How do I legally change my name in Colorado?

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

Colorado adult name changes are governed by C.R.S. §§ 13-15-101 through 13-15-103 and filed in the district or county court of the petitioner's county of residence. 1. File the Petition - Complete JDF 432 (Petition for Change of Name — Adult). - File with the district or county court clerk ; filing fee is approximately $86 in county court, $97–$224 in district court. - Petition must include current/proposed name, residence, and prior names. 2. Fingerprint Background Check - Colorado requires fingerprint-based CBI and FBI background check for adult petitioners (C.R.S. § 13-15-101(2)). - Use a Colorado-approved Live Scan vendor (~$50). Court receives results. 3. Publication - Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county three times before the order is entered (C.R.S. § 13-15-101(3)). - Cost: $50–$200. - Waiver available for safety (C.R.S. § 13-15-101(4)) and automatic waiver for petitioners changing their name to conform with gender identity (C.R.S. § 13-15-101(4.5)). 4. Order - Court issues JDF 433 (Public Decree) or JDF 448 (Confidential Decree) depending on waiver. 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($20 each in district court). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Colorado DL at DMV ($28.06), passport, voter registration, banks. 6. Divorce-Based Restoration - C.R.S. § 14-10-120.5 allows restoration of a former name in the dissolution decree without separate proceeding. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Colorado adult name changes are governed by C.R.S. §§ 13-15-101 through 13-15-103 and filed in the district or county court of the petitioner's county of residence.

1. File the Petition

Complete JDF 432 (Petition for Change of Name — Adult).

File with the district or county court clerk; filing fee is approximately $86 in county court, $97–$224 in district court.

Petition must include current/proposed name, residence, and prior names.

2. Fingerprint Background Check

Colorado requires fingerprint-based CBI and FBI background check for adult petitioners (C.R.S. § 13-15-101(2)).

Use a Colorado-approved Live Scan vendor (~$50). Court receives results.

3. Publication

Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county three times before the order is entered (C.R.S. § 13-15-101(3)).

Cost: $50–$200.

Waiver available for safety (C.R.S. § 13-15-101(4)) and automatic waiver for petitioners changing their name to conform with gender identity (C.R.S. § 13-15-101(4.5)).

4. Order

Court issues JDF 433 (Public Decree) or JDF 448 (Confidential Decree) depending on waiver.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($20 each in district court).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Colorado DL at DMV ($28.06), passport, voter registration, banks.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

C.R.S. § 14-10-120.5 allows restoration of a former name in the dissolution decree without separate proceeding.

This is legal information, not legal advice.