Maryland Name Change Guide 2026

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Maryland attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Changing your name in Maryland is a straightforward legal process. This guide covers everything you need to know to change your name in Maryland courts.

Quick Facts: Name Change in Maryland

Who Can Change Their Name in Maryland?

You ARE eligible if:

• You have lived in Maryland for at least 3 months
• You are at least 18 years old (minors need parent/guardian to petition)
• You are not changing your name to defraud creditors
• You are not changing your name to avoid criminal prosecution

Special Requirements for Minors

If changing a minor child's name:

• Both parents must typically consent
• If parents disagree, the court applies the best interest of the child standard
• Notice must be given to both parents
• The child's preference may be considered

Reasons You May Be Denied

You may NOT change your name if:

• You are changing it to avoid paying debts
• You are changing it to escape criminal liability
• You are changing it to infringe on someone else's identity
• The court finds the change would be against public interest

The Name Change Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Complete Your Petition

1. Obtain a Petition for Change of Name form from your Circuit Court
2. Include your current name, requested new name, and reason for change
3. State how long you've lived in Maryland

Step 2: Get Your Petition Notarized

1. Take your unsigned petition to a notary public
2. Bring valid government-issued photo ID
3. Sign the petition in front of the notary

Where to find a notary:

• Banks and credit unions (often free for customers)
• UPS Store or FedEx Office ($5–$15)
• Circuit Court Clerk's office

Step 3: File with the Circuit Court

1. Go to the Circuit Court Clerk's office in your county
2. Pay the filing fee ($50–$165)
3. The clerk will stamp your documents and assign a case number

Step 4: Publish Notice

1. The court may order you to publish notice of your name change
2. Publish in a newspaper of general circulation in your county
3. Publication typically runs once a week for 3 consecutive weeks
4. File the Affidavit of Publication with the court

Step 5: Attend Your Hearing (If Required)

1. Dress appropriately (business casual)
2. Arrive 15–30 minutes early
3. Bring government-issued photo ID
4. Bring Affidavit of Publication
5. The judge will ask why you want to change your name

Step 6: Get Certified Copies of the Order

1. After the judge signs your Order, get at least 3 certified copies
2. You will need these to update official records

Circuit Court Locations in Maryland

Baltimore City Circuit Court

• Address: 111 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
• Phone: (410) 333-3760
• Filing Fee: Approximately $165

Montgomery County Circuit Court

• Address: 50 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850
• Phone: (240) 777-9400
• Filing Fee: Approximately $165

Prince George's County Circuit Court

• Address: 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
• Phone: (301) 780-8000
• Filing Fee: Approximately $165

Baltimore County Circuit Court

• Address: 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD 21204
• Phone: (410) 887-2139
• Filing Fee: Approximately $100

Anne Arundel County Circuit Court

• Address: 8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
• Phone: (410) 222-1397
• Filing Fee: Approximately $100

Howard County Circuit Court

• Address: 8360 Court Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21043
• Phone: (410) 313-2111
• Filing Fee: Approximately $100

After the Order: Updating Your Records

Step 1: Social Security Administration

1. Complete Form SS-5
2. Bring certified court order and ID
3. Visit your local Social Security office

Step 2: Maryland MVA (Driver's License)

1. Bring court order and new Social Security card
2. Visit MVA office
3. Fee: $20

Step 3: Other Records to Update

• Bank accounts
• Employer/payroll
• Insurance policies
• Passport
• Voter registration
• School records

Legal Aid Resources in Maryland

Next Steps

1. Gather documents — ID, proof of residency
2. Complete petition — Available from Circuit Court
3. File with clerk — Pay filing fee
4. Publish notice — If required by court
5. Attend hearing — If required
6. Update records — Social Security, MVA, banks

Get Maryland Name Change Documents

jurisdiction-correct Maryland name change documents from Jurist-Diction include petition templates and instructions — starting at $37.

Templates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, contact a licensed Maryland attorney or Maryland Legal Aid at (410) 539-5340.