Updated May 2026
How to Change Your Name in Minnesota (2026 Cost + Steps)
The cost of a legal name change in Minnesota is $322, which includes a $280 court filing fee, and $42 for certified copies of the court order.
Court filing fee: $280 · 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 | $197 | ~2 weeks | No |
| After Divorce | $197 | ~2 weeks | No |
| Court Order (Adult) | $477 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Child Name Change | $527 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Gender Marker Change | $477 | ~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 Minnesota
Minnesota District Court filing fees for name changes run $240-$285 depending on the county. Hennepin County (Minneapolis) and Ramsey County (St. Paul) run approximately $285. After-marriage name changes in Minnesota use your marriage certificate directly - no court order required - significantly simplifying the process for newlyweds.
Minnesota does not require newspaper publication for standard adult name changes, keeping the process straightforward. You file your petition in the District Court of the county where you reside. Minnesota courts have well-developed self-help centers, particularly in the Twin Cities metro area, with name change packet guides available online and at courthouse locations.
Minnesota has a thoughtful approach to name changes for domestic violence survivors: if you can show that publication or public record would endanger your safety, the court can seal your name change proceedings entirely. Minnesota Legal Aid has specific experience helping survivors navigate this process confidentially.
The Minnesota DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services) charges $24.75 for a corrected Minnesota driver's license with a name change. Visit any Minnesota DVS exam station with your court order or marriage certificate, current Minnesota license, and proof of SSA update. Minnesota has exam stations throughout the state with online scheduling.
Minnesota divorce decrees routinely include name restoration provisions. Minnesota's standard dissolution of marriage forms include a section for name restoration - complete this before your decree is finalized to avoid a separate $285+ petition later.
Key Minnesota links: Minnesota Courts self-help (mncourts.gov/help-topics), Minnesota DVS (dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs), Legal Aid Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org) which serves all Minnesota counties.
Minnesota name change fees at a glance
| Court filing fee | $280 |
| Certified copies (3 × $14 each) | $42 |
| Newspaper publication(not required) | N/A |
| Fingerprinting / background check(not required) | N/A |
| Driver's license / State ID | $25 |
| Processing time | ~4 weeks |
| Fee waiver available | At or below 125% federal poverty level |
Common reasons in Minnesota
Name Change Guides for Minnesota
FAQ: Minnesota name changes
- How much does it cost to change your name in Minnesota?
- Court filing fees in Minnesota start around $280 for a petition (counties may differ). Add certified copies (3 × about $14 each), optional publication ($0), DMV fees, and passport fees depending on your path.
- How long does a name change take in Minnesota?
- Many Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
- Most standard adult name change petitions in Minnesota do not require newspaper publication, but a judge can still impose notice requirements in some cases.
- Can I change my name for free in Minnesota?
- You may qualify for a reduced or waived court filing fee in Minnesota if you meet the court’s income guidelines (At or below 125% federal poverty level). Certified copies, DMV fees, and passports still usually cost money.
- What documents do I need to change my name in Minnesota?
- Commonly: a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; government-issued photo ID; proof of Minnesota residency for court filings; and Social Security verification before DMV updates.
- How do I change my name after marriage in Minnesota?
- If you take your spouse’s surname as shown on your Minnesota 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 Minnesota, you should update your voter registration so it matches the name on your government-issued ID. Minnesota 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