How do I legally change my name in Michigan?

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

Michigan adult name changes are governed by MCL §§ 711.1–711.3 and filed in the probate court (or family division of circuit court for minors) of the county of residence. 1. File the Petition - Complete Form PC 51 (Petition to Change Name). - File with the probate court ; filing fee is approximately $175 (varies $150–$200 by county). - Residency : petitioner must be a resident of the county for at least one year (MCL 711.1(1)). 2. Fingerprint Background Check (Adults) - Adult petitioners must submit fingerprints for a Michigan State Police ICHAT and FBI background check (MCL 711.1(3)). - Use a Live Scan vendor (~$65). Results sent to court. 3. Publication - Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least 14 days before the hearing (MCL 711.1(7)). - Waiver available if publication would put petitioner in physical danger (MCL 711.3). 4. Hearing - Probate judge reviews petition, background check, and proof of publication. - Order denied if name change would be detrimental to others or seeks to defraud creditors. 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($12 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Michigan DL at SOS ($9 correction), passport, voter registration. 6. Divorce-Based Restoration - MCL 552.391 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce judgment without a separate petition. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Michigan adult name changes are governed by MCL §§ 711.1–711.3 and filed in the probate court (or family division of circuit court for minors) of the county of residence.

1. File the Petition

Complete Form PC 51 (Petition to Change Name).

File with the probate court; filing fee is approximately $175 (varies $150–$200 by county).

Residency: petitioner must be a resident of the county for at least one year (MCL 711.1(1)).

2. Fingerprint Background Check (Adults)

Adult petitioners must submit fingerprints for a Michigan State Police ICHAT and FBI background check (MCL 711.1(3)).

Use a Live Scan vendor (~$65). Results sent to court.

3. Publication

Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least 14 days before the hearing (MCL 711.1(7)).

Waiver available if publication would put petitioner in physical danger (MCL 711.3).

4. Hearing

Probate judge reviews petition, background check, and proof of publication.

Order denied if name change would be detrimental to others or seeks to defraud creditors.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($12 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Michigan DL at SOS ($9 correction), passport, voter registration.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

MCL 552.391 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce judgment without a separate petition.

This is legal information, not legal advice.