Legal Name Change in Wyoming: Court-Ordered Process
Petition the District Court for a name change. We’ll fill out the petition + every follow-up form for free.
A court-ordered name change in Wyoming uses a verified Petition for Change of Name filed at your county District Court. Filing fees run $50-$200; newspaper publication runs $50-$150 over 3 weeks; certified copies $5-$15 each. The process takes 4-8 weeks from filing to your signed court order. Wyoming requires two years of residency in the county before filing. We fill out all the forms — petition, notice of hearing, proposed order, fee waiver application — and walk you through Social Security, passport, DMV updates after the hearing.
Wyoming Name Change Forms
Wyoming does not publish statewide form numbers. Most counties accept a verified petition with the elements required by Wyoming statute.
Verified petition with current name, requested name, reason, place of birth, county residency, and any pending charges.
Court-issued notice you publish in a local newspaper for 3 consecutive weeks.
The proposed order the judge signs after your hearing. Your legal proof of name change.
If you can’t afford the $50-$200 filing fee. Approved based on financial hardship.
Step-by-Step Wyoming Name Change Process
Same 4-step path in every Wyoming county, with local variation in fees.
Step 1: File Your Petition with the District Court
Submit your completed petition to the district court clerk in the county where you’ve been a resident for at least two years. You’ll need to pay the filing fee at this time — costs vary by county but typically range from $50 to $200.
Your petition must be verified by affidavit, meaning you’ll sign it under oath before a notary public. It must include your current full legal name, the new name you want to adopt, a clear statement of why you want to change your name, your place of birth, your current address and how long you’ve lived in the county, and whether you have any pending criminal charges or civil judgments.
Check with your county clerk for the specific form — some Wyoming counties have their own petition templates. The clerk will assign your case a number and provide you with information about the next steps, including publication requirements.
Step 2: Publish Notice (3 Weeks)
Wyoming law requires public notice of your name change petition “in the same manner as service by publication upon nonresidents in civil actions” — typically once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in your county. Cost: $50-$150 total.
The notice will include your current name, the name you want to adopt, and information about when and where interested parties can object to your petition. Publication costs vary by newspaper but usually range from $50 to $150 total for the three-week period.
Exceptions: In cases involving domestic violence or safety concerns, you may be able to request that the court waive the publication requirement. Speak with the court clerk or consult an attorney about filing a motion for waiver if you have safety concerns.
Step 3: Attend Your Court Hearing (If Required)
After the publication period ends, the court will either issue your name change order or schedule a hearing. Many uncontested name changes in Wyoming are approved without a hearing, but the judge has discretion to schedule one if they want to ask questions or if someone has objected.
If a hearing is required, arrive early and dress professionally. The judge may ask:
- Why you want to change your name
- Whether you’re trying to avoid debts or legal obligations
- Whether you understand that changing your name doesn’t eliminate existing legal responsibilities
- Questions about your residency in the county
Be honest and straightforward in your responses. Most name change hearings take only a few minutes.
Step 4: Get Your Certified Court Order
Once the judge approves your name change, the court issues an official order. Order several certified copies — you’ll need them to update your identification, financial accounts, and other records. Most courts charge $5 to $15 per certified copy.
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 court order. Free, 2-4 weeks. Required first.
DS-82 ($130, decree <1 year old) or DS-11 ($160). 6-8 weeks.
~$15 fee. Bring court order + new SS card. New WY license usually issued same day.
Update at your county clerk’s office. Free.
Form 8822 by mail. Free. Important before tax season.
Court order + new license at branch. Same day.
Special Situations in Wyoming
Wyoming 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 unless one parent’s rights have been terminated or the other parent cannot be located after reasonable efforts. The court will consider the child’s best interests.
- Both parents must consent — or provide proof that consent isn’t required
- Children over 14 may need to consent — the child signs the petition agreeing to the change
- The relationship between the child and both parents — weighed by the judge
- Whether the name change would cause confusion or harm — best-interest factor
See our minor name change guide for the full process.
Gender Identity Name Changes
Wyoming courts generally grant name changes related to gender identity following the same process. Wyoming doesn’t require medical documentation or therapy letters for a name change.
- Same legal steps — verified petition, publication, hearing if needed
- No medical documentation required — Wyoming doesn’t require proof of medical treatment or transition
- Clearly state your reason — your petition should clearly state you’re seeking the name change to match your gender identity
- Possible publication waiver — request to skip newspaper publication for safety
See our gender identity name change guide.
Domestic Violence Considerations
If you’re seeking a name change due to domestic violence or safety concerns, you may request that the court waive the publication requirement.
- Publication waiver — file a motion explaining why publication would put you at risk
- Court discretion — the court has discretion to grant this request to protect your safety
- Address confidentiality — request your address be kept confidential in court records
- Fee waivers — financial hardship requirements may be relaxed
Wyoming Name Change Cost Breakdown
Total: $200-$500 typical. $0-$100 with a fee waiver.
Show full cost table
| Expense | Wyoming Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $50-$200 | Varies by county; fee waiver available |
| Newspaper Publication | $50-$150 | 3 weeks, county-approved newspaper |
| Certified Copies (5-10) | $25-$150 | $5-$15 per copy |
| DMV License Update | $15 | After receiving certified order |
| Passport Renewal | $130-$160 | DS-82 or DS-11 |
| Total | $200-$500 | Before fee waivers |
Other state guides
See all 50 state legal-name-change guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a legal name change take in Wyoming?
The entire process in Wyoming District Court typically takes 6-10 weeks from filing to receiving your court order. This includes the three-week publication period and processing time. If the court schedules a hearing, it may add 1-2 weeks to the timeline. Note that Wyoming requires 2 years of county residency before filing.
Can I change my name to anything I want in Wyoming?
Wyoming courts will generally approve name changes unless they're for fraudulent purposes, contain obscenities, are confusingly similar to celebrity names, or would be detrimental to others' interests. The judge has discretion to deny requests that seem inappropriate or problematic.
Do I need a lawyer for a name change in Wyoming?
No lawyer is required for a straightforward name change in Wyoming District Court. The process is designed for self-representation, and the 2-year residency rule plus standard publication requirements are routine to satisfy. However, you may want to consult an attorney if your situation involves complex family law issues, domestic violence, or if someone objects to your petition.
What happens if someone objects to my name change?
If someone files an objection during the publication period, the court will schedule a hearing where both you and the objecting party can present your cases. The judge will decide whether to approve, deny, or modify your name change request based on the evidence presented.
Can I use my new name before the court order is final?
While Wyoming allows people to use different names socially, for legal purposes (banking, employment, identification), you should wait until you have your court order. Using a new name on official documents before getting court approval could create complications or be considered fraudulent.
How much does publication cost in Wyoming newspapers?
Publication costs vary by newspaper and county, typically ranging from $50-$150 for the required three-week publication period. Contact newspapers in your county for current rates, as many offer legal notice packages specifically for name changes.
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We’ll generate your verified Petition for Change of Name, Notice of Hearing, and proposed Order — filled out and ready to sign. Plus every Social Security, passport, and DMV form for after your hearing.
Start Your Free Wyoming Court PetitionLast verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy