How to Legally Change Your Name in Arkansas
Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in Arkansas is filed in the Arkansas Circuit Court and costs about $150–$175 (typical $165, varies by county). In Arkansas, no newspaper publication is required, and most cases finish in 3–8 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
Arkansas Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Arkansas name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Arkansas Circuit Court and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Arkansas Circuit Court (through the divorce decree) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | Arkansas Circuit Court | $150–$175 | Not required | 3–8 weeks |
| Minor child | Arkansas Circuit Court | $150–$175 | Not required | 3–8 weeks |
| Gender identity | Arkansas Circuit Court | $150–$175 | Not required | 3–8 weeks |
Choose your situation
Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.
No court petition
Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.
$0 · Arkansas Circuit Court (through the divorce decree)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$150–$175 · Arkansas Circuit Court
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$150–$175 · Arkansas Circuit Court
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$150–$175 · Arkansas Circuit Court
The Arkansas name-change process
Most legal name changes in Arkansas that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Arkansas Circuit Court. You file where you live — Circuit Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is $150–$175 (typical $165, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.
You do not have to publish a notice in a newspaper. From filing to a signed order usually takes 3–8 weeks.
Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies right away — you'll hand one to Social Security, the DMV, and the passport agency, in that order.
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Arkansas driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Arkansas name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Arkansas?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Arkansas?
How long does a name change take in Arkansas?
Which court handles name changes in Arkansas?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Arkansas?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- arcourts.gov/forms-and-publications/court-forms
- healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/certificates-records/order-marriage-records
- www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/driver-services
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.
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.