How do I legally change my name in Arizona?

Q: How do I legally change my name in Arizona?

Arizona adult name changes are governed by Arizona Revised Statutes §§ 12-601 through 12-602 and filed in the superior court of the county of residence. 1. File the Application - Complete the Application for Change of Name of Adult (judicial branch form). - File with the Superior Court Clerk ; filing fee is approximately $349 in Maricopa County (varies $300–$370 by county). - Must be a resident of Arizona. 2. No Newspaper Publication Generally Required - Arizona does not require publication in a newspaper for adult name changes (unlike many states). - Petitioner must give notice to spouse, adult children, and any creditors known to be affected (A.R.S. § 12-601(B)). 3. Background Information - The application must disclose prior names, felony convictions, sex-offender registration, civil judgments, and pending child-support obligations. - Felons and sex offenders must meet additional requirements and notify the prosecutor. 4. Hearing - Court typically holds a brief hearing; many uncontested adult petitions are decided on papers. - Judge enters an Order of Name Change . 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($30 first / $0.50 per page additional). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Arizona DL at ADOT MVD ($12), passport, voter registration, banks. 6. Minor's Name Change - Both legal parents must be served; absent consent, court holds a contested hearing applying best-interests standard. 7. Divorce-Based Restoration - A.R.S. § 25-325 allows restoration of a former name in the dissolution decree without separate petition. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Arizona adult name changes are governed by Arizona Revised Statutes §§ 12-601 through 12-602 and filed in the superior court of the county of residence.

1. File the Application

Complete the Application for Change of Name of Adult (judicial branch form).

File with the Superior Court Clerk; filing fee is approximately $349 in Maricopa County (varies $300–$370 by county).

Must be a resident of Arizona.

2. No Newspaper Publication Generally Required

Arizona does not require publication in a newspaper for adult name changes (unlike many states).

Petitioner must give notice to spouse, adult children, and any creditors known to be affected (A.R.S. § 12-601(B)).

3. Background Information

The application must disclose prior names, felony convictions, sex-offender registration, civil judgments, and pending child-support obligations.

Felons and sex offenders must meet additional requirements and notify the prosecutor.

4. Hearing

Court typically holds a brief hearing; many uncontested adult petitions are decided on papers.

Judge enters an Order of Name Change.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($30 first / $0.50 per page additional).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Arizona DL at ADOT MVD ($12), passport, voter registration, banks.

6. Minor's Name Change

Both legal parents must be served; absent consent, court holds a contested hearing applying best-interests standard.

7. Divorce-Based Restoration

A.R.S. § 25-325 allows restoration of a former name in the dissolution decree without separate petition.

This is legal information, not legal advice.