Adult Name Change in Arkansas: Steps, Cost & Forms

Verified against Arkansas Circuit Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

An adult name change in Arkansas is filed in the Arkansas Circuit Court, costs about $150–$175 (typical $165, varies by county), and requires no newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 3–8 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

$150–$175 (typical $165, varies by county)

The statutory base civil filing fee is $150 under Ark. Code Ann. § 21-6-403; clerks commonly collect about $165 with court-automation add-ons. Confirm the exact filing fee with your county circuit clerk.

Court

Arkansas Circuit Court

Circuit Court in the county where you live

Timeline

3–8 weeks

Step by step

1
Prepare a verified, notarized Petition for Change of Name under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-2-101 stating your current name, the requested name, and the reasons for the change; Arkansas has no statewide standardized name-change form, so you draft the petition and a proposed order.
2
File the petition with two copies and a Civil Cover Sheet at the circuit clerk's office in the county where you live and pay the filing fee, or file an In Forma Pauperis petition if you cannot afford it.
3
Present the case to a circuit judge, who signs an order upon good reasons shown.
4
File the signed order with the clerk and order certified copies to update Social Security, Arkansas DFA driver services, your US passport, and your accounts.

Official forms

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

Form	Code	Official link
Arkansas Judiciary court forms (Civil Cover Sheet)	—	Open ↗
Application for a Social Security Card	SS-5	Open ↗

Newspaper publication: Not required — Arkansas does not require newspaper publication for an adult name change under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-2-101.

Background check: No background check

Good to know in Arkansas:

• Arkansas has no statewide standardized name-change petition, so requirements and the exact fee vary by county — confirm the exact filing fee with your county circuit clerk.
• No newspaper publication is required under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-2-101.

Then update your IDs

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

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

Adult petition name change in nearby states

Nevada →Mississippi →Iowa →Kansas →

Adult (Court) Name Change in Arkansas: FAQ

How much does a adult (court) name change cost in Arkansas?

About $150–$175 (typical $165, varies by county), filed in the Arkansas Circuit Court. The statutory base civil filing fee is $150 under Ark. Code Ann. § 21-6-403; clerks commonly collect about $165 with court-automation add-ons. Confirm the exact filing fee with your county circuit clerk..

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

No. Arkansas does not require newspaper publication for this type of name change.

How long does it take in Arkansas?

Typically 3–8 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 Arkansas?

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.