Updated May 2026
How to Change Your Name in Indiana (2026 Cost + Steps)
The cost of a legal name change in Indiana is $160, which includes a $157 court filing fee, and $3 for certified copies of the court order.
Court filing fee: $157 · Processing time: ~4 weeks
Estimated costs by reason
Totals include Social Security (free), driver’s license, and adult passport selections—matching the calculator defaults.
| Reason | Estimated total cost | Timeline | Publication required |
|---|---|---|---|
| After Marriage | $150 | ~2 weeks | No |
| After Divorce | $150 | ~2 weeks | No |
| Court Order (Adult) | $307 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Child Name Change | $357 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Gender Marker Change | $307 | ~10 weeks | Sealed |
Which state are you in?
Why are you changing your name?
Which documents do you need to update?
How to Change Your Name in Indiana
Indiana Circuit or Superior Court filing fees for name changes run $132-$175 depending on the county. Marion County (Indianapolis) is around $157. After-marriage name changes in Indiana use your marriage certificate directly without any court involvement, keeping costs minimal for newlyweds.
Indiana does not require newspaper publication for standard adult name changes in most circumstances - however, if you have outstanding judgments or liens, the court may order publication. For the vast majority of petitioners, no publication is required, keeping Indiana's process relatively clean and affordable.
Indiana requires petitioners to submit their fingerprints as part of the name change process in some circumstances - particularly if you have a criminal record. The court clerk can advise whether this applies to your situation. For most petitioners with no criminal history, the process is straightforward.
The Indiana BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) charges $17.50 for a corrected Indiana driver's license with a name change. Visit any Indiana BMV license branch with your court order or marriage certificate, current Indiana license, and proof of SSA update. Indiana has BMV branches throughout the state with online scheduling available.
Indiana divorce decrees can include name restoration clauses. Indiana courts are receptive to including this language in divorce proceedings. Indiana's dissolution of marriage forms include a specific section for name restoration - ensure it's completed before your decree is finalized.
Key Indiana links: Indiana Courts (in.gov/judiciary), Indiana BMV (in.gov/bmv), Indiana Legal Services (indianalegalservices.org) which provides free legal assistance including name change help for qualifying Indiana residents.
Indiana name change fees at a glance
| Court filing fee | $157 |
| Certified copies (3 × $1 each) | $3 |
| Newspaper publication(not required) | N/A |
| Fingerprinting / background check(not required) | N/A |
| Driver's license / State ID | $17 |
| Processing time | ~4 weeks |
| Fee waiver available | In forma pauperis |
Common reasons in Indiana
Name Change Guides for Indiana
FAQ: Indiana name changes
- How much does it cost to change your name in Indiana?
- Court filing fees in Indiana start around $157 for a petition (counties may differ). Add certified copies (3 × about $1 each), optional publication ($0), DMV fees, and passport fees depending on your path.
- How long does a name change take in Indiana?
- Many Indiana court petitions finish in about 4 weeks, but crowded dockets, publication, or fingerprinting can add time. After-marriage updates using a certificate are often faster because they skip the petition.
- Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Indiana?
- Most standard adult name change petitions in Indiana do not require newspaper publication, but a judge can still impose notice requirements in some cases.
- Can I change my name for free in Indiana?
- You may qualify for a reduced or waived court filing fee in Indiana if you meet the court’s income guidelines (In forma pauperis). Certified copies, DMV fees, and passports still usually cost money.
- What documents do I need to change my name in Indiana?
- Commonly: a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; government-issued photo ID; proof of Indiana residency for court filings; and Social Security verification before DMV updates.
- How do I change my name after marriage in Indiana?
- If you take your spouse’s surname as shown on your Indiana marriage certificate, you typically update Social Security first, then your driver’s license, then banks and payroll. Hyphenated or new invented names may still require a court petition—check local court rules.
Voter Registration After Your Name Change
After legally changing your name in Indiana, you should update your voter registration so it matches the name on your government-issued ID. Indiana offers online voter registration paths for many voters, though some counties still require mail or an in-person visit for certain updates. If your registration still shows an old name close to an election, you may face additional checks at the polling place. See the full 50-state voter registration guide for deadlines, typical documents, and official Vote.gov links.
Related: SAVE Act & name change overview