How to Legally Change Your Name in Illinois
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 Illinois is filed in the Circuit Court and costs about $200–$400 (typical $350, varies by county). In Illinois, no newspaper publication is required, and most cases finish in 4–10 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
Illinois Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Illinois name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Illinois Circuit Court and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Circuit Court (through the dissolution of marriage judgment) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | Circuit Court | $200–$400 | Not required | 4–10 weeks |
| Minor child | Circuit Court | $200–$400 | Not required | 4–10 weeks |
| Gender identity | Circuit Court | $200–$400 | Not required | 4–10 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 · Circuit Court (through the dissolution of marriage judgment)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$200–$400 · Circuit Court
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$200–$400 · Circuit Court
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$200–$400 · Circuit Court
The Illinois name-change process
Most legal name changes in Illinois that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Circuit Court. You file where you live — Circuit Court (Circuit Clerk's office) in the county where you live. The filing fee is $200–$400 (typical $350, 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 4–10 weeks.
If the fee is a hardship, ask the clerk about a fee waiver — Confirmed official examples: Cook County $388 and DuPage County about $350. Fees vary by county; a fee waiver (Application for Waiver of Court Fees) is available for those who cannot pay.. Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies; you'll need one for Social Security, the DMV, and your passport.
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Illinois driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Illinois name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Illinois?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Illinois?
How long does a name change take in Illinois?
Which court handles name changes in Illinois?
Can I get the name-change filing fee waived in Illinois?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Illinois?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms/approved-forms/circuit-court-standardized-forms-suites/name-change
- www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/home.html
- www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+V&ActID=2086
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.