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How to Legally Change Your Name in Arizona

Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

An adult name change in Arizona is filed in the Superior Court of Arizona (Civil) and costs about $236–$350 (typical $301, varies by county). In Arizona, newspaper publication is sometimes required, and most cases finish in 3–10 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.

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Arizona name change at a glance

Every figure is verified against Superior Court of Arizona and .gov sources.

Cost, court, publication requirement, and timeline for each type of name change in Arizona.
Situation	Court	Filing fee	Publication	Timeline
Marriage	No court needed	$0	—	Depends on ID updates
Divorce	Superior Court of Arizona (Family Court) — through the dissolution decree	$0	Not required	1–4 weeks
Adult petition	Superior Court of Arizona (Civil)	$236–$350	Sometimes	3–10 weeks
Minor child	Superior Court of Arizona (Civil)	$236–$350	Sometimes	3–10 weeks
Gender identity	Superior Court of Arizona (Civil) — for the name; MVD/ADHS handle the gender marker	$236–$350	Sometimes	3–10 weeks

Choose your situation

Marriage→

Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.

No court petition

Divorce→

Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.

$0 · Superior Court of Arizona (Family Court) — through the dissolution decree

Adult petition→

Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.

$236–$350 · Superior Court of Arizona (Civil)

Minor child→

Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.

$236–$350 · Superior Court of Arizona (Civil)

Gender identity→

Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.

$236–$350 · Superior Court of Arizona (Civil) — for the name; MVD/ADHS handle the gender marker

The Arizona name-change process

Most legal name changes in Arizona that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Superior Court of Arizona (Civil). You file where you live — Superior Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is $236–$350 (typical $301, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.

Some courts require a newspaper notice and some do not. From filing to a signed order usually takes 3–10 weeks.

If the fee is a hardship, ask the clerk about a fee waiver — Fee is set by each county Clerk of the Superior Court and varies — e.g. Maricopa County is about $301; confirm the exact amount with your county clerk. A fee deferral (payment plan) or waiver is available if you cannot afford it.. Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies; you'll need one for Social Security, the DMV, and your passport.

For a name change to match your gender identity, Arizona treats it more privately: Same as any adult petition: publication is not required by statute, but the court may order notice. A victim of stalking or harassment may ask to seal the record under A.R.S. 12-601..

After your order: who to notify

The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Arizona driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.

Who-to-notify guide →Build my checklist →See my timeline →

Arizona name change: FAQ

How much does a name change cost in Arizona?

An adult name change in Arizona costs about $236–$350 (typical $301, varies by county), filed in the Superior Court of Arizona (Civil). Fee is set by each county Clerk of the Superior Court and varies — e.g. Maricopa County is about $301; confirm the exact amount with your county clerk. A fee deferral (payment plan) or waiver is available if you cannot afford it.. Marriage and divorce name changes have no separate court fee.

Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Arizona?

Sometimes. Whether Arizona requires a newspaper notice depends on your court — ask the clerk.

How long does a name change take in Arizona?

A court name change in Arizona typically takes 3–10 weeks from filing to a signed order. After that, updating Social Security takes about 7–10 business days and a passport 4–6 weeks.

Which court handles name changes in Arizona?

Adult name changes in Arizona are handled by the Superior Court of Arizona (Civil). You file in superior court in the county where you live.

Can I get the name-change filing fee waived in Arizona?

Yes, if you can't afford it. Fee is set by each county Clerk of the Superior Court and varies — e.g. Maricopa County is about $301; confirm the exact amount with your county clerk. A fee deferral (payment plan) or waiver is available if you cannot afford it.. Ask your county clerk for the fee-waiver form.

What do I do after my name change is approved in Arizona?

Update Social Security first (free, Form SS-5), then your Arizona driver's license, then your US passport, and finally banks, employer, and insurance. Use our Who-To-Notify Checklist to order every account you hold.

Sources

Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:

See our verification methodology and themaster source list.

Last verified July 16, 2026Reviewed by the Name Change Atlas Editorial Team against official court and .gov sources.

We're re-confirming some fee details for this state against the county court. Always confirm the exact current fee with your court clerk before you file.