How do I legally change my name in North Carolina?

Q: How do I legally change my name in North Carolina?

North Carolina adult name changes are governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 101-1 through 101-8 and handled by the Clerk of Superior Court , not a judge, in the county of residence. 1. File the Application - Complete AOC-G-110 (Application and Order — Change of Name). - File with the Clerk of Superior Court ; filing fee is approximately $120 (varies $80–$150 by county). - Must be a resident of the county for at least 6 months (N.C.G.S. § 101-2). 2. Courthouse Posting - Post notice of intent on the courthouse bulletin board for 10 days (N.C.G.S. § 101-2) before filing — no newspaper publication required. - Waiver available for safety reasons under N.C.G.S. § 101-2.1. 3. Background Check & Character References - Submit a state and federal criminal background check (SBI/FBI). - File two affidavits of good character from disinterested NC residents (N.C.G.S. § 101-2). - Disclose outstanding tax obligations, judgments, and child-support orders. 4. Decision - The Clerk of Superior Court (not a judge) grants the order on review of the papers — no hearing required for most adult petitions. 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($5 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update NC DL at NCDMV ($14), passport, voter registration. 6. Divorce-Based Restoration - N.C.G.S. § 50-12 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce judgment or by separate clerk filing — no full name-change action required. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Accepted Answer

North Carolina adult name changes are governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 101-1 through 101-8 and handled by the Clerk of Superior Court, not a judge, in the county of residence.

1. File the Application

Complete AOC-G-110 (Application and Order — Change of Name).

File with the Clerk of Superior Court; filing fee is approximately $120 (varies $80–$150 by county).

Must be a resident of the county for at least 6 months (N.C.G.S. § 101-2).

2. Courthouse Posting

Post notice of intent on the courthouse bulletin board for 10 days (N.C.G.S. § 101-2) before filing — no newspaper publication required.

Waiver available for safety reasons under N.C.G.S. § 101-2.1.

3. Background Check & Character References

Submit a state and federal criminal background check (SBI/FBI).

File two affidavits of good character from disinterested NC residents (N.C.G.S. § 101-2).

Disclose outstanding tax obligations, judgments, and child-support orders.

4. Decision

The Clerk of Superior Court (not a judge) grants the order on review of the papers — no hearing required for most adult petitions.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($5 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update NC DL at NCDMV ($14), passport, voter registration.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

N.C.G.S. § 50-12 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce judgment or by separate clerk filing — no full name-change action required.

This is legal information, not legal advice.