How to Legally Change Your Name in New Mexico
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 New Mexico is filed in the New Mexico District Court and costs about $132. In New Mexico, 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.
New Mexico Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
New Mexico name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against New Mexico District Court and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | New Mexico District Court (through the final decree of dissolution of marriage) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | New Mexico District Court | $132 | Not required | 4–10 weeks |
| Minor child | New Mexico District Court | $132 | Not required | 4–10 weeks |
| Gender identity | New Mexico District Court | $132 | 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 · New Mexico District Court (through the final decree of dissolution of marriage)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$132 · New Mexico District Court
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$132 · New Mexico District Court
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$132 · New Mexico District Court
The New Mexico name-change process
Most legal name changes in New Mexico that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the New Mexico District Court. You file where you live — District Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is $132, 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 — Statewide District Court civil filing fee of $132; recording the certified Final Order with the county clerk costs an additional $25 and certified copies are about $1.50 each. Fee waiver ("free process") is available for low income.. 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 New Mexico driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
New Mexico name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in New Mexico?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in New Mexico?
How long does a name change take in New Mexico?
Which court handles name changes in New Mexico?
Can I get the name-change filing fee waived in New Mexico?
What do I do after my name change is approved in New Mexico?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- nmcourts.gov/forms-files/name-change
- www.mvd.newmexico.gov/how-do-i-change-the-name-on-my-driver-license
- nmcourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SRL_Name_Change.pdf
- sixthdistrict.nmcourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/08/2025-07-STATEWIDE-ADULT-NAME-CHANGE-PACKET-08-07-25.pdf
- sixthdistrict.nmcourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/08/2025-07-STATEWIDE-UNDER-14-NAME-CHANGE-PACKET-08-07-25.pdf
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.