How do I legally change my name in Wisconsin?

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

Wisconsin adult name changes are governed by Wis. Stat. § 786.36 and filed in the circuit court of the petitioner's county of residence. 1. File the Petition - Complete Form CV-450 (Petition for Name Change). - File with the circuit court clerk ; filing fee is approximately $164.50 statewide. - Must be a Wisconsin resident. 2. Publication - Court issues an Order for Name Change Hearing (CV-460) scheduling a hearing. - Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the hearing (Wis. Stat. § 786.37). - Cost: $50–$200. - Waiver available under Wis. Stat. § 786.37(2) where publication would endanger the petitioner — including transgender petitioners and abuse survivors. 3. Disclosures - Petition must disclose sex-offender registration and felony convictions. - Sex offenders generally cannot change their names (Wis. Stat. § 301.47). 4. Hearing - Brief hearing in circuit court; uncontested petitions usually granted same day. - Judge enters a Judgment of Name Change (CV-470) . 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($5 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Wisconsin DL at DOT/DMV ($14), passport, voter registration, banks. 6. Divorce-Based Restoration - Wis. Stat. § 767.59 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce judgment without a separate name-change action. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Wisconsin adult name changes are governed by Wis. Stat. § 786.36 and filed in the circuit court of the petitioner's county of residence.

1. File the Petition

Complete Form CV-450 (Petition for Name Change).

File with the circuit court clerk; filing fee is approximately $164.50 statewide.

Must be a Wisconsin resident.

2. Publication

Court issues an Order for Name Change Hearing (CV-460) scheduling a hearing.

Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the hearing (Wis. Stat. § 786.37).

Cost: $50–$200.

Waiver available under Wis. Stat. § 786.37(2) where publication would endanger the petitioner — including transgender petitioners and abuse survivors.

3. Disclosures

Petition must disclose sex-offender registration and felony convictions.

Sex offenders generally cannot change their names (Wis. Stat. § 301.47).

4. Hearing

Brief hearing in circuit court; uncontested petitions usually granted same day.

Judge enters a Judgment of Name Change (CV-470).

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($5 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Wisconsin DL at DOT/DMV ($14), passport, voter registration, banks.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

Wis. Stat. § 767.59 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce judgment without a separate name-change action.

This is legal information, not legal advice.