Minor Child Name Change in Michigan: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Michigan Circuit Court (Family Division) and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
A minor child name change in Michigan is filed in the Family Division of the Circuit Court (county of residence), costs about $175, and requires a newspaper notice unless it's waived. Most cases finish in 8–16 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
The same $175 statewide filing fee applies to a minor's name change; the judge can waive it for those who cannot afford it.
Family Division of the Circuit Court in the county where you live
Step by step
- 1
A parent or guardian files Form PC 51 (Petition for Name Change) in the Family Division of the Circuit Court, listing the child and the requested name.
- 2
Give notice to the child's other parent; a child who is 14 or older must consent to the name change in writing, and the judge considers a younger child's wishes if the child can express them.
- 3
Complete any required background check for a petitioner under 22, pay or waive the $175 fee, and publish notice of the hearing (Form PC 50) unless the judge waives it.
- 4
Attend the hearing; the judge decides based on the best interest of the child and, if granted, signs Form PC 52 (Order Following Hearing Regarding Petition for Name Change).
- 5
Get certified copies of the PC 52 order and 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.
- • Both parents must be notified; a child 14 or older must give written consent, and the judge weighs the best interest of the child.
- • If the other parent cannot be located or has had rights terminated, ask the court about notice by publication or a statutory exception.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Michigan license, then your passport and accounts.
Minor child name change in nearby states
Minor Child Name Change in Michigan: FAQ
How much does a minor child name change cost in Michigan?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Michigan?
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name in Michigan?
How long does it take in Michigan?
What do I do after the judge signs my order in Michigan?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.