Minor Child Name Change in Illinois: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Illinois Circuit Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
A minor child name change in Illinois is filed in the Circuit Court, costs about $200–$400 (typical $350, varies by county), 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
Same county Circuit Clerk fee structure as an adult petition; a fee waiver is available. Confirm the exact amount with your county Circuit Clerk.
Circuit Court (Circuit Clerk's office) in the county where you live
Step by step
- 1
A parent with custody or significant decision-making responsibility (or a legal guardian) completes the Request for Name Change (Minor Children) and the Request for Name Change – Child Information form.
- 2
Give the child's other parent (and anyone with parental rights) either a notarized written consent to sign, OR formal notice of the court date by certified mail with return receipt or by sheriff/process server.
- 3
File with the Circuit Clerk and pay the county fee or request a fee waiver; if the other parent cannot be located, file the Statement on Trying to Provide Notice and follow the judge's instructions.
- 4
Attend the court date; the other parent may appear and object, and the judge decides based on the child's best interest.
- 5
Obtain the signed Order for Name Change (Minor Children) and certified copies to update the child's Social Security record, school records, and passport.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • Every person with parental rights must either sign a notarized consent or be served notice by certified mail or a process server — notice is not given by publication except as a last resort when a parent cannot be located.
- • The petitioning parent must meet the 3-month Illinois residency requirement, and the court decides based on the child's best interest.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Illinois license, then your passport and accounts.
Minor child name change in nearby states
Minor Child Name Change in Illinois: FAQ
How much does a minor child name change cost in Illinois?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Illinois?
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name in Illinois?
How long does it take in Illinois?
What do I do after the judge signs my order 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
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.