{"id":373032,"date":"2017-02-17T16:48:44","date_gmt":"2017-02-17T21:48:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-illinois.html"},"modified":"2024-08-09T15:02:00","modified_gmt":"2024-08-09T20:02:00","slug":"how-to-change-your-name-in-illinois","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-illinois.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Change Your Name and Gender Marker in Illinois"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Change Your Name and Gender Marker in Illinois<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

If you want to change your legal name or gender marker in Illinois, you’re in luck. The process is straightforward. That said, changing your name in Illinois differs depending on your situation.<\/p>\r\n

This article discusses the correct legal process for changing your name, whether you’re changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or some other reason. It also addresses how to file the appropriate paperwork with other government agencies. Finally, you’ll learn how to change your gender marker on crucial Illinois identification documents.<\/p>\r\n

Identify and Follow the Correct Illinois Legal Name Change Process<\/h2>\r\n

There are many ways to legally change your name, depending on the reason for your name change. For most people, a name change comes with marriage or divorce. Others may wish to change their name for a different reason, such as affirming their gender identity. We outline the process for each type of name change below.<\/p>\r\n

Marriage<\/h3>\r\n

Most name changes happen due to marriage. While it’s still common for women to take their husband’s surname (last name), there’s a lot of diversity in this area, and the law recognizes that. Changes in same-sex marriage<\/a>, a rise in cohabitation<\/a>, and other social changes affect what people do with their names when getting married. Illinois law reflects all these realities.<\/p>\r\n

When you get married in Illinois, either spouse can change their name while filling out a marriage certificate<\/a>. The state requires no petition or further legal processes. Your valid marriage certificate \u2014 issued by the state, signed by the official performing the ceremony, and returned to the county clerk’s office \u2014 serves as the legal proof of your name change.<\/p>\r\n

Divorce<\/h3>\r\n

It’s also common to change your name after getting divorced<\/a>. While the divorce process<\/a> is often long, trying, and emotional, you can work a name change into the existing process.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re a divorcing spouse, you can ask the court handling your divorce to change your name back to a former or "maiden" name during the proceedings. The court will generally grant this request and include the name change in the resulting divorce decree.<\/p>\r\n

Petition for a Change of Name for an Adult<\/h3>\r\n

You’ll have to ask a court for a name change outside of marriage or divorce. This is the route you’ll take if, for instance, you’re changing your name as part of a gender transition.<\/p>\r\n

Illinois law permits residents to petition for a name change<\/a> with the local circuit court in their county. Additionally, Illinois residents born in another state or country can file a petition in their county of residence in Illinois to seek a judicial order for this purpose.<\/p>\r\n

The request for a name change requires you to submit certain information to the court, including your<\/p>\r\n