How to Change Your Name in NJ

1. Fill out the forms

   There are two important sets of documents that a person must complete to change their names in NJ. The first is the New Jersey Name Change Packet, which includes forms to indicate what name one wishes to go by and to order a hearing before a judge. One must also fill out the Civil Case Information Statement. If one hires an attorney, he/she will complete these forms.

2. Make copies of forms before filing

   A person should keep one copy for his/her own records and include an additional copy along with the original documents which will be sent to the court.

3. File the forms

   The forms should be sent to the Superior Court of the county in which the person lives. This can be done by mail or in person. Be sure to include a check or money order for $250 made out to “Treasurer, State of New Jersey,” as well as a self-addressed stamped envelope for the court to return the forms to you.

4. Publish a notice in the newspaper

   The Order Fixing Date of Hearing must be published in the newspaper no less than two weeks before the hearing. The returned documents will indicate which newspaper the notice must be published in. Once the notice is published, the newspaper will send an affidavit of publication. A copy should be made for record keeping and the original sent to the court.

5. Notify required persons

   Those with pending criminal charges in New Jersey must notify the law enforcement agency that is prosecuting the case of one’s intent to change one’s name. This must be done at least 20 days before the hearing.

6. Attend the court hearing

   When attending court, be sure to dress appropriately and be polite and respectful to everyone in the courthouse. In addition, bring copies of all documents in order to accurately answer questions the judge may have. Here is where having an attorney can be the most helpful. An attorney can handle some of the questions the judge may ask and issue responses that are likely to persuade the judge to make a favorable ruling.

7. Publish the final judgment

   The judge will rule whether or not the name change will be allowed, and a final judgement will be sent in the mail. This will also need to be published in the newspaper within 20 days. Once again, the newspaper will send an affidavit of publication, which must be sent to the court.

8. Notify other government agencies

   There are four agencies one must notify once a name change has been granted in NJ: The Social Security Administration (SSA), the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), the NJ Treasury Department, and the Registrar of Vital Statistics or Department of Health in the capital of the state in which one was born. To do this, a person must order two certified copies of the final judgment (with raised seals) from the court. The SSA and MVC must be notified in person. For SSA, the final judgment and current social security card must be brought. Drivers must notify the MVC of a name change within two weeks by bringing a certified copy of the final judgment and one’s current driver’s license (with the old name) to the MVC. The Treasury Department can be notified by mail. One must send a copy of the certified final judgement and a check for $50 within 45 days of the ruling. The other copy of the certified final judgement should be mailed to the Registrar of Vital Statistics or Department of Health.