How Do I Change My or My Child's Name?

The following information provides simple steps to change your or your child's name:

Basic Steps to Changing a Name

Changing the name of an adult begins by filing a Petition. If no one objects to the name change, and the Court does not have questions about the Petition, the judge signs the Decree for Change of Name. However, if someone has contested the name change, or if the judge has any questions about your Petition, he/she may schedule a hearing. All of these steps are discussed further below.

The total process will take approximately 2 to 4 months from the date of filing the petition to have the final decree signed.


Changing the Name of an Adopted Child

You may change the name of an adopted child to yours by including the request for name change in your Petition for Adoption (Maryland Rule 9-103(b)(1)(M)).

Please note: the Court does not provide adoption forms. Adoption can be a complex legal matter, and you may need an experienced attorney to handle your petition for adoption. For referrals and information about lawyers who handle adoptions, please contact the Montgomery County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service via phone at 301-279-9100 or via an online form. Should you qualify under their income guidelines, they may be able to refer you to an attorney to work for a reduced fee.

Changing Names in Connection with a Marriage or Divorce

If you wish to change your name upon marriage, just start using a new name as soon as you are married and use your new name consistently.

Change your name on all important documents and identification papers such as a social security card, title, and driver’s license. You may need to show a certified copy of your marriage certificate to change some of your papers.

There are several ways to change your name to your former name when filing for divorce:

  • As part of your divorce, you can ask the Court for an order to resume your maiden name. File a Petition for Change of Name (Adult) (PDF)(DOM REL 60) as part of your divorce. Typically, the judge will ask you in the divorce proceeding if you want to return to your former name. There is no form to amend the divorce order.
  • If you have already filed for your divorce, you can amend the divorce papers within 30 days of being filed.
  • In Maryland, consistently using your former name and changing all your personal records is enough to change your name to your former name.

Change of Legal Name of Adult (18 Years or Older)

The following forms for change of name are available at the Family Department window or the Maryland Judiciary Website:

Change of Legal Name of Minor Child (Under 18 Years Old)

The following forms for change of name are available at the Family Department window or the Maryland Judiciary Website:

Decree for Change of Name

If someone has contested the name change, or if the judge has any questions about your Petition, he/she may schedule a hearing.

If no one has contested the change, and everything has been done properly, the judge may sign the Order for Name Change.

A certified copy of the Order may be requested at the Department ($5 for issuing a copy and 50 cents for each page of the certified Order).

You will need additional copies of the Order in order to change your identification to your new name—such as on your social security card and driver’s license—before you can change the name on your bank account, credit card, paycheck, with your child’s school, etc.

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