All Laws Decoded

Changing Your Name in Illinois

How adults change their legal name in Illinois: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.

Short answer: An Illinois resident files a petition, on the statewide standardized form approved by the Illinois Supreme Court, in the circuit court of the county where he or she lives; 735 ILCS 5/21-101, 5/21-102, 5/21-103 (repealed)

Legal name changeAn Illinois resident files a petition, on the statewide standardized form approved by the Illinois Supreme Court, in the circuit court of the county where he or she lives; the petitioner must have lived in Illinois for three months by the time of the hearing or order. The petition states the current and new names, residence and time in Illinois, and whether the petitioner has unpardoned convictions or pending charges. People still serving a felony sentence generally may not file, and people required to register as sex, violent or arson offenders may file only for specified reasons. The former newspaper publication section (21-103) has been repealed.
Source: 735 ILCS 5/21-101, 5/21-102, 5/21-103 (repealed)
Changing your name after divorceUnless the person asks otherwise, a divorce judgment (or declaration of invalidity) includes a provision allowing the person to resume a former or maiden name at any time. With that provision, no separate name change petition or publication notice is needed.
Source: 750 ILCS 5/413(c)

Where to get help in Illinois

More Illinois divorce & family law

FAQ

How do you legally change your name in Illinois?
An Illinois resident files a petition, on the statewide standardized form approved by the Illinois Supreme Court, in the circuit court of the county where he or she lives; the petitioner must have lived in Illinois for three months by the time of the hearing or order. The petition states the current and new names, residence and time in Illinois, and whether the petitioner has unpardoned convictions or pending charges. People still serving a felony sentence generally may not file, and people required to register as sex, violent or arson offenders may file only for specified reasons. The former newspaper publication section (21-103) has been repealed.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in Illinois?
Unless the person asks otherwise, a divorce judgment (or declaration of invalidity) includes a provision allowing the person to resume a former or maiden name at any time. With that provision, no separate name change petition or publication notice is needed.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.