ÍáÍáÂþ»­

Each state has its own set of rules and laws regarding legally changing your name. For information on how to legally change your name in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, continue reading.

To legally change your name, you must first file a written petition (request) with a North Dakota state district court. Before a district court judge can consider the petition, you must first publish the notice of your petition in the newspaper of the North Dakota county where you live. The judge can then consider the petition 30 days after the publication date of the notice. If you are unsure of which newspaper you must publish your petition to, you can visit the for a list of official county newspapers.

Newspaper publication of a name change notice may not be required by a district judge if the change is only to a first or middle name, or if the individual requesting the change demonstrates they are a victim of domestic violence.

The State of North Dakota courts provides the following name change forms:

In Minnesota, individuals typically change their legal name through marriage, divorce or legal separation, or by filing a court petition. Each method requires specific steps. The court-ordered name change involves completing forms, appearing before a judge, and possibly notifying third parties. For assistance with forms and procedures, it is recommended to consult a lawyer or seek help from Self Help Centers in the Courts.

To apply for a name change, you must meet the eligibility requirements and complete an "Application" along with other necessary forms at the District Court in your county of residence. You may also be required to inform third parties, depending on your specific circumstances.

After completing the forms, including the , you will need to file them with Court Administration. At this time, you must pay a filing fee or apply for a if you have a low income. The court administrator will then provide you with a hearing date and time to appear before a judge, or instruct you on how to schedule your hearing. Then, you’ll need to attend court for your hearing, and you must bring two witnesses who can verify your identity.

If the judge approves the Application, an Order Granting Name Change will be signed and entered into the court's record. You can obtain certified copies of this Order from the court administrator for a fee. These certified copies are essential for updating crucial documents, including your driver's license, Social Security card, and bank accounts. You should keep at least one certified copy of your name change order with your personal records.

The judge may require you to inform specific public agencies, officials, or other third parties of your new legal name.

For more information about legally changing your name in Minnesota, you can visit the .

To change your name, you are required to first file a verified petition form with the clerk of court’s office in your county of residence, provided you have resided there for more than six months. After filing, a case number will be assigned and must be included on all subsequent documents submitted to the court. There may be associated costs for any mandatory publication of the name change notice.

provides a walkthrough guide of changing your name.

In order to be eligible for a legal name change in Wisconsin, you must be a resident of Wisconsin, and the petition must be filed in the county where you reside.

Wisconsin Statute 786.37 requires that the Notice of Hearing and Order for Hearing be published in a newspaper authorized to carry legal notices in your community. You are responsible for directly contacting the newspaper to arrange for this third-class notice publication before the hearing date. A fee will be charged by the newspaper for this service. Once publication is complete and paid for, the newspaper will send you a Proof of Publication affidavit. However, a judge may waive this publication requirement if a Petition for Confidential Name Change is filed and the judge concludes that publishing the name change request could endanger the petitioner.

Arrive on time for your hearing at the assigned courtroom and inform the deputy clerk of your present. Come forward when your case is called and give the Proof of Publication affidavit to the clerk. You will be placed under oath and asked for the information on the petition. If your petition is granted, the judge will sign the Order For Name Change. The deputy clerk will then give the case file back to you with directions.

Ensure you arrive on time for your hearing at the assigned courtroom and notify the deputy clerk of your presence. When your case is called, approach the bench and present the Proof of Publication affidavit to the clerk. You will then be sworn in and asked to confirm the information in your petition. If the petition is granted, the judge will sign the Order For Name Change. The deputy clerk will return the case file to you with further instructions.

After securing the case file, return to the clerk of circuit court office to purchase a minimum of two certified copies of the Order for Name Change. Please note that a fee applies for these copies.

If the individual whose name is being changed or established was born or married in Wisconsin, the clerk of the court is required to send a duly certified abstract of the record to the state registrar of vital statistics. This abstract must be submitted on a form provided by the state registrar and be accompanied by the fee specified in $69.22, which the clerk of court will charge and collect from the petitioner.