Changing Your Name in Montana

Many people, for one reason or another, wish to change their name. Different states have various laws and regulations regarding name changing, and Montana is no different. If a minor in Montana wishes to change his/her name, they must have a guardian sign the necessary paperwork. The steps to changing your name are very simple and straightforward, and you will hear back regarding your petition within a few months. Petitioning for a name change in the state of Montana costs $35, regardless of whether you are a minor or adult.

Things You'll Need

• Petition to Change Name form

Instructions

1. Obtain the necessary change of name petition form from the Clerk of District Court's office in your county courthouse.

2. Fill out the petition form. On the form you must specify the current name, residence, date of birth, the name being proposed, and a valid reason for the name change. Name changes cannot be made for purposes of fraud or illegal purposes.

3. Mail the completed form to the Clerk of District Court's office in your county with the filing fee, or drop it off in person. The judge will send you a Notice of Hearing of Name change, which you must have published in the local newspaper. The newspaper will charge a small fee for this service.

4. Show up to your hearing, if necessary. In many cases the judge will approve the name change and send you a Order For Name Change in the mail, which establishes that your name has been approved and legally changed.

References

• Name Change Law: Montana Name Change Law
• Montana Courts: Changing Your Name