petition is true. Notarized in most counties.
Required for adult petitioners. Order online from PSP (varies; check your court). Some counties also require an FBI fingerprint check.
Final order signed by the judge after your hearing. Your legal proof of name change.
Approved based on financial hardship.
Step-by-Step Pennsylvania Name Change Process
Same 4-step path in every county, with local variation in fees, forms, and publication newspapers.
Step 1: File Your Petition with the Court of Common Pleas
File at the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you live (54 Pa.C.S. 701(a.1)(1)). Pennsylvania requires county residency for filing. Bring your completed petition, verification, and background check, plus the filing fee or in forma pauperis request.
Your petition must include your current full legal name, the name you want to change to, your reason for the change, and a statement that you’re not seeking the change to avoid debts or legal obligations.
Most counties use their own petition forms, so check with your specific county clerk for the correct form. Some counties accept a general petition format if they don’t have a specific form. How long the court process takes varies by county; check your court (official source).
Step 2: Publish Notice (1 Publication, 2 Newspapers)
Pennsylvania requires notice in two newspapers of general circulation in your county or a neighboring county; one may be the official legal-notice paper. Newspapers set their own rates.
Publication notifies anyone who might object to your name change. Each county has approved legal journals and general-circulation newspapers — ask the court clerk which ones qualify in your county.
Publication exemptions are available if you’re a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault and can provide evidence. Many Pennsylvania counties also waive publication for gender identity name changes. Request the exemption when you file the petition.
Step 3: Attend Your Court Hearing
How long the court process takes varies by county; check your court (official source). Brief proceeding. The judge verifies your identity, residency, and reasons.
Bring: photo ID (driver’s license or passport), proof of publication (affidavits from both newspapers), your PSP background check, and copies of your filed petition.
Common questions the judge will ask:
- How long have you lived in this county?
- Why do you want to change your name?
- Are you changing your name to avoid debts or legal obligations?
- Do you have any pending criminal charges?
Be honest and direct. Valid reasons include personal preference, cultural significance, gender identity affirmation, simplifying pronunciation, or family reasons. Some Pennsylvania counties handle uncontested name changes without a live hearing — the judge reviews and signs the decree.
If anyone objects (rare), they appear at the hearing to state concerns. The judge hears both sides and decides.
Step 4: Get Your Certified Decree
Once the judge approves, you receive a signed Decree Changing Name. 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 decree. 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 decree to a PennDOT Driver License Center. New PA license usually mailed within the required time. Check your state's DMV.
Update at vote.pa.gov. Free. You can also update at the same time as your PennDOT visit.
No separate IRS form for most people: the IRS matches your next return to Social Security records. Free.
Decree + new license at branch. Same day.
Special Situations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has specific protections for minors, gender identity, and domestic violence survivors.
Show special situations (minors / gender / DV)
Minor Children Name Changes
For children under 18, both parents (or legal guardians) must typically consent. If parents are divorced, the custodial parent may need court permission, especially if the change affects the non-custodial parent’s relationship.
- Both parents must consent — or the petitioning parent must prove diligent effort to locate and notify the other parent
- Best-interest standard applies — the judge evaluates whether the change serves the child’s interests
- Custodial-parent rules — divorced parents may need additional court permission
- Additional publication may be required — to notify absent parents or guardians
See our minor name change guide for the full process.
Gender Identity Name Changes
Pennsylvania courts are generally supportive. Some counties waive publication requirements for transgender petitioners to protect privacy and safety. Stating “gender identity” as your reason is sufficient.
- Publication waivers — many counties waive newspaper publication for safety
- No medical documentation required — Pennsylvania doesn’t require proof of medical treatment or transition
- Sealed records — court can seal your case file for privacy in many counties
- Simple statement of reason — “to align with my gender identity” is sufficient
See our gender identity name change guide.
Domestic Violence Exemptions
Survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault qualify for additional protections in Pennsylvania.
- Publication waiver — skip newspaper publication entirely
- Sealed records — court records sealed to protect address and identity
- Address confidentiality — participate in PA’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) where eligible
- Fee waivers — in forma pauperis approval often expedited
Pennsylvania Name Change Cost Breakdown
Court costs (filing, publication if required, 4 certified copies): Varies; check your court. ID updates are extra. Varies with a fee waiver.
Show full cost table
| Expense | Pennsylvania Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | Varies; check your court | Varies by county; in forma pauperis waiver available |
| Newspaper Publication | Variess | 2 newspapers; one may be the official legal-notice paper |
| Background Check | Varies; check your court | PA State Police; some counties also require FBI fingerprint check |
| Certified Copies (3-5) | Varies; check your court | Varies; check your court |
| PennDOT License Update | Varies; check your state's DMV | After receiving certified decree |
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a legal name change take in Pennsylvania?
How long the court process takes varies by county; check your court. The timeline includes the PA State Police background check, publication in two newspapers in your county or a neighboring county (one may be the official legal-notice paper), and scheduling your hearing. Once you have your decree, update Social Security first (your new card arrives 5-10 business days by mail after SSA processes your request), then PennDOT.
Do I need a lawyer for a name change in Pennsylvania?
Many people handle a name change themselves. If your situation involves custody, immigration, or a criminal record, consider talking to a lawyer.
Can I change my name to anything I want in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania courts have few restrictions on name changes, but judges will deny requests for names that are obscene, intentionally confusing, or chosen for fraudulent purposes. You generally cannot choose names that include numbers, symbols, or are intended to mislead others about your identity.
What if I have a criminal record in Pennsylvania?
Having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you from changing your name in Pennsylvania. The PA State Police background check allows the Court of Common Pleas to review your history, but minor offenses typically won't prevent approval. The court's main concern is ensuring you're not changing your name to avoid legal obligations or commit fraud.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Pennsylvania?
Yes — Pennsylvania generally requires notice in two newspapers of general circulation in your county or a neighboring county; one may be the official legal-notice paper. Newspapers set their own rates. Courts may waive publication for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault, and many counties also waive publication for gender identity name changes.
Can I change my child's name without the other parent's consent in Pennsylvania?
Generally, both parents must consent to a minor's name change in Pennsylvania. If the other parent objects or cannot be located, you'll need to petition the Court of Common Pleas and demonstrate that the name change is in the child's best interest. The court considers factors like the child's relationship with both parents and the reasons for the requested change.
Official sources
Forms, fees and rules change. Check these official pages (and your county court) before you file.
- Forms for the public (Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania)
- Driver and vehicle services (PennDOT)
- 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