New Jersey Name Change Petition — Your Filing Guide

What This Document Does

This is a Complaint for Change of Name that you file with the Superior Court to legally change your name. Once the judge signs the order, you can update your driver's license, Social Security card, birth certificate, and all other official documents to reflect your new name.

When to Use This

• You want to change your name after getting married or divorced
• You want to change your name for personal, religious, or cultural reasons
• You are transgender and want to change your name to match your gender identity
• You have another legitimate reason to change your legal name

Before You File

Gather these items:

• [ ] Your birth certificate (certified copy, if available)
• [ ] Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• [ ] Social Security card
• [ ] Proof of New Jersey residency (utility bill, lease, voter registration)
• [ ] $175-250 filing fee (cash, money order, or credit card) or IFP application
• [ ] Money for certified copies of the judgment (approximately $10-25 per copy)

Step-by-Step Filing

1. Complete the Complaint. Fill in every blank. Be honest about your criminal history.

1. Complete the Certification. This is a sworn affidavit required by New Jersey law. You must certify that you are not changing your name to avoid prosecution, creditors, or to commit fraud.

1. Prepare the proposed Order. Ask the court clerk for the standard form of order for name changes.

1. Make 3 copies. Keep one for yourself. File the original and two copies.

1. Go to the Superior Court, Chancery Division in your county. This is usually at the county courthouse. Ask for the Chancery Division clerk.

1. Pay the filing fee.

• If you can't afford the fee: Ask the clerk for an "IFP Application" (In Forma Pauperis). You will list your income and expenses. If approved, you can file for free.

1. Attend your hearing (if required). Some judges require a brief hearing; others may grant the name change based on the paperwork alone.

1. Get certified copies of the Judgment. After the judge signs your name change order, get at least 3-5 certified copies from the clerk. You will need these to update your other documents.

If You Have a Criminal Record

New Jersey law requires you to disclose:

• Any past criminal convictions
• Any pending criminal charges

If you have pending charges, you must serve a copy of your complaint on the prosecuting attorney handling your case. The court will notify the State Bureau of Identification of your name change.

Providing false information about your criminal history is a crime of the fourth degree in New Jersey.

After Your Name Change is Granted

Update your documents in this order:

1. Social Security Card

• Go to your local Social Security office or apply online at https://www.ssa.gov
• Bring: certified copy of court order, current ID, birth certificate
• Cost: Free
• Wait for your new Social Security card before updating other documents

1. New Jersey Driver's License or ID

• Go to any MVC agency
• Bring: certified copy of court order, current license/ID, new Social Security card
• Cost: Approximately $11 for duplicate license

1. Birth Certificate (if born in New Jersey)

• Contact the New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
• Website: https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/
• Cost: Approximately $25-35 for corrected certificate

1. Other Documents to Update

• Bank accounts
• Credit cards
• Passport
• Employer/payroll
• School records
• Insurance policies
• Utility accounts
• Voter registration
• Medical records

Reasons a Judge May Deny Your Petition

A judge may deny your name change if:

• You have pending criminal charges and the court believes you are trying to avoid prosecution
• You are trying to avoid creditors
• You provided false information on your application
• The court believes you are trying to commit fraud

Changing a Child's Name

If you want to change a minor child's name:

• Both parents usually must consent, or you must serve the other parent
• The court will consider the child's best interest
• Children 10 and older may need to consent
• Additional forms may be required

Legal Aid Resources

If you need free legal help:

• Legal Services of New Jersey: 1-888-576-5529 — Statewide hotline
• LSNJ Website: https://www.lsnj.org — Find legal aid by county
• 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.