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.