Minor Child Name Change in Delaware: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Delaware Court of Common Pleas and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
A minor child name change in Delaware is filed in the Delaware Family Court, costs about $100, and sometimes requires a newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 8–20 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
$90 civil filing fee plus the $10 Court Security Assessment (about $100 total) in Delaware Family Court; waivable with the In Forma Pauperis affidavit, Form 257P
Court of Common Pleas in the county where you live (adults); Family Court for minor and divorce-related name changes
Step by step
- 1
Confirm the child has lived in Delaware for at least six consecutive months, then complete the Petition for Minor Name Change (Form 492), the Custody Separate Statement (Form 346), and the Information Sheet (Form 240), and attach a certified copy of the child's birth certificate.
- 2
File the petition and required forms with the Delaware Family Court in any county and pay the $90 civil filing fee plus the $10 Court Security Assessment (about $100 total); request a waiver with Form 257P if you cannot afford the cost.
- 3
Name the child's other parent (and any guardian) as Respondent — that parent must either be personally served with the petition or voluntarily sign the Affidavit of Parental Consent (Form 493).
- 4
If the other parent cannot be located or served, complete an Affidavit that a Party's Address is Unknown (Form 241) and publish notice in an approved newspaper; otherwise no publication is required.
- 5
Attend the hearing before a Commissioner (any child aged 6–17 must also attend), obtain the signed Order and three certified copies, and update the child's Social Security record and school records.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • Both parents must be involved: the non-filing parent is named as Respondent and must be served, and if that parent agrees they file the Affidavit of Parental Consent (Form 493) so the court knows both parents consent.
- • If the father's paternity has not been legally established, first file a Petition for Paternity Adjudication (Form 144); a minor name change only changes the child's name and does not affect parental rights.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Delaware license, then your passport and accounts.
Minor child name change in nearby states
Minor Child Name Change in Delaware: FAQ
How much does a minor child name change cost in Delaware?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Delaware?
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name 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:
- courts.delaware.gov/family/namechange/index.aspx
- courts.delaware.gov/help/changename
- dmv.de.gov/DriverServices/other/index.shtml?dc=dr_oth_change
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.