Delaware Name Change Packet — LSC-Grade Legal Guide
Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.
1. Eligibility Checker — Who Can Change Their Name in Delaware
You ARE eligible if:
Special Requirements for Minors
Restrictions
File at: Delaware court finder: https://courts.delaware.gov/courts/
2. Required Forms
| Form Name | Purpose | Where to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Petition for Change of Name | Requests the court to change your name | Superior Court Prothonotary's office or create your own |
| Verification/Affidavit | Sworn statement that petition is true | Include with petition |
| Order for Publication | Directs newspaper to publish notice | Court will provide |
| Affidavit of Publication | Proof newspaper published notice | Newspaper will provide |
| Final Order Granting Name Change | Court order the judge signs | Submit proposed form |
Petition Content Requirements (10 Del. C. § 5902)
Your petition must include:
- Your current full legal name
- The name you want to change to
- Your reason for wanting the change
- Statement that you are a Delaware resident
- Statement of how long you've lived in Delaware
- Verification by affidavit (notarized signature)
3. Step-by-Step Filing Instructions
Step 1: Complete Your Petition
- Draft your petition including all required elements (see sample below)
- Include your current name, requested new name, and reasons
- State clearly that you are a Delaware resident
- Include how long you've lived in the state
Step 2: Get Your Petition Notarized
- Take your unsigned petition to a notary public
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID
- Sign the petition in front of the notary
- The notary will notarize your signature
Step 3: Make Copies
Step 4: File with the Prothonotary
- Go to the Superior Court Prothonotary's office in your county
- Bring your original petition and copies
Step 5: Publish Notice (10 Del. C. § 5903)
Step 6: Attend Your Hearing
Step 7: Get Certified Copies of the Order
5. Filing Checklist
- [ ] Completed Petition for Change of Name
- [ ] Petition notarized (signed in front of notary)
- [ ] Valid government-issued photo ID
- [ ] Proof of Delaware residency (utility bill, lease, or ID with address)
- [ ] Filing fee ($100–$150 cash, money order, or check — call ahead)
- [ ] Completed fee waiver application (if you cannot afford the fee)
- [ ] 4 copies of all documents
- [ ] Arranged newspaper publication (3 consecutive weeks)
- [ ] Filed Affidavit of Publication with court
- [ ] Prepared for hearing
LEGAL AID
- Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI): declasi.com · (302) 575-0400
- Delaware Volunteer Legal Services: dvls.org · (302) 478-8850
- Legal Services Corp of DE: lscd.org · (302) 654-5410
- DE Courts Self-Help: courts.delaware.gov/selfhelp
10. Sample Petition Language
`
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
IN AND FOR [COUNTY NAME] COUNTY
IN RE: CHANGE OF NAME OF
[YOUR CURRENT FULL LEGAL NAME]
)
) Case No.: _______________
)
) PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Petitioner, [Your Current Full Legal Name], respectfully requests that this
Court grant a change of name, and in support thereof states as follows:
- Petitioner is a resident of [County Name] County, Delaware, and has
been a resident of Delaware for [number] months/years.
- Petitioner's current full legal name is [Your Current Full Legal Name].
- Petitioner was born on [Date of Birth].
- Petitioner desires to change their name to [Your New Full Legal Name].
- The reason for this requested name change is: [Brief explanation — e.g.,
"to reflect my gender identity," "to match the name I have used for many
years," "personal reasons," etc.]
- Petitioner is not seeking this name change to defraud creditors, avoid
criminal prosecution, or for any fraudulent purpose.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that this Court enter an Order
changing Petitioner's name from [Current Name] to [New Name].
_______________________________
[Your Current Full Legal Name]
Petitioner
VERIFICATION
STATE OF DELAWARE )
) ss.
COUNTY OF ________ )
I, [Your Current Full Legal Name], being duly sworn, depose and say that
the facts set forth in the foregoing Petition are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information, and belief.
_______________________________
[Your Current Full Legal Name]
Petitioner
Sworn to and subscribed before me this _____ day of _______________, 20___.
_______________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: __________
`
*Not legal advice. Jurist-Diction is not a law firm. Templates are jurisdiction-correct.
Verify current law before filing. For legal advice contact a licensed Delaware attorney or legal aid. jurist-diction.com*