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Name Change to Match Gender Identity in Wisconsin: Steps, Cost & Forms

Verified against Wisconsin Circuit Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

A name change to match gender identity in Wisconsin is filed in the Wisconsin Circuit Court (Civil), costs about $165, and requires a newspaper notice unless it's waived. Most cases finish in 6–12 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

Filing fee
$165

Same $164.50 statutory name-change filing fee under Wis. Stat. 814.61; waivable under Wis. Stat. 814.29

Court
Wisconsin Circuit Court (Civil)

Circuit Court in the county where you live

Timeline
6–12 weeks

Step by step

  1. 1

    File Form CV-451 (Petition for Confidential Name Change) instead of CV-450 with the clerk of circuit court, and ask the judge to waive publication because a public notice could endanger you (Wis. Stat. 786.37(4)).

  2. 2

    Pay the $164.50 filing fee (or request a fee waiver under Wis. Stat. 814.29); if publication is waived, the court uses Form CV-461 (Notice of Confidential Name Change Hearing) and keeps the records confidential.

  3. 3

    Attend the hearing and, if granted, obtain the signed Form CV-471 (Order for Confidential Name Change); records related to the change are exempt from public disclosure.

  4. 4

    Use the order to update Social Security, the Wisconsin DMV name and gender marker, and your US passport.

Official forms

Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.

FormCodeOfficial link
Petition for Confidential Name Change for Adult or Minor 14 or OlderCV-451Open ↗
Order for Confidential Name ChangeCV-471Open ↗
Newspaper publication: Required (waivable) — Wisconsin still uses the standard name-change process, but if publication could endanger you, file Form CV-451 (Petition for Confidential Name Change) and ask the judge to waive publication and seal the records under Wis. Stat. 786.37(4).
Background check: No background check
Good to know in Wisconsin:
  • • Wis. Stat. 786.37(4) lets a judge waive the newspaper publication requirement if you show by a preponderance of the evidence that publication could endanger you; the records are then kept confidential.
  • • The name change and the DMV gender-marker update are separate steps — the court order changes your name, and you present it to WisDOT to update your license.

Then update your IDs

Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Wisconsin license, then your passport and accounts.

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

Gender identity name change in nearby states

Maryland →Colorado →Missouri →Minnesota →

Name Change to Match Gender Identity in Wisconsin: FAQ

How much does a name change to match gender identity cost in Wisconsin?
About $165, filed in the Wisconsin Circuit Court (Civil). Same $164.50 statutory name-change filing fee under Wis. Stat. 814.61; waivable under Wis. Stat. 814.29.
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Wisconsin?
Usually, but it can be waived. Wisconsin still uses the standard name-change process, but if publication could endanger you, file Form CV-451 (Petition for Confidential Name Change) and ask the judge to waive publication and seal the records under Wis. Stat. 786.37(4).
Is a gender-identity name change private in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin still uses the standard name-change process, but if publication could endanger you, file Form CV-451 (Petition for Confidential Name Change) and ask the judge to waive publication and seal the records under Wis. Stat. 786.37(4).
How long does it take in Wisconsin?
Typically 6–12 weeks from filing to a signed order, then Social Security (7–10 business days), the DMV, and your passport (4–6 weeks).
What do I do after the judge signs my order in Wisconsin?
Order certified copies, then update Social Security first, the DMV next, then your passport, banks, and employer. Our Who-To-Notify Checklist builds the full ordered list.

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.