Pennsylvania Name Change Packet — LSC-Grade Legal Guide

This packet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, contact a licensed Pennsylvania attorney or your local legal aid organization.

Quick Facts: Name Change in Pennsylvania

1. Eligibility Checker — 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 or others
• You are not changing your name to avoid criminal prosecution
• You are not changing your name for any fraudulent purpose

Background Check Requirement

Pennsylvania requires a criminal history background check for all adult name change petitions. You must submit:

• Pennsylvania State Police criminal record check, 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 they are mature enough
• A guardian ad litem may be appointed in contested cases

Restrictions

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 detrimental to others

2. Required Forms

Petition Content Requirements (54 Pa.C.S. § 702)

Your petition must include:

1. Your current full legal name
2. The name you want to change to
3. Your reason for wanting the change
4. Statement that you are a Pennsylvania resident
5. Certification that you have no criminal record (or disclosure of any record)
6. Verification by affidavit (notarized signature)

3. Step-by-Step Filing Instructions

Step 1: Obtain Your Background Check

Before filing, get your criminal history record:

Option A: Pennsylvania State Police PATCH System

1. Go to: patch.state.pa.us
2. Submit online request
3. Fee: $22 (non-refundable)
4. Results typically available in 1–3 business days
5. Print the results to submit with your petition

Option B: FBI Identity History Summary

1. Go to: fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
2. Submit fingerprints and application
3. Fee: $18 (plus fingerprinting fee)
4. Takes 3–5 weeks for results

Step 2: Complete Your Petition

1. Draft your petition including all required elements (see sample below)
2. Include your current name, requested new name, and reasons
3. State clearly that you are a Pennsylvania resident
4. 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
4. The notary will notarize your signature

Where to find a notary:

• Banks and credit unions (often free for customers)
• UPS Store or FedEx Office ($5–$15)
• Courthouse (some have notaries available)

Step 4: Make Copies

Make 4 copies of your completed, notarized petition:

• Original for the court
• Copy for your records
• Copy for the judge
• Extra copy for newspaper publication

Step 5: File with the Prothonotary

1. Go to the Court of Common Pleas Prothonotary's office in your county
2. Bring your original petition, copies, and background check
3. Pay the filing fee ($50–$200 depending on county)
4. The clerk will stamp your documents and assign a case number
5. Ask about the hearing date process

Step 6: Publish Notice (54 Pa.C.S. § 703)

You must publish notice of your name change hearing:

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

Waiver of Publication:

If publication would endanger your safety (domestic violence victims, etc.):

• File a motion to waive publication requirements
• Explain the safety concerns in your motion
• The court may waive or modify publication

Step 7: Attend Your Hearing

1. Dress appropriately (business casual)
2. Arrive 15–30 minutes early
3. Bring your copy of the filed petition
4. Bring government-issued photo ID
5. Bring the Affidavit of Publication (if required)
6. The judge will ask why you want to change your name
7. Answer truthfully and briefly

Step 8: Get Certified Copies of the Decree

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

• Social Security card
• Driver's license
• Birth certificate
• Bank accounts
• Other official records

4. Court Information by County

Philadelphia County

• Court: Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District
• Address: City Hall, Room 284, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Phone: (215) 686-6650
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: Approximately $150
• Fee Waiver: Available (In Forma Pauperis petition)

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)

• Court: Court of Common Pleas, Department of Court Records
• Address: City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, Room 117, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
• Phone: (412) 350-4200
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: Approximately $100
• Fee Waiver: Available

Montgomery County

• Court: Court of Common Pleas, Prothonotary
• Address: Montgomery County Courthouse, 2 Airy Street, Norristown, PA 19401
• Phone: (610) 278-3360
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM
• Filing Fee: Approximately $75
• Fee Waiver: Available

Delaware County

• Court: Court of Common Pleas, Prothonotary
• Address: Delaware County Courthouse, 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063
• Phone: (610) 891-4000
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: Approximately $100
• Fee Waiver: Available

Chester County

• Court: Court of Common Pleas, Prothonotary
• Address: Chester County Justice Center, 201 W. Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380
• Phone: (610) 344-6300
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: Approximately $75
• Fee Waiver: Available

Bucks County

• Court: Court of Common Pleas, Prothonotary
• Address: Bucks County Justice Center, 100 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
• Phone: (215) 348-6191
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: Approximately $100
• Fee Waiver: Available

Lehigh County (Allentown)

• Court: Court of Common Pleas, Prothonotary
• Address: Lehigh County Courthouse, 455 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101
• Phone: (610) 782-3180
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: Approximately $75
• Fee Waiver: Available

Lackawanna County (Scranton)

• Court: Court of Common Pleas, Prothonotary
• Address: Lackawanna County Courthouse, 200 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
• Phone: (570) 963-6772
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: Approximately $75
• Fee Waiver: Available

Note: Fees and procedures may change. Call your local Prothonotary's office before visiting.

5. Filing Checklist

Before going to the courthouse, confirm you have:

• [ ] Completed Petition for Change of Name
• [ ] Petition notarized (signed in front of notary)
• [ ] Criminal history background check results (PATCH or FBI)
• [ ] Valid government-issued photo ID
• [ ] Proof of Pennsylvania residency (utility bill, lease, or ID with address)
• [ ] Filing fee ($50–$200 cash, money order, or check — call ahead)
• [ ] Completed fee waiver application (if you cannot afford the fee)
• [ ] 4 copies of all documents

After filing, before hearing:

• [ ] Arranged newspaper publication (at least 30 days before hearing)
• [ ] Filed Affidavit of Publication with court
• [ ] Prepared for hearing

6. What to Bring to the Hearing

• [ ] Government-issued photo ID
• [ ] Copy of your filed petition (stamped by clerk)
• [ ] Affidavit of Publication from newspaper
• [ ] Original background check results
• [ ] Proof of residency in Pennsylvania
• [ ] Proposed Decree Granting Name Change
• [ ] List of reasons for name change (if you want to be prepared)
• [ ] Pen and notepad

For victims of domestic violence:

• [ ] Motion to waive publication (if applicable)
• [ ] Any protective orders or documentation

7. What Happens After Filing

Timeline

After the Judge Signs Your Decree

Update your Social Security record first:

1. Complete Form SS-5 (available at ssa.gov)
2. Bring certified court order, current ID, and completed form
3. Visit your local Social Security office
4. Receive new Social Security card in 7–14 days

Then update your Pennsylvania Driver's License:

1. Bring certified court order and new Social Security card
2. Visit a PA Driver License Center
3. Pay the duplicate license fee ($31.50)
4. Receive new license same day or within 15 days (if camera card)

Update other records:

• Birth certificate (PA Department of Health, Vital Records)
• Bank accounts
• Employer/payroll
• Insurance policies
• School records
• Medical records
• Passport (if applicable)

8. Local Legal Aid Resources

LSC-Funded Legal Aid Organizations in Pennsylvania

Additional Resources

Income Guidelines: Most legal aid organizations serve individuals with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Call to check eligibility.

9. Controlling Statute Citations

• 54 Pa.C.S. § 701 — Short title (Change of Name Act)
• 54 Pa.C.S. § 702 — Petition for change of name; contents
• 54 Pa.C.S. § 703 — Notice of hearing; publication
• 54 Pa.C.S. § 704 — Hearing; decree; effect
• 54 Pa.C.S. § 705 — Confidentiality for victims of domestic violence
• 54 Pa.C.S. § 706 — Fingerprinting and background check requirements

10. Sample Petition Language

`

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF [COUNTY NAME] COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

IN RE: CHANGE OF NAME OF

[YOUR CURRENT FULL LEGAL NAME]

)

) No.: _______________

)

) PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGES OF SAID COURT:

Petitioner, [Your Current Full Legal Name], respectfully requests that this

Court grant a change of name, and in support thereof states as follows:

1. Petitioner is a resident of [County Name] County, Pennsylvania, and has

been a resident for more than [number] months/years.

1. Petitioner's current full legal name is [Your Current Full Legal Name].

1. Petitioner was born on [Date of Birth].

1. Petitioner desires to change their name to [Your New Full Legal Name].

1. 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.]

1. Petitioner is not seeking this name change to defraud creditors, avoid

criminal prosecution, or for any fraudulent purpose.

1. Petitioner has no criminal record [OR: Petitioner has the following

criminal record: describe offense, date, and disposition].

1. Petitioner has attached a Pennsylvania State Police criminal history

background check (or FBI background check) to this Petition.

WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that this Court enter a Decree

changing Petitioner's name from [Current Name] to [New Name].

_______________________________

[Your Current Full Legal Name]

Petitioner

VERIFICATION

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: __________

`

Disclaimer

This packet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. No attorney-client relationship is formed by using this information.

For legal advice specific to your situation, contact:

• A licensed Pennsylvania attorney
• Your local legal aid organization (see Section 8 above)
• Pennsylvania Bar Lawyer Referral at (800) 932-0311

Last updated: March 2026 | Jurist-Diction | "The law, precisely spoken."

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