Changing Your Name in North Dakota
How adults change their legal name in North Dakota: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.
Short answer: File a petition in the district court of the county where you live, stating that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have lived in the county at least six months, the reason for the change, and the name you want. N.D. Cent. Code §§ 32-28-01, 32-28-02
| Legal name change | File a petition in the district court of the county where you live, stating that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have lived in the county at least six months, the reason for the change, and the name you want. The court checks criminal history and may require a criminal background check at your cost; a person with a felony conviction must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the request is in good faith. Notice must be published in the county's official newspaper 30 days before the hearing, but the court may waive publication for a change of first name only or for a domestic violence victim. |
|---|
Where to get help in North Dakota
More North Dakota divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in North Dakota
- Adopting a Child in North Dakota
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in North Dakota
- Establishing Paternity in North Dakota
- Child Custody Laws in North Dakota
- How Child Support Is Calculated in North Dakota
- Divorce Records in North Dakota
- Alimony and Spousal Support in North Dakota
- How to File for Divorce in North Dakota
- Legal Separation and Annulment in North Dakota
- All North Dakota divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you legally change your name in North Dakota?
File a petition in the district court of the county where you live, stating that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have lived in the county at least six months, the reason for the change, and the name you want. The court checks criminal history and may require a criminal background check at your cost; a person with a felony conviction must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the request is in good faith. Notice must be published in the county's official newspaper 30 days before the hearing, but the court may waive publication for a change of first name only or for a domestic violence victim.
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.