Adult Name Change in Florida

Overview — Who This Process Is For

Any Florida adult can petition the circuit court to change their name under §68.07, Florida Statutes. The process is straightforward but has one requirement that catches most people off guard: a state and national criminal history records check requiring fingerprints — and you cannot even schedule your hearing until the results come back.

When to Use This Process

The standalone petition for adult name change is used when you want to change your legal name outside of another court case. You do not need this process if:

• You are getting divorced — you can request a name change (including restoring your maiden or former name) directly in your dissolution of marriage petition at little or no additional cost
• You are being adopted as an adult — name change is handled within the adoption proceeding
• You recently married — your marriage certificate serves as the legal basis for updating records; no court order is needed to begin using your spouse’s surname

Use this process when you want to change your name for personal reasons, after a divorce decree that did not include a name change, or to adopt a name that reflects your gender identity or cultural heritage.

Florida Supreme Court Approved Forms

The Official Florida Name Change Forms — Free from Florida Courts

All Florida name change forms are approved by the Florida Supreme Court and available free from the Florida Courts website. These forms are valid statewide in all 67 Florida counties.

Forms You Will Need

Step-by-Step Process

How to File a Florida Adult Name Change — Step by Step

The Florida adult name change process involves six distinct steps. The step most people don’t anticipate — and the one that takes the most time — is the mandatory fingerprint criminal history check, which must be completed before you can schedule a hearing.

• 1

  Complete the Petition for Change of Name (Adult) — Form 12.982(a)

  Download Form 12.982(a) free from the Florida Courts website. Type or print in black ink — do not handwrite unless the form specifically permits it. Enter your current legal name in the heading. State the new name you are requesting, your reason for the change, and respond to all criminal history questions honestly. The petition must confirm that your name change has no fraudulent, evasive, or property-rights purpose.

  💡 One petition covers one adult. To change names for multiple family members simultaneously, use Form 12.982(f) — the Family Name Change Petition.
• 2

  Sign before a notary public or deputy clerk — do not sign in advance

  Your petition must be signed in front of a notary public or a deputy clerk of court. Do not sign it in advance at home. Most county clerk offices have a notary on duty, or you can use a private notary service. The notarized signature is a required element of the petition — a petition signed without notarization will be rejected.

• 3

  Get your fingerprints taken and submitted to FDLE for a criminal history check

  Unless you are seeking only to restore a former name, Florida law requires that your fingerprints be taken and submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for a state and national criminal history records check before you can schedule your hearing. §68.07(2)

  The clerk of court can tell you which local law enforcement agencies or approved private fingerprint service providers can take and submit your prints electronically to FDLE. The process typically takes several weeks. You will be notified when results are received by the court.

  ⏱ Plan for 2–6 weeks for FDLE results. This is the longest step in the process and cannot be skipped or shortened except for former name restorations. Cost: Fingerprinting fee typically $75–$100, depending on provider
• 4

  File the petition with the circuit court clerk in your county

  File the original signed and notarized petition with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where you live. Keep a copy for your records. You may file in person at the clerk’s office or, in most counties, electronically via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Self-represented litigants are not required to e-file but may do so.

  Filing fee: Approximately $400–$415 depending on county · Indigency waiver available — ask for Civil Indigent Status Application
• 5

  Schedule your hearing after the clerk receives the FDLE results

  Once the clerk’s office confirms the FDLE criminal history check results have been received, contact the assigned judge’s judicial assistant or the family law division of the clerk’s office to schedule a final hearing. Some judges may grant the petition without requiring your appearance — ask the clerk about local practice in your circuit.

  💡 Bring the Final Judgment of Change of Name (Adult) — Form 12.982(b) — completed through the header, to your hearing for the judge to sign. Ask the clerk how many certified copies to request — you will need them for updating your records.
• 6

  Obtain certified copies of your Final Judgment and begin updating your records

  When the judge grants your petition and signs the Final Judgment of Change of Name, your name is legally changed as of that date. The clerk can provide certified copies at a fee per copy (typically $2–$10 per copy depending on county). Get at least six certified copies — you will need them for the Social Security Administration, Florida DMV, passport, financial institutions, and employer records.

Petition Requirements

What Your Petition Must State — and What Florida Courts Will Not Approve

The petition must affirmatively state that the name change has a legitimate purpose and will not be used to evade legal obligations, deceive creditors, or infringe on anyone’s property rights.

Required Statements in the Petition

Your petition must state under oath: §68.07(1)

• Your current legal name and the new name you are requesting
• Your date and place of birth
• Your current address and how long you have lived in Florida
• Your reason for the requested name change
• Whether you have ever been convicted of a felony (and details if so)
• Whether you are required to register as a sexual predator or sexual offender
• Whether you have ever declared bankruptcy, and if so where and when
• That the name change is not for a fraudulent, illegal, or property-rights-infringing purpose

When Florida Courts Will Deny a Name Change

Courts have discretion to deny a name change petition. Common grounds for denial include:

• Evidence that the name change is intended to evade criminal prosecution, civil judgments, or creditors
• The petitioner is a convicted felon who has not completed their sentence, parole, or probation
• The petitioner is a registered sexual predator or offender — Florida law prohibits name changes for registered sexual offenders and predators §68.07(2)(a)
• The requested name is offensive, confusing, or could deceive the public
• The petition contains false statements

After Your Name Is Changed

Updating Your Records After a Florida Name Change

Your Final Judgment of Change of Name is the legal document that makes everything else possible. Work through this checklist in order — Social Security first, then your driver’s license, then everything else.

Complete This Checklist in Order

• 1. Social Security Administration — Do This First

  Update your Social Security card before your driver’s license. The SSA requires a certified copy of your court order, proof of identity, and a completed SS-5 form. Your updated SSA records must match your new driver’s license application. Visit ssa.gov/namechange or your local SSA office. Replacement card is free.

• 2. Florida Driver’s License / ID Card

  After your SSA record is updated, visit a Florida DHSMV office with your certified court order, current license, and proof of SSN. A new license is issued with your new name. Fee: standard license renewal fee. See flhsmv.gov for required documents.

• 3. U.S. Passport

  If you have a valid passport, you must update it. If issued within the last year, you can update for free. If older, you must renew (current fee: $130–$165). Submit Form DS-5504 or DS-82 with your certified court order. See travel.state.gov.

• 4. Florida Voter Registration

  Update your voter registration online at registertovoteflorida.gov or at your county supervisor of elections office. No court order is required — your new driver’s license is sufficient.

• 5. Financial Institutions — Banks, Credit Cards, Investments

  Contact each institution directly. Most require a certified copy of your court order plus updated government-issued ID. Update your name on all accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts.

• 6. Employer and Payroll Records

  Notify your employer’s HR department with your court order so payroll, tax documents, and benefits records are updated. Your W-2 should reflect your legal name for tax purposes.

• 7. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (if applicable)

  If you are not a U.S. citizen, update your immigration documents through USCIS. Use Form I-90 (Green Card) or I-797 updates as applicable. Visit uscis.gov.

• 8. Additional Records

  Also update: insurance policies, professional licenses, vehicle title and registration, property records, email and online accounts, school or university records, and any professional organization memberships.