Illinois Name Change — Process, Fees & Required Forms
Your Illinois name change at a glance: steps, cost, forms, and timing.
Illinois Name Change at a Glance
| Filing Fee | About $300 (circuit court filing fee; varies by county). |
|---|---|
| Required Forms |
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| Waiting Period | Typically 4 to 8 weeks, including a publication period and a hearing. |
| After Marriage | After marriage in Illinois you can update your surname with your marriage certificate. A full change still needs the court petition. |
| After Divorce | Your former name can be restored in the dissolution judgment, or by a later petition. |
| Key Source | 735 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/21-101 (Change of Name). |
Step-by-Step Process
- File a Petition for Change of Name in the circuit court of the county where you live.
- Pay the filing fee.
- Publish notice if the court requires it.
- Attend the hearing.
- The judge signs a Judgment for Change of Name; update your records with certified copies.
Rules for Adults and Self-Help
Illinois requires notice or publication in most adult cases unless the court waives it. Minors need parental consent.
What to Know Before Filing
Illinois follows the petition, publish, hearing, judgment path. Marriage-based surname changes are administrative. Re-confirm current fees with the Illinois circuit court.
Figures above are a general reference for Illinois. Name-change fees, forms, publication rules, and waiting times differ by state and can change. Confirm current requirements with the Illinois state court clerk before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in Illinois?
In Illinois, the court filing fee is typically a few hundred dollars, and some counties add local fees. If you have low income you can usually request a fee waiver. Publication and any legal help are extra.
Do I need a court order to change my name after marriage in Illinois?
A surname change after marriage can usually be done with your marriage certificate through Social Security, the DMV, and your bank, without a court order. Changing your full legal name still requires the petition and court order described above.