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If you want to legally change your name, you must fill out and file name change forms with the court. Then a judge will sign a document called an order approving your name change. This article and the ones linked below go over this process.
If you want to change the name of several people in your family, contact the local circuit clerk. You might be able to file the separate requests into a single case.
Requirements to change your name
To change your name, you must:
- Have lived in Illinois for at least 6 months,
- Be at least 18 years old, and
- Not be required to register as a sex offender.
If you have felony convictions or certain misdemeanor sexual offenses on your record, learn more about changing your name after a criminal conviction.
If you want to change the name of someone under 18 years old, learn more about changing a child's name.
Reasons to change your name
You can change your name for almost any reason. However, the reason cannot be illegal or fraudulent. For example, to avoid your debts.
The judge may ask you a few questions about the reason for your name change or your background.
Some common reasons to change your name are:
- Getting married,
- Getting divorced (learn more about name change after divorce),
- You don't like your current name,
- Making a political statement,
- For a religious reason, or
- Avoiding an abuser.
Time to complete
It will take at least 8 weeks to change your name.
Fees
The most common fees are a filing fee, a publication fee for announcing your name change in a newspaper, and a certified copy fee if your name change is granted. These fees will vary depending on the county.
If you cannot afford the fees, you can ask for a fee waiver. If you have concerns about announcing your name change in the newspaper because of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or discrimination, you can ask the court if you can skip publication.
Marriage certificate and name change
Your county clerk will issue a new marriage certificate if:
- You are married,
- You changed your name, and
- You live in Illinois.
Legal Comment
Name Change in School Transcript
Submitted by Anthony Zollers on Wed, 03/22/2023 - 15:50
Re: Name Change in School Transcript
Submitted by Jordan Papai on Fri, 04/21/2023 - 12:50
Hello and thank you for your comment. If you want to change your name on your transcripts because you believe that the school's record is inaccurate or misleading, you can request the name change under a federal law known as FERPA or an Illinois law known as the Illinois Schools Student Records Act (ISSRA). You can find information on FERPA at Students privacy in school and notifying of my rights or the US Department of Education site at An Eligible Student Guide to FERPA. FERPA and ISSRA do not apply to private schools.
Under FERPA and ISSRA, you have the right to a hearing if the school denies your request. If the school refuses to change the record after the hearing, you can have a statement included in your record detailing your challenge to the school's record.
If you are requesting a name change because of a gender transition, Lambda Legal's Guide to Updating and Amending School Records is a helpful resource.
If you wish to speak with a lawyer, you can visit Get Legal Help to find a free legal aid attorney near you who might be able to help.
Good luck to you.
name change and travelling
Submitted by Van Rosenbaum on Wed, 02/15/2023 - 13:33
RE: name change and travelling
Submitted by Teri Ross on Thu, 02/16/2023 - 12:33
Van, thank you for your question. While there is an expedited process for updating a passport, there is not for changing a name in Illinois. How long it will take to get a signed order from a judge will depend upon the county you file your name change in, and how busy that county court is, and their process. Once you have the name change order from the court, you have to submit that to the ID issuing agency. For a state ID or drivers license, this would be the Illinois Secretary of State, or for a passport, the U.S. Department of State. Both agencies have their own processes and timelines. It is a big risk to travel without proper or incorrect documentation, especially out of the country. I hope this helps -
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