How do I legally change my name in Georgia?

Georgia adult name changes are governed by O.C.G.A. §§ 19-12-1 through 19-12-4 and filed in the superior court of the petitioner's county of residence.

1. File the Petition

Complete a Petition for Name Change of Adult (forms available from Georgia courts).

File with the Superior Court Clerk; filing fee is approximately $215 (Fulton County: $214; Gwinnett: $220.50).

Residency: must be a resident of the county for at least six months (O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1(a)).

2. Publication

Publish notice in the county's official legal organ newspaper once a week for four consecutive weeks (O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1(c)).

Cost: $40–$100.

Limited safety-based waivers available; Georgia does not have a broad statutory waiver provision.

3. Hearing

If no objection is filed within 30 days of last publication, court may grant on papers.

If objection filed, court holds a hearing and decides based on whether change is in the public interest.

4. After the Decree

Certified copies ($2.50 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Georgia DL/ID at DDS ($32), passport, voter registration, employer, banks.

5. Minor's Name Change

O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1(b) requires written consent of both living parents or notice to non-consenting parent.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

O.C.G.A. § 19-5-16 allows restoration in the divorce decree on request — no separate petition needed.

This is legal information, not legal advice.