How to Change Your Legal Name in Maryland

Choose a new name.

Perhaps you just got married and want to wear your new last name as proudly as you wear your wedding band. Maybe you want a name change for religious purposes. Or perhaps you're just plain tired of your birth name and want a fresh start with a name of your choice. If you want to change your legal name in Maryland, the clerk of your county's circuit court will provide you with the assistance you need in this process. As you'll see, the process is fairly straightforward.

Things You'll Need

• Petition for change of name form
• Order for change of name form
• Notice for publication form
• Birth certificate
• Payment

Instructions

1. Complete a Petition for Change of Name. This form is also known as DR60. You may complete the PDF on the Maryland Judiciary website at www.courts.state.md.us and print it out.

2. Complete the top portion and the first paragraph of the Notice for Publication. On the Maryland Judiciary website, you'll find this form as DR61. It basically alerts the general public that you're changing your name. Details from the Notice for Publication will be published in your local newspaper. At this point, anyone may object to your name change.

3. Complete the Order for Change of Name. This form is also known as JO12. You should fill out the entire form, except for the date and the judge's signature.

4. Submit the appropriate paperwork and fee to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, in the county where you currently live. Forms submitted should include the Petition for Change of Name, Notice for Publication, Order for Change of Name, and your birth certificate or any document showing the name you wish to change.

5. Pay for the Notice for Publication to be published. The courthouse clerk will be able to tell you which newspapers you may use. Depending on your county, the courthouse may pay for publication. If not, you will be required to foot the bill.

6. Provide proof that the Notice of Publication has been published. Either you or the newspaper will need to give proof of publication. Your county clerk will be able to give you a rundown of the protocol.

7. Respond to any objections from the Notice for Publication. If someone objects to your pending name change, you'll have 15 days to submit a written response to the court. You may also request a hearing for the objection by submitting a Request for Hearing or Proceeding, which is form DR59.

8. Wait for the Order for Name Change from the judge. If all your paperwork has been properly filed, and no one has contested the name change, the judge will issue a certified Order for Name Change. You'll need this document to change the name on your driver's license, social security card and other pieces of identification.

   If there has been an objection, a hearing with the judge may be scheduled. Once the hearing is complete, the judge will decide if the name change will occur.

References

• Instructions for Change of Name of an Adult
• Petition for Change of Name
• Notice for Publication
• Order for Change of Name