Name Change

To file for a legal name change for an adult:

Complete the forms for Name Change (NC-100, 110, 120) and a Civil Case Cover Sheet (CM-010). If you are low-income you may file a request for a Fee Waiver (FW-001) and an Order to Waive Fees (FW-003).
File your forms at a Court at the court in the county you currently reside in.
You will receive an appointment to pick up your Court Order. If you need to expedite the process, inform the Clerk.
After filing, you must publish notice for the proposed name for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation.

To file for a legal name change for a minor:

Complete the forms for Name Change (NC-100, 110, 120) and a Civil Case Cover Sheet (CM-010). If you are low-income you may file a request for a Fee Waiver (FW-001) and an Order to Waive Fees (FW-003).
File your forms at a Court at the court in the county you currently reside in.
You will receive an appointment to pick up your Court Order.
After filing, you must publish notice for the proposed name for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation.
Note: If both parents do not sign the petition, the non-signing parent must be personally served a notice of the minors proposed name change and hearing information (NC-120) at least 30 days prior to the appointment to pick up the decree. A Proof of Service (NC-121) must be filed with the court prior to the appointment date.

To file for a combined legal name and gender change:

Obtain a declaration from a physician certifying that you have undergone “appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition.”
Complete forms for Change of Name and Gender and a Civil Case Cover Sheet. If you are low-income you may file a request for a Fee Waiver and an Order to Waive Fees.
File your forms and physician certification at the court in the county you currently reside in.
You will receive an appointment to pick up your Decree. If you need to expedite the process, inform the Clerk.

To file for a legal name change to conform to your gender identity:

Complete forms for Name Change and a Civil Case Cover Sheet. If you are low-income you may file a request for a Fee Waiver and an Order to Waive Fees.
Check “Box 6” on the Name Change Petition (NC-100) which indicates that you are changing your name to conform to your gender identity.
File your forms at the court in the county you currently reside in.
You will receive an appointment to pick up your Decree. If you need to expedite the process, inform the Clerk.

The ACCESS Center can show you how to fill out the forms. You may also get help from the Transgender Law legal information line. The Transgender Law Center created ID Please which provides a step-by-step guide on changing your ID documents.