How do I legally change my name in Georgia?

Q: 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.

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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.