Minor Child Name Change in Arizona: Steps, Cost & Forms

Verified against Superior Court of Arizona and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

A minor child name change in Arizona is filed in the Superior Court of Arizona (Civil), costs about $236–$350 (typical $301, varies by county), and sometimes requires a newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 3–10 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.

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What it costs

Filing fee

$236–$350 (typical $301, varies by county)

Same county-set Superior Court filing fee as an adult petition (Maricopa about $301); confirm with your county clerk. Fee deferral or waiver available if you cannot afford it.

Court

Superior Court of Arizona (Civil)

Superior Court in the county where you live

Timeline

3–10 weeks

Step by step

1
Complete the Application to Change the Name of a Minor Child (Maricopa form CVNCM1), naming the child and the requested new name — Arizona uses a separate minor form, not the adult form.
2
Give the child's other parent legal notice of the application; if the other parent does not consent, the court will require proof they were served and will consider their position at the hearing.
3
File the application and copies with the Clerk of the Superior Court, pay or ask to defer/waive the fee, and give any additional notice the court orders.
4
Attend the hearing; the judge decides based on the best interest of the child, not just a parent's preference.
5
Get the signed order and certified copies, then update the child's Social Security record, school records, and passport.

Official forms

Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.

Form	Code	Official link
Application to Change the Name of a Minor Child	CVNCM1	Open ↗
Arizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center — Name Change Forms	—	Open ↗

Newspaper publication: Sometimes — Publication is not required by statute; the court may order notice by publication or by service on interested parties under A.R.S. 12-602.

Background check: No background check

Good to know in Arizona:

• Both parents generally must receive notice; if a parent cannot be located, ask the court about alternative service such as service by publication.
• The court weighs the child's best interest, and a non-consenting parent has the right to object at the hearing.

Then update your IDs

Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Arizona license, then your passport and accounts.

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

Minor child name change in nearby states

Washington →Tennessee →Virginia →Massachusetts →

Minor Child Name Change in Arizona: FAQ

How much does a minor child name change cost in Arizona?

About $236–$350 (typical $301, varies by county), filed in the Superior Court of Arizona (Civil). Same county-set Superior Court filing fee as an adult petition (Maricopa about $301); confirm with your county clerk. Fee deferral or waiver available if you cannot afford it..

Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Arizona?

Sometimes — it depends on your court. Ask the clerk when you file.

Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name in Arizona?

Both parents generally must be notified. If the other parent objects or can't be found, the court decides based on the child's best interest. Both parents generally must receive notice; if a parent cannot be located, ask the court about alternative service such as service by publication.

How long does it take in Arizona?

Typically 3–10 weeks from filing to a signed order, then Social Security (7–10 business days), the DMV, and your passport (4–6 weeks).

What do I do after the judge signs my order in Arizona?

Order certified copies, then update Social Security first, the DMV next, then your passport, banks, and employer. Our Who-To-Notify Checklist builds the full ordered list.

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.