How to Change Your Name in Colorado Without a Lawyer
How to Change Your Name in Colorado Without a Lawyer
A Simple, Real-World Guide with Court Fees, Timeline, and Colorado-Specific Rules
Introduction (Colorado-focused, Fully Unique)
In Colorado, legally changing your name is not a complicated or lawyer-only process. In fact, many residents successfully complete the entire procedure on their own by working directly with the court. The biggest challenge is not the law itself, but understanding which court handles the request, what documents are required, and how much the process really costs.
This guide explains the Colorado name change process in a clear, human way—no legal jargon, no copied templates. You’ll learn how to file, what happens after filing, how long approval usually takes, and the common Colorado-specific mistakes that can slow things down.
This article is for general legal information only and does not provide legal advice.
Who Is Allowed to Change Their Name in Colorado?
You can request a legal name change in Colorado if:
You are 18 years or older
You currently live in Colorado
Your request is not for fraud, identity concealment, or illegal activity
You are not attempting to avoid debts or criminal responsibility
Minors follow a different court process and are not covered here.
Which Court Handles Name Changes in Colorado?
Adult name changes in Colorado are handled by the:
🏛️ Colorado District Court
You must file in the district court of the county where you live, such as:
Denver County District Court
Arapahoe County District Court
El Paso County District Court
📌 County courts do not handle adult name changes.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Name in Colorado Without a Lawyer
✅ Step 1: Complete the Petition for Change of Name
Colorado provides an official form commonly titled:
“Petition for Change of Name (Adult)”
The petition requires:
Your current legal name
The new name you want
Your date and place of birth
A sworn statement that the request is not for illegal purposes
You must sign the form under penalty of perjury.
✅ Step 2: File the Petition with the District Court
You can file:
In person at the courthouse, or
Online using Colorado’s e-filing system (available in many counties)
Bring:
Completed petition
Valid government-issued photo ID
💰 Colorado Name Change Cost Breakdown
Expense
Cost
Court filing fee
$100
Certified copies
$20 each
Background check (if required)
$7–$15
Publication (if ordered)
$0–$200
💡 Typical Total Cost: $100–$300
Colorado is considered a moderate-cost state for name changes.
✅ Step 3: Background Check (Colorado-Specific Rule)
Some Colorado courts require:
A fingerprint-based background check
Results submitted to the court
📌 Not all counties enforce this strictly, but you should be prepared.
✅ Step 4: Court Review or Hearing
Depending on the county:
Some petitions are approved without a hearing
Others require a short hearing
If a hearing is scheduled:
It usually lasts under 10 minutes
The judge asks basic questions
No lawyer is required
✅ Step 5: Judge Signs the Name Change Order
If approved:
The court issues a Decree for Change of Name
Request certified copies immediately
⏱️ Timeline:
Filing to approval: 3–6 weeks in most counties
Is Newspaper Publication Required in Colorado?
🔹 Sometimes.
Some judges require newspaper publication
Others waive it if there is no legal concern
If required:
The court will tell you which newspaper to use
Proof of publication must be filed
Updating Your Name After Approval
🔹 Social Security Administration
Free
Must be updated first
Processing time: 7–14 days
🔹 Colorado DMV
License fee: $12–$28
Same-day update available
🔹 Passport, Banks, Employer
Certified court order required
Common Colorado-Specific Mistakes
❌ Filing in County Court instead of District Court
❌ Forgetting the background check requirement
❌ Missing publication deadlines (if ordered)
❌ Not requesting certified copies
❌ Using a name format inconsistent with SSA records
These issues usually cause delays, not denials.
Do You Need a Lawyer in Colorado?
No.
Most adults complete the Colorado name change process without hiring an attorney. Legal representation is optional.
How Long Does a Name Change Take in Colorado?
Stage
Time
Filing to review
2–4 weeks
Final approval
1–2 weeks
Document updates
2–4 weeks
FAQs – Colorado Name Change
1️⃣ Can I change my name in Colorado without a lawyer?
Yes. The process is designed for self-filing.
2️⃣ Is a background check required?
Sometimes, depending on the county and judge.
3️⃣ How much does it cost?
Most people spend $100–$300 total.
4️⃣ Will I need a court hearing?
It depends on the county.
5️⃣ Can my request be denied?
Only if it appears fraudulent or incomplete.
Final Thoughts
Colorado’s name change process is flexible and accessible. By filing the correct paperwork and following court instructions, most residents can successfully change their name without legal help.
