Adult Name Change in Delaware: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Delaware Court of Common Pleas and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in Delaware is filed in the Court of Common Pleas for the State of Delaware, costs about $85, and requires no newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 4–10 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
Uniform $85 statewide (includes the $10 Court Security Assessment) in all three counties; the fee includes eight certified copies of the Order, with additional copies $10 each
Court of Common Pleas in the county where you live (adults); Family Court for minor and divorce-related name changes
Step by step
- 1
Complete the Petition for Name Change and the notarized Affidavit of Petitioner from the Court of Common Pleas Change of Name Packet, stating your current name, requested name, address, date/place of birth, and the reason for the change.
- 2
File the Petition and Affidavit together with a certified birth certificate, photo ID, and any prior name-change or final divorce documents in the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you reside (New Castle, Kent, or Sussex) and pay the $85 filing fee.
- 3
No newspaper publication is required — Delaware repealed the former publication requirement (10 Del. C. § 5903) in April 2022 — so you proceed straight to a hearing.
- 4
Attend the assigned hearing (arrive 30 minutes early to check in with the bailiff) where a judicial officer reviews the petition and, if granted, signs the Order.
- 5
Receive the signed Order plus eight certified copies, then use a certified copy to update Social Security with Form SS-5, the Delaware DMV, your US passport, and your financial and other accounts.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • The $85 filing fee is uniform across all three Delaware counties (New Castle, Kent, Sussex); confirm the exact current amount with your county Court of Common Pleas clerk before filing.
- • You must have been a Delaware resident for more than six months to file; the petition asks whether you have pending criminal charges or are under Department of Correction supervision, but no fingerprint or background check is required.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Delaware license, then your passport and accounts.
Adult petition name change in nearby states
Adult (Court) Name Change in Delaware: FAQ
How much does a adult (court) name change cost in Delaware?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Delaware?
How long does it take in Delaware?
What do I do after the judge signs my order in Delaware?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.