If you are an adult (18 or older) living in New Jersey and want to legally change your name, you can represent yourself in Superior Court by following these steps.
Who Should Use These Instructions
These steps apply if you are:
- 18 years or older
- Not changing your name due to marriage or divorce
- Not changing the name of a minor (under 18)
If you are changing your name because of marriage or divorce, or if you are changing a child’s name, different procedures apply.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Name
1. Complete the Adult Name Change Form
Use the Name Change eForm to create all of the documents you need to file your case.
OR
Download the How to Ask the Court to Change Your Name – Adults Only self-help kit. This packet includes all necessary forms and detailed instructions.
The packet contains several forms you’ll need to complete, including:
- Verified Complaint
- Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change
- Order Fixing Date of Hearing
- Final Judgment
- Final Judgment Addendum
- Civil Case Information Statement
2. Prepare the Filing Fee
The filing fee is $250. You can pay by credit card if filing electronically. You can pay by check or money order payable to “Treasurer, State of New Jersey” if filing by mail or in person.
3. Submit Your Forms
You have two options to submit your forms:
- Electronically: Use the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system to upload your completed forms and pay the fee online.
- By Mail or In Person: Make two copies of each form. Send the originals and one set of copies to the Civil Division of the Superior Court in your county. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and your payment. It’s recommended to send your documents by certified mail with return receipt.
4. Receive Court Documents
After processing, the court will return copies of your Verified Complaint, Certification of Confidential Information, and Order Fixing Date of Hearing, all stamped with your case docket number. This docket number is important for all future correspondence.
5. Notify Law Enforcement (If Applicable)
If you have pending criminal or delinquent charges in New Jersey, you must notify the appropriate law enforcement agencies at least 20 days before your hearing date. Send them copies of your Verified Complaint, Certification of Confidential Information, and Order Fixing Date of Hearing.
6. Attend Your Court Hearing
On the date specified in your Order Fixing Date of Hearing, appear in court. The judge will review your request and, if approved, sign the Final Judgment legally changing your name.
7. Notify Government Agencies
After your name change is approved, update your name with various agencies:
- New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue: File the Final Judgment with a $50.00 fee payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey.
- Registrar of Vital Statistics: In the state in which you were born, file the Final Judgment and the Final Judgment Addendum. For New Jersey, the fee is $2.00 payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey. There is also a $25.00 fee if you want to receive a corrected birth certificate, marriage license, civil union or domestic partnership record.
- Motor Vehicle Commission: Update your driver’s license or state ID.
- Other Agencies: Notify banks, employers, and other institutions of your name change.