New Jersey Name Change Guide 2026

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

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

Quick Facts: Name Change in New Jersey

Who Can Change Their Name in New Jersey?

You ARE eligible if:

• You are a New Jersey resident
• 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 the Forms

1. Verified Complaint for Name Change — States current name, requested new name, and reason
2. Order Fixing Date of Hearing — Sets hearing date
3. Certification — Certifying the information is true

Step 2: File with the Court

1. Go to the Superior Court, Chancery Division in your county
2. Pay the filing fee ($250)
3. The clerk will assign a docket number and hearing date

Step 3: Get Fingerprinted

1. New Jersey requires a background check
2. Get fingerprinted at an approved location
3. Results are sent directly to the court

Step 4: Publish Notice

1. Publish notice of your name change in a newspaper
2. Must appear at least once, at least 2 weeks before the hearing
3. The newspaper will provide an Affidavit of Publication
4. File the affidavit with the court

Step 5: Attend Your Hearing

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 Judgment

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

Superior Court Locations in New Jersey

Bergen County

• Address: 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
• Phone: (201) 646-2300

Essex County

• Address: 50 West Market Street, Newark, NJ 07102
• Phone: (973) 693-5700

Hudson County

• Address: 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
• Phone: (201) 795-6300

Middlesex County

• Address: 56 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
• Phone: (732) 519-3200

Monmouth County

• Address: 71 Monument Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
• Phone: (732) 677-4300

Ocean County

• Address: 118 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08754
• Phone: (732) 929-4200

Passaic County

• Address: 77 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505
• Phone: (973) 247-8000

Union County

• Address: 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207
• Phone: (908) 527-4000

After the Judgment: 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
4. Processing takes 2–4 weeks

Step 2: New Jersey MVC (Driver's License)

1. Bring court order and new Social Security card
2. Visit MVC office
3. Fee: $11 for duplicate license

Step 3: Other Records to Update

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

Legal Aid Resources in New Jersey

Controlling Statute

• N.J.S.A. 2A:52-1 et seq. (Change of Name)

Next Steps

1. Complete forms — Complaint and Order
2. File with court — Pay $250 filing fee
3. Get fingerprinted — Background check required
4. Publish notice — In local newspaper
5. Attend hearing — Bring ID and Affidavit of Publication
6. Update records — Social Security, MVC, banks

Get New Jersey Name Change Documents

jurisdiction-correct New Jersey 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 New Jersey attorney or Legal Services of New Jersey at (888) 576-5529.