How do I legally change my name in New Jersey?

Q: How do I legally change my name in New Jersey?

New Jersey adult name changes are governed by N.J.S.A. §§ 2A:52-1 through 2A:52-4 and R. 4:72 and filed in the Superior Court, Law Division , of the county of residence. 1. File the Complaint - Complete a Verified Complaint for Change of Name with personal/criminal background disclosures. - File with the Superior Court; filing fee is $250 . - Required residency in New Jersey; no fixed minimum but must be a bona fide resident. 2. Fingerprint Background Check - New Jersey requires fingerprint-based FBI and State Police (SBI) background checks (R. 4:72-3). - Use IdentoGO (~$67); results submitted to court and prosecutor. 3. Notice & Publication - Court enters an order setting a hearing date and directing publication. - Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least once at least 2 weeks before the hearing , and again within 20 days after the hearing (N.J.S.A. § 2A:52-2; R. 4:72-3, -4). - Waiver available where publication would jeopardize safety (R. 4:72-4(c)). 4. Hearing - Court holds a brief hearing; uncontested adult petitions are typically granted if background check is clean. - Court enters a Final Judgment of Change of Name . 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($10 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update NJ MVC DL ($11), passport, voter registration, employer, banks. 6. Divorce-Based Restoration - N.J.S.A. § 2A:34-21 allows restoration in the divorce judgment without a separate name-change action. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

New Jersey adult name changes are governed by N.J.S.A. §§ 2A:52-1 through 2A:52-4 and R. 4:72 and filed in the Superior Court, Law Division, of the county of residence.

1. File the Complaint

Complete a Verified Complaint for Change of Name with personal/criminal background disclosures.

File with the Superior Court; filing fee is $250.

Required residency in New Jersey; no fixed minimum but must be a bona fide resident.

2. Fingerprint Background Check

New Jersey requires fingerprint-based FBI and State Police (SBI) background checks (R. 4:72-3).

Use IdentoGO (~$67); results submitted to court and prosecutor.

3. Notice & Publication

Court enters an order setting a hearing date and directing publication.

Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least once at least 2 weeks before the hearing, and again within 20 days after the hearing (N.J.S.A. § 2A:52-2; R. 4:72-3, -4).

Waiver available where publication would jeopardize safety (R. 4:72-4(c)).

4. Hearing

Court holds a brief hearing; uncontested adult petitions are typically granted if background check is clean.

Court enters a Final Judgment of Change of Name.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($10 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update NJ MVC DL ($11), passport, voter registration, employer, banks.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

N.J.S.A. § 2A:34-21 allows restoration in the divorce judgment without a separate name-change action.

This is legal information, not legal advice.