Name Change in Georgia, USA Without a Lawyer
How to Change Your Name in Georgia, USA Without a Lawyer
(Step-by-Step Guide with Total Cost, Timeline & Common Mistakes)
Introduction (Fully Unique – Georgia Focused)
Changing your name in Georgia may sound intimidating at first, especially if you believe hiring a lawyer is mandatory. The truth is, most adults in Georgia can legally change their name without a lawyer by following a structured court process. Georgia’s system is county-based, straightforward, and designed so regular residents—not just attorneys—can complete it on their own.
Whether you’re changing your name after marriage or divorce, correcting a spelling issue, aligning your name with personal identity, or simply choosing a new legal name, Georgia law allows it—provided you follow the correct steps through the Superior Court in your county of residence.
This guide explains exactly how to change your name in Georgia without a lawyer, including required forms, filing fees, publication rules, timelines, total costs, and common Georgia-specific mistakes that delay approvals. Everything is written in simple, human language so you can confidently complete the process yourself.
Who Can Change Their Name in Georgia?
You can request a legal name change in Georgia if:
You are 18 years or older
You are a resident of the Georgia county where you file
Your request is not for fraud, debt evasion, or criminal avoidance
Georgia courts generally approve name changes unless there is a legal reason to deny them.
Which Court Handles Name Changes in Georgia?
Unlike some states that use Probate Court, Georgia handles adult name changes through the Superior Court.
Key Points:
You must file in the Superior Court of your county
Each county manages filings independently
Filing fees vary by county
👉 Example counties:
Fulton County Superior Court
DeKalb County Superior Court
Cobb County Superior Court
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Name in Georgia Without a Lawyer
Step 1: Prepare a Petition for Name Change
Georgia requires a formal Petition to Change Name of Adult. This is a written document (not a standard statewide form) that includes:
Your current legal name
Your requested new name
County of residence
Reason for name change (simple and honest)
Statement that the change is not for illegal purposes
Some counties provide templates, but many expect you to draft it yourself. This is normal in Georgia and does not require a lawyer.
Step 2: Notarize the Petition
Before filing:
Sign the petition in front of a notary public
Most banks, UPS stores, or courthouses offer notary services
Notary cost:
$0–$10 (often free at banks)
Step 3: File the Petition with Superior Court
Take your notarized petition to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office in your county.
You will:
Submit the petition
Pay the filing fee
Receive a case number
Filing Fee in Georgia:
$200–$220 (varies by county)
📌 Example:
Fulton County: ~$216
Smaller counties may be slightly cheaper
Step 4: Publish Notice in an Approved Newspaper (Mandatory)
Georgia law requires publication of your name change request.
How it works:
The Clerk assigns or approves a legal newspaper
Your name change notice runs once a week for 4 consecutive weeks
You do NOT choose social media or random websites
Publication Cost:
$40–$90 depending on county and newspaper
This step is one of the most common delays if done incorrectly.
Step 5: Wait for the Publication Period to Finish
Georgia has no automatic hearing requirement for most adult name changes.
After:
4 weeks of publication
No objections filed
👉 The judge may approve your request without a court appearance
Step 6: Judge Reviews and Signs the Order
Once publication is complete:
The court reviews your case
If approved, the judge signs a Final Order Granting Name Change
Timeline:
Usually 10–30 days after publication ends
Step 7: Obtain Certified Copies of the Court Order
You will need certified copies to update your records.
Certified copy cost:
$5–$10 per copy
Recommended: Get 3–5 copies
Total Cost to Change Your Name in Georgia (Without Lawyer)
Expense
Estimated Cost
Notary
$0–$10
Court Filing Fee
$200–$220
Newspaper Publication
$40–$90
Certified Copies
$15–$50
Total Estimated Cost
$255–$370
✅ No lawyer fees required.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take in Georgia?
Stage
Time
Filing petition
Same day
Publication period
4 weeks
Judge approval
2–4 weeks
Total time
6–8 weeks
Common Mistakes People Make in Georgia (State-Specific)
❌ Filing in the Wrong Court
Georgia uses Superior Court, not Probate Court. Filing in the wrong court means rejection.
❌ Skipping Publication
Publication is mandatory. Courts will not approve without proof.
❌ Using an Informal Newspaper
Only court-approved legal newspapers are accepted.
❌ Writing Long Explanations
Judges prefer simple, direct reasons. Over-explaining can raise unnecessary questions.
❌ Assuming a Hearing Is Guaranteed
Many Georgia name changes are approved without a hearing. Don’t wait for one unless notified.
After Approval: Update Your Legal Records
Once your name change is approved, update the following:
1. Social Security Administration
Free
Required before most other updates
2. Georgia Driver’s License (DDS)
Fee: ~$32
Must update within 60 days
3. Passport
Fee depends on passport type
Use certified court order
4. Banks, Employer, Insurance
Usually free
Provide certified copy
Special Situations in Georgia
Name Change After Divorce
Often included in divorce decree
No separate publication required
Criminal History
Allowed, but judge may review more closely
FAQs – Georgia Name Change (State-Specific)
1️⃣ Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Georgia?
No. Georgia allows adults to complete the process without a lawyer.
2️⃣ Is newspaper publication required in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia law requires 4 weeks of publication in a legal newspaper.
3️⃣ Which court handles name changes in Georgia?
The Superior Court of your county.
4️⃣ Can my request be denied?
Yes, but only if the name change is for illegal or fraudulent purposes.
5️⃣ How many certified copies should I get?
At least 3–5 copies for government and financial updates.
Final Thoughts
Georgia’s name change process is structured, affordable, and manageable without legal representation. As long as you follow the Superior Court filing rules, complete the publication requirement, and submit accurate information, most adults receive approval without complications.
This guide is designed to help you complete the process confidently, save money, and avoid common Georgia-specific mistakes.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures may vary by county and may change over time. For complex situations, consult a licensed attorney or your local Superior Court Clerk.
