Connecticut Name Change — Process, Fees & Required Forms
Your Connecticut name change at a glance: steps, cost, forms, and timing.
Connecticut Name Change at a Glance
| Filing Fee | Typically about $200 to $400 (court filing fee; the exact amount is set by the county). |
|---|---|
| Required Forms |
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| Waiting Period | Usually 4 to 12 weeks, including any newspaper publication period the court requires. |
| After Marriage | In most states you can update your surname after marriage using your marriage certificate through Social Security, the DMV, and your bank, without a court order. Changing your full legal name usually still requires a petition. |
| After Divorce | Most states let you restore a former name as part of the divorce judgment, or by filing a separate petition afterward. |
| Key Source | State statute and local court rules (verify with the specific state court). |
Step-by-Step Process
- File a petition for name change in the appropriate state court (usually the superior, circuit, or district court) in the county where you live.
- Pay the court filing fee, or request a fee waiver if you have low income.
- Publish notice of the name change as your state requires, often in a local newspaper.
- Attend a hearing before a judge who reviews your petition.
- Obtain a certified copy of the court order and use it to update your Social Security card, driver license, bank accounts, and other records.
Rules for Adults and Self-Help
Adults petition on their own. Some states require fingerprinting and a criminal background check for adult changes; minors generally need parental consent.
What to Know Before Filing
Most U.S. states follow a similar path: file a petition, pay a fee, publish notice, attend a hearing, and receive a court order. Exact fees, forms, publication rules, and waiting times differ by state and can change. Confirm current requirements with the state court clerk before filing.
Figures above are a general reference for Connecticut. Name-change fees, forms, publication rules, and waiting times differ by state and can change. Confirm current requirements with the Connecticut state court clerk before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, 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 Connecticut?
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.