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Pennsylvania Name Change Guide 2026 — How to Legally Change Your Name

Complete guide to changing your name in Pennsylvania. Learn residency requirements, filing fees, court locations, background checks, publication requirements, and step-by-step instructions.

Pennsylvania Name Change Guide 2026

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

Changing your name in Pennsylvania requires filing a petition with the Court of Common Pleas, obtaining a background check, and publishing notice. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Quick Facts: Name Change in Pennsylvania

RequirementDetails
ResidencyMust be a Pennsylvania resident
Where to FileCourt of Common Pleas in your county
Filing Fee$50–$200 (varies by county)
Background CheckRequired for adults
PublicationRequired in newspaper
Processing Time4–8 weeks typically

Who Can Change Their Name in Pennsylvania?

You ARE eligible if:

  • You are a resident of Pennsylvania
  • 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

Background Check Requirement

Pennsylvania requires a criminal history background check for all adult name change petitions:

  • Pennsylvania State Police criminal record check (PATCH), OR
  • FBI fingerprint-based background check

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
  • The child's preference may be considered if mature enough
  • A guardian ad litem may be appointed in contested cases

The Name Change Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Obtain Background Check

Pennsylvania State Police PATCH:

  1. Go to: patch.state.pa.us
  2. Submit online request
  3. Fee: $22
  4. Results in 1–3 business days

Or FBI Background Check:

  1. Go to: fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
  2. Fee: $18 (plus fingerprinting)
  3. Takes 3–5 weeks

Step 2: Complete Your Petition

  1. Draft your petition including all required elements
  2. Include your current name, requested new name, and reasons
  3. Attach your background check results

Step 3: 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

Step 4: File with the Prothonotary

  1. Go to the Court of Common Pleas Prothonotary's office in your county
  2. Pay the filing fee ($50–$200)
  3. The clerk will stamp your documents and assign a case number

Step 5: Publish Notice

  1. The notice must appear in a newspaper of general circulation in your county
  2. Publication typically runs at least 30 days before the hearing
  3. The newspaper will provide an Affidavit of Publication
  4. File this affidavit with the court

Waiver of Publication:

If publication would endanger your safety:

  • File a motion to waive publication
  • Explain safety concerns in your motion

Step 6: Attend Your Hearing (If Required)

  1. Dress appropriately
  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 7: Get Certified Copies

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

Court Locations in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia County

  • Address: City Hall, Room 284, Philadelphia, PA 19107
  • Phone: (215) 686-6650
  • Filing Fee: Approximately $150

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)

  • Address: City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, Room 117, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
  • Phone: (412) 350-4200
  • Filing Fee: Approximately $100

Montgomery County

  • Address: Montgomery County Courthouse, 2 Airy Street, Norristown, PA 19401
  • Phone: (610) 278-3360
  • Filing Fee: Approximately $75

Delaware County

  • Address: Delaware County Courthouse, 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063
  • Phone: (610) 891-4000
  • Filing Fee: Approximately $100

Chester County

  • Address: Chester County Justice Center, 201 W. Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380
  • Phone: (610) 344-6300
  • Filing Fee: Approximately $75

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: Pennsylvania Driver's License

  1. Bring court order and new Social Security card
  2. Visit PA Driver License Center
  3. Fee: $31.50

Step 3: Update Birth Certificate (if born in PA)

  1. Contact PA Dept. of Health, Vital Records
  2. Submit certified court order
  3. Fee: $30 + processing

Step 4: Other Records to Update

  • Bank accounts
  • Employer/payroll
  • Insurance policies
  • Passport
  • Voter registration
  • School records
OrganizationPhoneServices
Community Legal Services (Philadelphia)(215) 981-3700Free legal help
MidPenn Legal Services1-800-326-9177Central PA
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA1-877-529-1511Southeastern PA
PA Bar Lawyer Referral(800) 932-0311Low-cost consultations

Next Steps

  1. Obtain background check — PATCH or FBI
  2. Complete petition — Include all required elements
  3. File with Prothonotary — Pay filing fee
  4. Publish notice — At least 30 days before hearing
  5. Attend hearing — If required
  6. Update records — Social Security, DMV, banks

Get Pennsylvania Name Change Documents

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

Templates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, contact a licensed Pennsylvania attorney or Community Legal Services at (215) 981-3700.