Change Your Name in Pennsylvania, USA Full Guide with Costs
How to Change Your Name in Pennsylvania, USA Without a Lawyer
A Complete Step-by-Step Guide with Costs, Timeline, and Common Mistakes
Introduction (Fully Unique – Pennsylvania Focus)
Changing your legal name in Pennsylvania can feel confusing if you’ve never dealt with the court system before. Many people assume that hiring a lawyer is required, especially because Pennsylvania uses a different court structure than most states. The good news is that Pennsylvania allows adults to legally change their name without a lawyer, as long as you carefully follow the court’s procedure.
Pennsylvania’s name change process is handled at the county level through the Court of Common Pleas, and while it includes a few extra steps—such as background checks and publication—it is still very manageable for regular residents. Thousands of people successfully complete this process every year on their own.
This guide explains how to change your name in Pennsylvania without a lawyer, covering court requirements, filing steps, publication rules, fingerprinting, total costs, realistic timelines, and Pennsylvania-specific mistakes that often delay approval. Everything is written in plain, human-friendly language so you can confidently complete the process yourself.
Who Can Change Their Name in Pennsylvania?
You can request a legal name change in Pennsylvania if:
You are 18 years or older
You live in the county where you file
Your request is not for fraud, identity concealment, or criminal evasion
Pennsylvania courts do not require a “special” reason. Common acceptable reasons include personal preference, marriage or divorce, spelling corrections, cultural reasons, or consistency across documents.
Which Court Handles Name Changes in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is different from many states.
✅ Correct Court:
Court of Common Pleas (Civil Division)
Every county has its own Court of Common Pleas
You must file in your county of residence
Procedures are similar statewide, but fees may vary slightly
Examples:
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Name in Pennsylvania Without a Lawyer
Step 1: Prepare a Petition for Name Change
Pennsylvania does not use a single statewide fill-in-the-blank form for adults. Instead, you must prepare a Petition for Change of Name.
Your petition usually includes:
Your current legal name
Your requested new name
Date and place of birth
Current address and county
Reason for the name change
Statement confirming the request is not for illegal purposes
Some counties provide sample templates, but writing your own petition is normal and does not require a lawyer.
Step 2: Obtain Fingerprints and Background Checks (PA-Specific)
This step is unique and mandatory in Pennsylvania.
You must obtain:
Fingerprint-based criminal background check
Pennsylvania State Police clearance
FBI background check
Most people complete fingerprinting through an approved service provider.
Estimated Cost:
$22–$30
📌 This requirement exists even if you have no criminal record.
Step 3: File the Petition with the Court of Common Pleas
After preparing your petition and background documents:
File them with the Civil Division Clerk
Pay the filing fee
Receive a case number
Filing Fee:
$150–$200 (varies by county)
Philadelphia County is often on the higher end.
Step 4: Receive a Court Order for Publication
After filing, the court typically issues an order requiring:
Publication in two newspapers
One legal journal
One general circulation newspaper
This is a strict Pennsylvania requirement.
Step 5: Publish Your Name Change Notice
Your notice must:
Run in both newspapers
Follow court-approved wording
Publish within the timeframe ordered by the judge
Publication Cost:
$80–$200 total
(depending on newspapers and county)
You will receive proof of publication, which must be filed with the court.
Step 6: Attend a Court Hearing (Usually Required)
Unlike some states, Pennsylvania usually requires a hearing.
At the hearing:
The judge may ask simple questions
You confirm your identity and reason
No legal arguments are needed
⏱️ Hearings typically last 5–10 minutes.
Step 7: Judge Issues the Final Name Change Order
If the judge approves your request:
A Final Decree of Name Change is signed
Your new name becomes legally effective immediately
Step 8: Obtain Certified Copies of the Order
Certified copies are required for updates.
Cost:
$5–$10 per copy
Recommended:
Get 4–6 certified copies
Total Cost to Change Your Name in Pennsylvania (Without Lawyer)
Expense
Estimated Cost
Fingerprinting & Background Checks
$22–$30
Court Filing Fee
$150–$200
Newspaper Publications
$80–$200
Certified Copies
$20–$50
Total Estimated Cost
$272–$480
✅ No attorney fees required.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take in Pennsylvania?
Stage
Time
Background checks
1–2 weeks
Filing & publication
3–4 weeks
Hearing scheduling
2–4 weeks
Final approval
Same day as hearing
Total time
6–10 weeks
Common Mistakes People Make in Pennsylvania (State-Specific)
❌ Skipping Fingerprinting
Courts will not proceed without background checks.
❌ Publishing in the Wrong Newspapers
Only court-approved newspapers are accepted.
❌ Filing Before Background Results Arrive
Some counties require results before filing.
❌ Missing the Hearing
Failure to appear usually means dismissal.
❌ Underestimating Total Cost
Publication fees surprise many applicants—budget early.
After Approval: Update Your Legal Records
1️⃣ Social Security Administration
Free
Must be done first
2️⃣ Pennsylvania Driver’s License (PennDOT)
Fee: ~$30
Must update promptly
3️⃣ Passport
Fee depends on passport type
4️⃣ Banks, Employer, Insurance
Usually free with certified order
Special Situations in Pennsylvania
Name Change After Divorce
Often included in divorce decree
Separate petition may not be required
Criminal History
Allowed, but reviewed carefully
Judge may ask additional questions
FAQs – Pennsylvania Name Change
1️⃣ Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Pennsylvania?
No. Most adults complete the process without a lawyer.
2️⃣ Are background checks required in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Fingerprinting and criminal background checks are mandatory.
3️⃣ Which court handles name changes?
The Court of Common Pleas in your county.
4️⃣ Is publication always required?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires publication in two newspapers.
5️⃣ When does my new name become legal?
Immediately after the judge signs the final order.
Final Thoughts
Pennsylvania’s name change process has more steps than many states, but it is still very achievable without legal representation. As long as you prepare your petition carefully, complete background checks, follow publication rules, and attend your hearing, approval is usually straightforward.
This guide is designed to help Pennsylvania residents understand the process clearly, avoid common mistakes, and complete their name change confidently and legally.
