A court process is necessary to obtain an adult name change.
Here is an overview of the process:
Forms Needed For An Adult Name Change:
1. Notice of Petition For Name Change
2. Petition for Name Change
3. Affidavit of Petitioner
4. Confidential Information Form
5. Order Granting Name Change (Proposed)
You can find these forms here
Step 1. Publish the Notice of Petition for Name Change in the Newspaper.
Before you publish notice of your name change, you may ask the court to waive the publication requirement if:
1. You are only asking for a change to your first or middle name; or
2. You are a victim of domestic violence as defined by North Dakota Century Code Section 14-07.1-01
North Dakota law only allows a court to consider the two reasons listed above for waiving the publication requirement.
After publication is completed, the newspaper will give you an Affidavit of Publication. Make a copy for your records.
Step 2. Complete the Rest of the Name Change Forms.
Gather any written objections you receive after publication of the Notice.
If you ask the court to waive publication, you will not gather written objections.
Step 3. File the Original Petition, Affidavit, Confidential Information Form, Notice of Petition for Name Change, Order Granting Name Change (Proposed), Affidavit of Publication, and any Written Objections with the Clerk of Court.
Pay the $80.00 filing fee or file the completed petition to waive filing fees.
OR, if Asking the Court to Waive Publication, File the Original Petition, Affidavit, Confidential Information Form, and Order Granting Name Change (Proposed).
Pay the $80.00 filing fee or file the completed petition to waive filing fees.
Step 4. Get Your Criminal History Background Check.
The court may require a criminal history background check for North Dakota or any other state.
After you file the completed Adult Name Change Forms, affidavit of publication, and any written objections with the Clerk of Court, the court will decide if you will be required to complete a criminal history background check.
You are required to pay all costs associated with the criminal history record check. If the court requires you to complete a criminal history background check, you may be directed to the following website to get your criminal history background check
• If the individual petitioning for a name change has a felony conviction under a law of this state, or a law of another state, or the federal government, the request is presumed to be made in bad faith, to defraud or mislead, to cause injury to an individual, or to compromise public safety. The name change may not be granted unless the individual requesting the name change proves by clear and convincing evidence that the request is not based upon an intent to defraud or mislead, is made in good faith, will not cause injury to an individual, and will not compromise public safety.
Important notes:
• You (Petitioner) must be a resident of the county in North Dakota where you are filing the petition for at least six months before filing the petition.
• You (Petitioner) must be either a citizen or a permanent resident alien of the United States.
• Requirements for name changes are found in North Dakota Century Code Chapter 32-28.
• 32-28-01 – Court authorized to change name of persons or cities
• 32-28-02 – Change of name of person , Petition, Criminal history record checks, Exceptions
• 32-28-04 – Costs – Change not to affect rights or pending actions
Who Do I Contact With Additional Questions?
Seniors 60 and over Call:
1-866-621-9886
Others Call:
1-800-634-5263
You may apply for legal services by completing our online website application.