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Minor Child Name Change in Wisconsin: Steps, Cost & Forms

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

Quick answer

A minor child name change in Wisconsin is filed in the Wisconsin Circuit Court (Civil), costs about $165, and requires a newspaper notice. 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 filing fee as an adult petition 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

    Use Form CV-450 if the child is 14 or older, or Form CV-455 (Petition for Name Change for Minor Child under 14) if the child is younger, and file it in duplicate with the clerk of circuit court.

  2. 2

    Give the child's non-petitioning parent notice of the hearing; if that parent cannot be served, file Form CV-465 (Declaration of Attempted Service on Non-Petitioning Parent) to show the court your efforts.

  3. 3

    Pay the $164.50 fee (or request a waiver), then publish the Class 3 notice (Form CV-460) once a week for three consecutive weeks unless the court waives it.

  4. 4

    Attend the hearing; the judge decides based on the best interest of the child.

  5. 5

    Obtain the signed CV-470 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.

FormCodeOfficial link
Petition for Name Change for Minor Child under 14CV-455Open ↗
Petition for Name Change for Adult or Minor 14 or OlderCV-450Open ↗
Declaration of Attempted Service on Non-Petitioning ParentCV-465Open ↗
Newspaper publication: Required — The Class 3 Notice of Name Change Hearing is published once a week for three consecutive weeks unless a judge waives it for the child's safety under Wis. Stat. 786.37(4).
Background check: No background check
Good to know in Wisconsin:
  • • The other parent must generally receive notice of the hearing and can file Form CV-480 (Response of Non-Petitioning Parent) to object; the court weighs the child's best interest.
  • • Special forms (CV-481 / CV-482) apply when a parent has a relevant criminal conviction; ask the clerk which forms your situation requires.

Then update your IDs

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

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Minor child name change in nearby states

Maryland →Colorado →Missouri →Minnesota →

Minor Child Name Change in Wisconsin: FAQ

How much does a minor child name change cost in Wisconsin?
About $165, filed in the Wisconsin Circuit Court (Civil). Same $164.50 statutory filing fee as an adult petition under Wis. Stat. 814.61; waivable under Wis. Stat. 814.29.
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Wisconsin?
Yes. The Class 3 Notice of Name Change Hearing is published once a week for three consecutive weeks unless a judge waives it for the child's safety under Wis. Stat. 786.37(4).
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name in Wisconsin?
Both parents generally must be notified. If the other parent objects or can't be found, the court decides based on the child's best interest. The other parent must generally receive notice of the hearing and can file Form CV-480 (Response of Non-Petitioning Parent) to object; the court weighs the child's best interest.
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.