Georgia Name Change — Process, Fees & Required Forms
Your Georgia name change at a glance: steps, cost, forms, and timing.
Georgia Name Change at a Glance
| Filing Fee | About $200 to $300 (superior 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 Georgia you can update your surname with your marriage certificate through Social Security and the DMV. A full change still needs the court petition. |
| After Divorce | A name can be restored in the divorce decree, or by a later petition. |
| Key Source | Ga. Code Sec. 19-12-1 to 19-12-5 (Change of Name). |
Step-by-Step Process
- File a Petition for Name Change in the superior court of the county where you live.
- Pay the filing fee.
- Publish notice as the court requires, often in a legal newspaper.
- Attend the hearing; the judge may ask about your reasons.
- The judge signs a Final Order; use certified copies to update records.
Rules for Adults and Self-Help
Georgia provides self-help resources through some superior courts; adults petition individually. Publication is generally required unless waived.
What to Know Before Filing
Georgia follows the petition, publish, hearing, order path. Marriage-based surname changes are administrative. Re-confirm current fees with the Georgia superior court clerk.
Figures above are a general reference for Georgia. Name-change fees, forms, publication rules, and waiting times differ by state and can change. Confirm current requirements with the Georgia state court clerk before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in Georgia?
In Georgia, 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 Georgia?
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.