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How to Legally Change Your Name in Minnesota

Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

An adult name change in Minnesota is filed in the Minnesota District Court (county of residence) and costs about $310–$325 (typical $322, varies by county). In Minnesota, no newspaper publication is required, and most cases finish in 4–8 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.

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Minnesota name change at a glance

Every figure is verified against Minnesota District Court and .gov sources.

Cost, court, publication requirement, and timeline for each type of name change in Minnesota.
Situation	Court	Filing fee	Publication	Timeline
Marriage	No court needed	$0	—	Depends on ID updates
Divorce	District Court (through the marriage dissolution decree under Minn. Stat. 518.27)	$0	Not required	1–4 weeks
Adult petition	Minnesota District Court (county of residence)	$310–$325	Not required	4–8 weeks
Minor child	Minnesota District Court (county where the child resides)	$310–$325	Not required	4–10 weeks
Gender identity	Minnesota District Court (county of residence)	$310–$325	Not required	4–8 weeks

Choose your situation

Marriage→

Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.

No court petition

Divorce→

Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.

$0 · District Court (through the marriage dissolution decree under Minn. Stat. 518.27)

Adult petition→

Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.

$310–$325 · Minnesota District Court (county of residence)

Minor child→

Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.

$310–$325 · Minnesota District Court (county where the child resides)

Gender identity→

Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.

$310–$325 · Minnesota District Court (county of residence)

The Minnesota name-change process

Most legal name changes in Minnesota that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Minnesota District Court (county of residence). You file where you live — District Court in the county where you have lived for at least six months. The filing fee is $310–$325 (typical $322, 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. Minnesota also runs a fingerprint or background check on adult petitioners. From filing to a signed order usually takes 4–8 weeks.

If the fee is a hardship, ask the clerk about a fee waiver — Statewide statutory civil filing fee is $310 (Minn. Stat. 357.021, subd. 2); most counties add a law library fee of about $12–$15, so the total is typically $322–$325. Waivable with an In Forma Pauperis fee-waiver request.. Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies; you'll need one for Social Security, the DMV, and your passport.

For a name change to match your gender identity, Minnesota treats it more privately: Newspaper publication is not required, and you can ask the court to keep the file confidential (sealed) for safety..

After your order: who to notify

The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Minnesota driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.

Who-to-notify guide →Build my checklist →See my timeline →

Minnesota name change: FAQ

How much does a name change cost in Minnesota?

An adult name change in Minnesota costs about $310–$325 (typical $322, varies by county), filed in the Minnesota District Court (county of residence). Statewide statutory civil filing fee is $310 (Minn. Stat. 357.021, subd. 2); most counties add a law library fee of about $12–$15, so the total is typically $322–$325. Waivable with an In Forma Pauperis fee-waiver request.. Marriage and divorce name changes have no separate court fee.

Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Minnesota?

No. Minnesota does not require newspaper publication for a name change.

How long does a name change take in Minnesota?

A court name change in Minnesota typically takes 4–8 weeks from filing to a signed order. After that, updating Social Security takes about 7–10 business days and a passport 4–6 weeks.

Which court handles name changes in Minnesota?

Adult name changes in Minnesota are handled by the Minnesota District Court (county of residence). You file in district court in the county where you have lived for at least six months.

Can I get the name-change filing fee waived in Minnesota?

Yes, if you can't afford it. Statewide statutory civil filing fee is $310 (Minn. Stat. 357.021, subd. 2); most counties add a law library fee of about $12–$15, so the total is typically $322–$325. Waivable with an In Forma Pauperis fee-waiver request.. Ask your county clerk for the fee-waiver form.

What do I do after my name change is approved in Minnesota?

Update Social Security first (free, Form SS-5), then your Minnesota driver's license, then your US passport, and finally banks, employer, and insurance. Use our Who-To-Notify Checklist to order every account you hold.

Sources

Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:

See our verification methodology and themaster source list.

Last verified July 16, 2026Reviewed by the Name Change Atlas Editorial Team against official court and .gov sources.