How to Legally Change Your Name (Adults and Minors)

If you are 18 years of age or older and reside in Connecticut, you may do so without parent or guardian’s knowledge, or consent. The first thing you need to do is locate the appropriate Probate Court that covers the town in which you reside. You can do that by going here.

You need to complete the following four steps in order to change your name:

1. You’ll need to download and complete the following two forms, which you obtain here. The forms are the Name change petition (PC-901 for an adult) and the name change affidavit (PC-910 for an adult)
2. Once you complete the forms, you must file the forms (in person or by mail) at your local Probate Court, along with a certified copy of your long-form birth certificate. In addition, you are required to bring 2 (two) forms of identification, one of which must have your photograph.  
3. Wait for a hearing – a notice will be mailed to you.
4. Attend your Probate Court hearing. If for some reason you did not submit your two forms of ID, bring them with you to the hearing. You will appear before a Probate Court Judge who will ask you some questions and make a determination that the name change is not being made for some illegal purpose (e.g. to avoid legal actions or legal consequences). Probate Court hearings are typically informal, with parties sitting around a large table and responding to questions asked by the judge. 

The filing fee for a name change petition is $250.00. This fee may be waived by the Court if you cannot afford to pay it. The waiver petition requires you to provide information on your income and household expenses. You can obtain a waiver application can be obtained here.

Yes, but with a few additional requirements and conditions. Typically, a parent or guardian files a name change petition, but a minor may file the petition with the assistance of another adult (someone 18 or over), but in those cases, the minor must specify WHY the parent or guardian has not joined the minor in filing the petition. Here are the steps you need to take to file a name change petition as a minor, and some important information you need to know.  

1. First, you need to file a name change petition for a minor (PC-900) which you can find here.  In addition, you need to file a name change affidavit (PC-910A), which you can find here. As with the petition for an adult, you should do your best to bring two forms of identification when filing the petition, with one being a photo ID.  
2. Second, you are required to pay the $250.00 filing fee – but if you cannot afford the fee you can request a waiver of the fee by filing a Waiver Petition, which you can find here.  
3. Third, you will receive notice of a hearing, at which time you are required to appear in front of the judge.  
    

Yes – your parent or guardian will be provided notice of the hearing and may attend if they choose to do so. If your parent(s) or guardian(s) do not agree with the petition, they will be given the opportunity to explain to the judge why they oppose the request.

The Probate Judge will listen to you and any other interested persons and make a determination as to whether it is in your best interest to change your name. It is typical that the Judge will make a decision about the petition at the hearing.

There are several "next steps" for you to consider after your successful petition on the Probate Court. Some of these next steps are:

• Social Security Card.  You should go to your local Social Security Office (you can find your office by going here).  You can also start the process by filling out a form to change the name on your Social Security Card by going here.
• ID Card or Driver’s License with the Connecticut DMV.  Go to the DMV Website and fill out a Name Correction form, which you can find here.  You will need to make an appointment with the DMV and pay a $30 fee.  Remember – you must change the name on your Social Security Card prior to making your appointment with the DMV. 
• Name and Gender Change on your Birth Certificate.  You may do this by going to the Department of Public Health website to obtain an affidavit (here), but you are required to go to the town where you were born with the Probate Court Order and the affidavit. 
• Passport.  You should go to the US State Department website (here) and follow the directions under the “Change Your Name” tab.  You can usually do this by mail, but not in all circumstances.  If you are under the age of 16, the name change request usually requires a parent or guardian’s consent.