How Can You Legally Change Your Name as an Adult or Minor?

Last updated: May 2026

To legally change your name in Utah, you must file a Petition for Name Change with the district court in the county where you’ve lived for at least one year, obtain a certificate from the Utah Department of Corrections, attend a court hearing, and receive a signed order from a judge. The process differs slightly for minors, who require parental consent.

Utah law provides a structured court process for adults seeking a legal name change and for parents petitioning on behalf of a minor child. Whether you’re changing your name after marriage or divorce, aligning your legal name with your gender identity, or helping your child through the process, understanding Utah’s specific requirements helps avoid delays.

This guide covers Utah’s residency requirements, court filing process, required forms, and what happens at the hearing—for both adult and minor name changes.

What Are the Requirements for an Adult Name Change in Utah?

You must be at least 18, have lived in the Utah county where you’re filing for at least one year, have no pending criminal charges or active probation/parole, and have a legitimate reason for the change.

Utah law sets specific eligibility criteria for adult name changes:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Residency: You must have lived in the Utah county where you’re filing the petition for at least one year. This ensures the local Utah district court has jurisdiction.
• Criminal status: You cannot be on probation, parole, or have pending criminal charges in Utah or elsewhere.
• Registry check: If you’re listed on Utah’s Sex Offender Registry or Child Abuse Offender Registry, additional requirements apply, and the court will only approve the change if it determines there’s no public safety risk.
• Legitimate purpose: Utah courts will not approve name changes intended to defraud creditors, evade law enforcement, or escape legal obligations.

How Do You File for an Adult Name Change in Utah?

Obtain a registry certificate from the Utah Department of Corrections, complete the required Utah court forms, file with your county’s district court, pay the filing fee, attend a hearing, and receive a signed order.

The Utah adult name change process follows these steps:

1. Obtain your registry certificate. Request a certificate from the Utah Department of Corrections confirming whether you’re listed on the Sex Offender or Child Abuse Offender Registry. You’ll need this document when you file, so request it early.
2. Complete the Utah court forms. Utah’s court system provides specific forms for adult name changes: the Petition for Name Change, Cover Sheet for Probate Actions, and a proposed Order on Petition for Name Change. All forms must be signed before a notary public.
3. File with your Utah district court. Submit the completed forms and registry certificate to the district court in the Utah county where you live. A filing fee is required; if you can’t afford it, you may request a fee waiver by submitting financial documentation.
4. Attend the court hearing. The court will schedule a hearing where you explain your reasons for the name change. Most hearings are brief unless your petition involves unusual circumstances.
5. Receive your order. If approved, the judge signs a legal order granting your new name. Request multiple certified copies—you’ll need them to update your records with Utah state agencies, the Social Security Administration, banks, and other institutions.

Who Can Petition for a Minor’s Name Change in Utah?

A parent or legal guardian can petition to change a minor’s name in Utah. Both legal parents typically must consent—if one parent objects, they must be formally notified and the court will decide based on the child’s best interest.

Like adult petitions, the minor must have lived in the Utah county where you’re filing for at least one year.

The key difference: parental consent. Utah law requires both legal parents to consent to a minor’s name change. If one parent doesn’t agree:

• The non-consenting parent must be formally served with notice of the petition and hearing
• That parent has the opportunity to appear and object
• The Utah judge will consider both sides and determine whether the name change is in the child’s best interest

How Do You File for a Minor’s Name Change in Utah?

Complete Utah’s Petition for Minor’s Name Change and Consent form, file with the district court, serve notice on the non-consenting parent if applicable, attend a hearing, and receive the signed order.

The Utah process for a minor’s name change:

1. Prepare the Utah court forms. The forms differ from adult petitions. Complete the Petition for Minor’s Name Change and obtain a Consent to Minor’s Name Change from the other parent if applicable.
2. File with your Utah district court. Submit the documents to the district court in the Utah county where the child lives. A filing fee applies unless you qualify for a waiver.
3. Serve the non-consenting parent. If both parents don’t consent, Utah law requires formal service—delivering a copy of the petition and notice of hearing through an approved method.
4. Attend the hearing. The Utah judge will consider the child’s age, maturity, reasons for the change, how the change might affect relationships with each parent, and any objections raised.
5. Receive the order. If granted, request certified copies to update the child’s records with Utah schools, the Utah Driver License Division, healthcare providers, and other institutions.

What Factors Do Utah Courts Consider for a Minor’s Name Change?

Utah judges consider the child’s age and maturity, the reasons for the change, how it might affect the child’s relationship with each parent, and whether the change serves the child’s best interest.

When parents disagree—or even when both consent—the court’s primary focus is the child’s wellbeing. A Utah judge may ask why the name change is being requested, whether the child (if old enough) has expressed a preference, whether the change would strengthen or harm the child’s relationship with either parent, and whether the change aligns with the child’s identity and daily life.

A parent’s objection doesn’t automatically block the change, but the court will weigh their concerns carefully.

What Records Do You Need to Update After a Utah Name Change?

Start with the Social Security Administration, then update your Utah driver’s license or state ID. Notify banks, employers, insurance providers, schools, and other institutions—most will require a certified copy of the court order.

After your Utah court order is signed, update your records in this order:

• Social Security Administration: Update your Social Security card first—many other institutions require your SSA records to match.
• Utah Driver License Division: Update your Utah driver’s license or state ID.
• Banks and credit cards: Bring your certified court order to update accounts.
• Employer: Update payroll and benefits records.
• Insurance providers: Health, auto, and other policies.
• Utah schools: For minor name changes, update school records.
• Healthcare providers: Update medical records.

Request multiple certified copies of your court order—most institutions require an original certified copy, not a photocopy.

From Petition to Court Order – Change Your Name with Able & Strong Law, Inc.

Whether you’re an adult seeking a fresh start or a parent helping your child through a legal name change, the process in Utah can be confusing. Don’t navigate it alone. At Able & Strong Law, Inc., we handle everything, from preparing the petition and court filings to representing you at your hearing so that you can focus on what matters most: confidently moving forward. Call 385-334-5024 today to schedule a consultation.