{"id":374198,"date":"2025-01-30T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/minnesota-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-minnesota.html"},"modified":"2025-01-30T15:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T20:00:00","slug":"how-to-change-your-name-in-minnesota","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/minnesota-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-minnesota.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Change Your Name in Minnesota"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Change Your Name in Minnesota<\/h1>\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/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

This article addresses the steps you’ll need to take to change your legal name in Minnesota. Learn how to:<\/p>\r\n

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  1. Identify the right process for you<\/a><\/li>\r\n
  2. Determine what paperwork to file<\/a><\/li>\r\n
  3. Start using your new name<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

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

    The steps you take to change your name will differ depending on why you want to change it. Keep reading to learn about different scenarios that may warrant a name change.<\/p>\r\n

    Marriage<\/h3>\r\n

    Most commonly, people change names when getting married<\/a>. In Minnesota, marital name changes are not limited by sex or gender.<\/p>\r\n

    Minnesota law allows people to change their names when applying for a state marriage license<\/a>. Fill out the application form for your name change request with the county administrator and, when prompted, enter the full names you and your partner will use.<\/p>\r\n

    Note that you should fill in your current, premarital names and your post-marital names in separate parts of Minnesota’s marriage license application form<\/a>. Once issued, a copy of your marriage certificate can prove a name change.<\/p>\r\n

    Divorce<\/h3>\r\n

    Minnesota courts will change the name of a party to a divorce action<\/a> upon request. This is a common request and prevents the need for a separate proceeding. Once the final divorce decree is handed down, the name change will be included. Get at least several certified copies of this decree.<\/p>\r\n

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

    You can change your name for other reasons, too. Maybe you’re going through a gender transition process and want a name that better matches your gender identity. Maybe you just never liked the name you were given by your parents. Follow the process below to change your name.<\/p>\r\n

    Seeking an Adult Name Change<\/h3>\r\n

    Minnesota law provides a process for residents to petition a court to change their name<\/a>. This is a stand-alone process and will involve initiating a separate court action. You must have lived in the state and county for at least six months. If you meet those basic requirements, you can expect to do the following:<\/p>\r\n

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    1. Fill out a petition form<\/a> stating your reasons for seeking a name change. Submit it to the local state district court, along with a proposed order granting name change.<\/li>\r\n
    2. Provide a description of all real property in the state in which you claim an interest. This information is used to update real estate records with the county recorder.<\/li>\r\n
    3. Submit a criminal history check release form and undergo a state and federal criminal history check.<\/li>\r\n
    4. Arrange for a court hearing date and attend in person.<\/li>\r\n
    5. Prove your identity before the court using at least two witnesses.<\/li>\r\n
    6. Explain to the judge hearing your case why you want to change your name.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

      Once satisfied, a judge can issue a court order changing your name. The order is documented in the court’s records, and you can obtain certified copies by filing the appropriate court forms.<\/p>\r\n

      Name Change Requirements<\/h3>\r\n

      You can’t change your name for fraudulent or other illegal reasons. For example, changing your name to avoid debts, a lawsuit, or criminal charges isn’t allowed.<\/p>\r\n

      Public policy and public safety concerns impose additional requirements on some categories of people. Minnesota requires people with felony convictions to notify the prosecuting authority<\/a> of a name change \u2014 caused either by marriage, divorce, or petition.<\/p>\r\n

      State prison inmates face limits<\/a> on the number of name changes they can request imposed by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension under Minnesota statutes.<\/p>\r\n

      Can’t Afford the Name Change Filing Fee?<\/h3>\r\n

      If you can’t afford to pay the filing fee for the court forms, Minnesota lets you obtain a fee waiver if you file for what is called in forma pauperis status<\/a>. The court must approve your status.<\/p>\r\n

      Seeking a Name Change for a Minor Child<\/h3>\r\n

      If you are seeking a name change on behalf of a minor (less than 18 years of age) and are the parent or legal guardian<\/a> of the minor child, you file an application for name change with the minor child’s name instead. You will need to notify a non-applicant parent.<\/p>\r\n

      <\/a>File the Appropriate Paperwork With Government Agencies<\/h2>\r\n

      A marriage license, divorce decree, or copy of the order is used to prove a name change. The next thing you’ll want to do is update your day-to-day identification documents.<\/p>\r\n

      Visit your local Social Security Administration office<\/a> to receive a replacement Social Security card.<\/p>\r\n

      After that, visit the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services<\/a> office to receive a new driver’s license.<\/p>\r\n

      <\/a>Start Using Your New Name<\/h2>\r\n

      Now you\u2019re ready to officially start using your new name. You can begin by:<\/p>\r\n