Maryland Name Change Petition — Your Filing Guide

What This Document Does

This petition asks the court to legally change your name. Once approved, you can update your ID, Social Security card, and other records to reflect your new name.

When to Use This

• You want to legally change your name for personal, professional, or religious reasons
• You're returning to your maiden name after divorce (separately from the divorce)
• You're affirming your gender identity
• You were adopted and want to change your name
• Any other legitimate reason

Before You File

Gather These Documents:

• [ ] Certified copy of your birth certificate
• [ ] Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
• [ ] Proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, voter registration)
• [ ] If divorced and returning to maiden name: divorce decree (optional but helpful)
• [ ] If you have a criminal history: records showing completion of sentence
• [ ] Approximately $50-150 filing fee OR fee waiver request

Know the Requirements:

• You must be a Maryland resident
• The court will require publication in a newspaper (3 weeks) — UNLESS you request a waiver
• If you have a criminal record, the court will review carefully
• You cannot change your name to defraud creditors or evade law enforcement

Important: Publication Waiver

Maryland law requires the court to waive publication if you ask.

Under Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 3-2201, the court MUST waive the publication requirement if you request it. Common reasons:

• Safety concerns (domestic violence, stalking)
• Privacy concerns
• Financial hardship
• Personal preference

To request a waiver, simply check the box in the petition and briefly state your reason.

Step-by-Step Filing

Step 1: Complete the Petition

Fill in every blank:

1. Your current name — exactly as it appears on your ID
2. Your new name — the exact name you want
3. Your personal information — date of birth, address, Social Security number
4. Your reason for the name change — be specific and honest
5. Criminal history — disclose any convictions honestly
6. Publication waiver request — check if you want to skip publication

Step 2: Make Copies

Make 3 copies:

• Original for the court
• 1 copy for yourself
• 1 copy for the court's file

Step 3: File with the Circuit Court

Where to file:

• Circuit Court in the county where you live

Bring:

• Completed petition (original + copies)
• ID
• Proof of residency
• Birth certificate
• Filing fee ($50-150) or fee waiver request

Step 4: Publication (If Not Waived)

If you did NOT request a waiver:

1. The court designates a newspaper (or you suggest one)
2. Contact the newspaper with your notice information
3. Pay the publication fee — usually $50-150
4. Publication runs for 3 weeks — once per week
5. Get proof of publication — the newspaper provides an affidavit

Step 5: File Proof of Publication

If publication was required, file the newspaper's affidavit with the court after the 3 weeks.

Step 6: Attend Your Hearing (If Required)

Some courts schedule hearings; others grant the petition without a hearing.

If there's a hearing, bring:

• Filed petition
• Proof of publication (if applicable)
• Government-issued ID
• Certified copies of birth certificate

What to say:

• "Your Honor, I am [YOUR NAME]. I filed a petition for name change on [DATE]."
• "I have completed [publication / waiver was granted]."
• "I am requesting that my name be changed to [NEW NAME]."

Step 7: Get Certified Copies of the Order

If approved, get certified copies (approximately $5-10 each). You'll need multiple copies for:

• Social Security Administration
• MVA
• Banks
• Employer
• Schools

After Your Name Change

Update Your Social Security Card

1. Complete Form SS-5 (available at ssa.gov)
2. Bring: certified court order, current ID, birth certificate
3. Visit your local Social Security office
4. New card is free and arrives in 1-2 weeks

Update Your Driver's License

1. Visit the MVA within 30 days
2. Bring: certified court order, current license, Social Security card with new name
3. Pay the amendment fee (approximately $20-30)

Update Your Birth Certificate (If Born in Maryland)

1. Contact Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records
2. Submit certified court order
3. Fee: approximately $20-35

Update Other Records

• Banks and financial institutions
• Employer and payroll
• Insurance companies
• Schools and universities
• Passport (if applicable)
• Voter registration
• Professional licenses

Divorce-Related Name Changes

Simpler Option for Divorced Persons:

Under Md. Code, Family Law § 7-105, if you were divorced in Maryland, you can change your name:

• As part of the divorce proceeding, OR
• Within 18 months after the divorce is final

This is often simpler than filing a separate name change petition. Contact the court that handled your divorce.

Special Situations

If You Have a Criminal Record

The court will review your petition carefully. Be prepared to:

• Disclose ALL criminal history honestly
• Explain your rehabilitation
• Show how you've changed
• Explain why the name change is legitimate

Warning: If you're changing your name to avoid creditors or law enforcement, your petition will be denied.

Name Change for a Minor

Additional requirements:

• Both parents must usually consent
• If one parent objects, the court holds a hearing
• The court considers the "best interests of the child"
• Different forms may be required

Timeline

If publication is waived, the process is faster (approximately 2-4 weeks total).

Key Statutory References

• Maryland Rule 15-901 — Action for change of name
• Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 3-2201 — Waiver of publication requirement
• Md. Code, Family Law § 7-105 — Change of name in divorce proceeding
• Md. Code, Family Law § 2-504 — Marriage record amendment after name change

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take?

A: Approximately 4-8 weeks (faster if publication is waived).

Q: Can I waive publication?

A: YES! Maryland law requires the court to waive publication if you request it.

Q: Can I change my child's name?

A: Yes, but both parents usually must consent. If not, the court holds a hearing.

Q: Will my criminal record disappear?

A: No. A name change does NOT erase your criminal record or legal obligations.

Q: What if someone objects?

A: The court holds a hearing to consider the objection.

Q: Can I change my first, middle, AND last name?

A: Yes. You can change any or all parts of your name.

Legal Aid Resources

If you need free legal help:

• Maryland Legal Aid: https://www.mdlab.org | 1-800-999-8904
• Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service: (410) 547-6537
• Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland: (800) 492-1664
• LSC Finder: https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid

Disclaimer

This guide and the court document template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change. For legal advice specific to your situation, contact a licensed attorney or the legal aid organizations above.

Not a law firm. Not your attorney. No attorney-client relationship exists.