Change Your Name in Indiana 2026 Without a Lawyer
How to Change Your Name in Indiana Without a Lawyer
Court Process, Filing Fees, Timeline & Total Cost Explained
Introduction
In Indiana, legally changing your name is a court-approved process handled by the county circuit or superior courts. While the idea of going to court sounds intimidating, most adults in Indiana successfully complete the process on their own—without hiring a lawyer.
This guide walks you through exactly how the Indiana name change process works, including required forms, filing fees, court hearings, total cost, and what mistakes commonly delay approval.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice.
Who Can Change Their Name in Indiana?
You may apply for a legal name change in Indiana if:
You are 18 years or older
You are a resident of Indiana
Your request is not for fraud, deception, or illegal purposes
You are not attempting to avoid debts, criminal charges, or legal obligations
Name changes for minors follow a different legal process.
Which Court Handles Name Changes in Indiana?
Indiana name changes are handled by either:
🏛️ Circuit Court or Superior Court
You must file in the county where you live, such as:
Marion County
Lake County
Allen County
Small claims or city courts cannot process name changes.
Step-by-Step: Indiana Name Change Process (Adults)
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Verified Petition for Name Change
Indiana requires a document commonly called:
“Verified Petition for Change of Name”
The petition includes:
Your current legal name
The new name you want
Date of birth
County of residence
Reason for requesting the change
You must sign the petition under oath.
✅ Step 2: File the Petition with the Court Clerk
You can file:
In person at the county courthouse
By mail (some counties allow e-filing)
At filing, you’ll submit:
Completed petition
Photo ID
Filing fee
💰 Indiana Name Change Cost (Detailed Breakdown)
Item
Cost
Court filing fee
$157
Certified copies (each)
$5 – $10
Publication notice
$40 – $200
Background check (if ordered)
$30 – $45
👉 Average Total Cost
$200 – $400
Indiana is considered a moderate-cost state.
✅ Step 3: Publication Requirement (Indiana-Specific)
Indiana generally requires:
Publishing a legal notice in a local newspaper
Notice runs once per week for 3 weeks
You may request a publication waiver if:
You have safety concerns
You are a victim of domestic violence or harassment
Proof of publication must be filed with the court.
✅ Step 4: Court Hearing (Very Common in Indiana)
Most Indiana counties schedule:
A short court hearing
During the hearing, the judge may:
Verify your identity
Ask why you want the name change
Confirm no illegal intent
Hearings are brief and informal.
✅ Step 5: Judge Signs the Name Change Order
If approved:
The judge issues a Name Change Order
Request multiple certified copies immediately
⏱️ Typical Timeline:
4–6 weeks from filing to approval
What to Do After Your Indiana Name Change Is Approved
🔹 Social Security Administration
Free update
Must be done first
🔹 Indiana BMV
License/ID update fee: $9 – $17
New ID mailed within 10–14 days
🔹 Passport, Banks, Employer
Certified court order required
Common Indiana Name Change Mistakes
❌ Filing in the wrong court
❌ Missing publication proof
❌ Not attending the hearing
❌ Using an inconsistent name format
❌ Ordering too few certified copies
These issues cause delays, not denials.
Do You Need a Lawyer in Indiana?
No.
Most adults in Indiana complete the name change process without legal representation. Lawyers are only needed for complex cases.
How Long Does the Indiana Process Take?
Stage
Time
Filing + publication
3–4 weeks
Hearing & approval
1–2 weeks
ID updates
2–4 weeks
FAQs – Indiana Name Change
1️⃣ Can I change my name in Indiana without a lawyer?
Yes. Self-representation is common.
2️⃣ Is publication mandatory?
Usually yes, unless the court grants a waiver.
3️⃣ How much does it cost?
Most people spend $200–$400 total.
4️⃣ Is a hearing required?
Yes, in most Indiana counties.
5️⃣ Can a judge deny my request?
Only if the request is fraudulent or incomplete.
Final Thoughts
Indiana’s name change process is straightforward when each step is followed carefully. With proper filing, publication, and a short court appearance, most adults can change their name without legal help.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and procedures may change. Always verify details with your local Indiana court.
