How do I legally change my name in Minnesota?

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

Minnesota adult name changes are governed by Minn. Stat. §§ 259.10 through 259.13 and filed in the district court of the petitioner's county of residence. 1. File the Application - Complete the Application for Name Change (Minnesota Judicial Branch form NAM101). - File with the district court administrator ; filing fee is approximately $310 in Hennepin County (varies $290–$340 by county). - Must have been a Minnesota resident for at least 6 months (Minn. Stat. § 259.10). 2. Witnesses & Disclosures - Application must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are Minnesota residents (Minn. Stat. § 259.10). - Must disclose felony convictions and pending criminal charges. 3. Felony Background Check - Petitioners with a felony record must submit a fingerprint-based BCA/FBI background check and give notice to the prosecuting authority (Minn. Stat. § 259.13). - Such petitions face a higher burden — court must find clear and convincing evidence the change is not for fraudulent purposes. 4. Hearing - Brief hearing in district court; uncontested adult petitions are typically granted at the hearing. - Judge enters an Order for Name Change . - No newspaper publication required for most adult name changes. 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($14 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Minnesota DL at DVS ($15.50), passport, voter registration, banks. 6. Divorce-Based Restoration - Minn. Stat. § 518.27 allows restoration of a former name in the dissolution decree without a separate name-change action. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Minnesota adult name changes are governed by Minn. Stat. §§ 259.10 through 259.13 and filed in the district court of the petitioner's county of residence.

1. File the Application

Complete the Application for Name Change (Minnesota Judicial Branch form NAM101).

File with the district court administrator; filing fee is approximately $310 in Hennepin County (varies $290–$340 by county).

Must have been a Minnesota resident for at least 6 months (Minn. Stat. § 259.10).

2. Witnesses & Disclosures

Application must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are Minnesota residents (Minn. Stat. § 259.10).

Must disclose felony convictions and pending criminal charges.

3. Felony Background Check

Petitioners with a felony record must submit a fingerprint-based BCA/FBI background check and give notice to the prosecuting authority (Minn. Stat. § 259.13).

Such petitions face a higher burden — court must find clear and convincing evidence the change is not for fraudulent purposes.

4. Hearing

Brief hearing in district court; uncontested adult petitions are typically granted at the hearing.

Judge enters an Order for Name Change.

No newspaper publication required for most adult name changes.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($14 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Minnesota DL at DVS ($15.50), passport, voter registration, banks.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

Minn. Stat. § 518.27 allows restoration of a former name in the dissolution decree without a separate name-change action.

This is legal information, not legal advice.