Legal Name Change

Summary

Getting your name legally changed can be done by anyone regardless of any kind of medical intervention or diagnosis. We all have the right to legally change a name. Information here is based on prices reported during the construction of this page, please go to the official links to verify any price. If you have a criminal history you may need proof of transitioning, but you are still able to go through with this. While the paperwork can look intimidating, it is all very manageable to be completed by an individual without an legal background.

Help
Name Change Micro Grant: Helps with name change open first to 14th of month

North Dakota
Website with the Forms: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/name-change-adult

  • $80 Filing Fee (waivable)
  • Requires 6 months residency
  • No publication is needed in the newspaper if only changing first and middle name.
  • You may possibly change last name without requiring news paper publication if you include medical diagnosis for transitioning reasons. This information can be included in addition to other paperwork.

Minnesota
Website with Forms: https://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Name-Change.aspx

  • $315 Filing Fee (waivable)
  • Requires 6 months residency
  • Name Change hearing takes place at court, generally takes a few minutes, and requires two witnesses to verify your identity

National Information
If your current state is not included here, the best place to go for general information on Legal Name Change documents is here:

What To Update Afterwards

Some things to consider once you’ve updated your legal name change is that you’re always every legal entity you’ve ever been. The name change form helps to connect this, so if there is ever a difference between your license and something else, your name change paperwork can prove this is you.

What Major Documents to Change (This isn’t all inclusive or necessarily required)

  • Drivers License or State ID
  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card
  • Personal Bank, Credit Card, or Loan Agencies
  • Military V/A
  • Tax Records

Considerations
Some of those listed above will take copies of your official affidavit of name change to keep on record. However, your drivers license is typically your defacto identity document that is referenced most times you’re being identified. There are many trans individuals who haven’t updated everything above for various reasons. As it can be overwhelming, start with State ID/Drivers licenses and work your way to what you’re able to handle and what is necessary as things come up in your life.

This section is not intended as legal advice, but to give people an understanding of which documents trans folks typically end up changing or needing to change. Each individuals situation will be different, with possibly different requirements.

Often folks wait for their gender change to be complete and get both markers changed at the same time!