How do I legally change my name in Indiana?

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

Indiana adult name changes are governed by Ind. Code §§ 34-28-2-1 through 34-28-2-5 and filed in the circuit court of the petitioner's county of residence. 1. File the Petition - Complete a Verified Petition for Change of Name with current/proposed name, residence, and disclosures. - File with the circuit court clerk ; filing fee is approximately $157 in Marion County (varies $150–$180 by county). - Must be a U.S. citizen and Indiana resident for at least 30 days. 2. Publication - Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for three consecutive weeks , with the last publication at least 30 days before the hearing (Ind. Code § 34-28-2-3). - Waiver available for victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or transgender petitioners (Ind. Code § 34-28-2-1.5). 3. Background Check & Disclosures - Petition must include state and federal background checks and disclose all prior names, judgments, child-support orders, sex-offender registration, and felony convictions (Ind. Code § 34-28-2-2.5). 4. Hearing - Brief hearing in circuit court. Judge confirms identity and grants the petition unless fraudulent or contrary to public interest. 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($1 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Indiana DL at BMV ($9), passport, voter registration, banks. 6. Divorce-Based Restoration - Ind. Code § 31-15-2-18 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce decree without a separate name-change action. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Accepted Answer

Indiana adult name changes are governed by Ind. Code §§ 34-28-2-1 through 34-28-2-5 and filed in the circuit court of the petitioner's county of residence.

1. File the Petition

Complete a Verified Petition for Change of Name with current/proposed name, residence, and disclosures.

File with the circuit court clerk; filing fee is approximately $157 in Marion County (varies $150–$180 by county).

Must be a U.S. citizen and Indiana resident for at least 30 days.

2. Publication

Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for three consecutive weeks, with the last publication at least 30 days before the hearing (Ind. Code § 34-28-2-3).

Waiver available for victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or transgender petitioners (Ind. Code § 34-28-2-1.5).

3. Background Check & Disclosures

Petition must include state and federal background checks and disclose all prior names, judgments, child-support orders, sex-offender registration, and felony convictions (Ind. Code § 34-28-2-2.5).

4. Hearing

Brief hearing in circuit court. Judge confirms identity and grants the petition unless fraudulent or contrary to public interest.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($1 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Indiana DL at BMV ($9), passport, voter registration, banks.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

Ind. Code § 31-15-2-18 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce decree without a separate name-change action.

This is legal information, not legal advice.