Pennsylvania Name Change Packet — LSC-Grade Legal Guide
Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.
1. Eligibility Checker — Who Can Change Their Name in Pennsylvania
You ARE eligible if:
Background Check Requirement
Special Requirements for Minors
Restrictions
File at: Pennsylvania court finder: https://www.pacourts.us/find-a-court
2. Required Forms
| Form Name | Purpose | Where to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Petition for Change of Name | Requests the court to change your name | Court of Common Pleas Prothonotary's office or create your own |
| Verification/Affidavit | Sworn statement that petition is true | Include with petition |
| Criminal History Background Check | Required for all adults | Pennsylvania State Police (PATCH) or FBI |
| Notice of Hearing | Announces the court date | Court will provide or you prepare |
| Decree Granting Name Change | Final court order | Submit proposed form for judge to sign |
Petition Content Requirements (54 Pa.C.S. § 702)
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 Pennsylvania resident
- Certification that you have no criminal record (or disclosure of any record)
- Verification by affidavit (notarized signature)
3. Step-by-Step Filing Instructions
Step 1: Obtain Your Background Check
- Go to: patch.state.pa.us
- Submit online request
- Fee: $22 (non-refundable)
- Results typically available in 1–3 business days
- Print the results to submit with your petition
- Go to: fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
- Submit fingerprints and application
- Fee: $18 (plus fingerprinting fee)
- Takes 3–5 weeks for results
Step 2: Complete Your Petition
- Draft your petition including all required elements (see sample below)
Step 3: Get Your Petition Notarized
Step 4: Make Copies
Step 5: File with the Prothonotary
Step 6: Publish Notice (54 Pa.C.S. § 703)
Step 7: Attend Your Hearing
Step 8: Get Certified Copies of the Decree
5. Filing Checklist
- [ ] 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
- [ ] Arranged newspaper publication (at least 30 days before hearing)
- [ ] Filed Affidavit of Publication with court
- [ ] Prepared for hearing
LEGAL AID
- Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN): palawhelp.org · 1-800-322-9933
- Philadelphia Legal Assistance: phillylegal.org · (215) 981-3800
- Southwestern PA Legal Services: swpls.org · 1-800-243-2020
- PA Courts Self-Help: pacourts.us/self-help · (717) 705-1138
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:
- Petitioner is a resident of [County Name] County, Pennsylvania, and has
been a resident for more than [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.
- Petitioner has no criminal record [OR: Petitioner has the following
criminal record: describe offense, date, and disposition].
- 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: __________
`
*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 Pennsylvania attorney or legal aid. jurist-diction.com*