How to Change Your Name in New Jersey

If you’re looking to change your name in New Jersey following marriage, typically you can initiate this process when submitting your marriage license. However, it’s advisable to check with your county clerk as procedures and regulations can vary between counties.

Once married, your marriage certificate becomes the primary legal document for your name change. Upon filing your marriage license at the county courthouse, you can expect to receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate by mail within approximately two weeks. This certified copy can then be used to update your name with various agencies, institutions, and businesses.

In New Jersey, changing your name after a divorce is a straightforward process. The name change request can be included in the divorce decree. If the judge approves, the name change becomes official when the decree is signed. You’ll need to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other important documents to reflect your new name. Obtain certified copies of the divorce decree to present as legal proof of your name change. This ensures all your records and identification match your new name, helping you transition smoothly to your post-divorce identity.

To change your name via petition in New Jersey, you’ll need to file a Petition for Change of Name in the county where you reside. The petition must include your current name, the new name you desire, and the reasons for the change. You may also need to undergo a background check. Once filed, a court hearing will be scheduled where a judge will review your petition. If the judge approves your request, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. You’ll then use this court order to update your name on official documents like your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport.

To change the name of a minor in New Jersey, a parent or guardian must file a Petition for Change of Name of a Child in the county where the child resides. The petition must include the child’s current name, the desired new name, and the reasons for the change. Both parents typically need to consent, but if one parent does not agree, the court may still grant the change if it is in the child’s best interest. A court hearing will be scheduled, and if the judge approves, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. This order is then used to update the child’s official documents.

Here is the process for changing your name on your New Jersey Driver’s License:

1. Update Your Name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Although not mandatory, it is helpful to update your name with the SSA before changing your name on your driver’s license. This ensures that your name is consistent across all identification documents.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following original or certified documents:

• Proof of your legal name change (e.g., certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
• Proof of identity, such as a current New Jersey driver’s license, U.S. passport, or birth certificate.
• Proof of New Jersey residency, like a utility bill or bank statement issued within the last 90 days.
• Your Social Security number.

Ensure these documents meet the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s (MVC) 6-Point ID Verification requirements. For a complete list of acceptable documents, refer to the NJ MVC 6-Point ID brochure.

3. Visit a New Jersey MVC Licensing Center

• You must visit an MVC Licensing Center in person to process your name change. This service is not available online or by mail.
• Bring all the required documents. There is a fee for updating your driver’s license, so check with your local MVC office for the current fee amount.

4. Receive Your Updated License

• After submitting your documents and paying the fee, your updated driver’s license will be issued. You will receive a temporary license until your new one arrives by mail.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Vehicle and Title Registration in New Jersey:

Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following:

• Your current vehicle title or acceptable proof of ownership.
• A completed Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49).
• Proof of your legal name change (e.g., certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
• Your current New Jersey driver’s license or ID card.

By Mail

To change your name by mail, you need:

• A written request stating the reason for your name change, along with your vehicle’s make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Your original vehicle title or registration card.
• Proof of your name change.
• Payment for any applicable fees.

Send these documents to: 

Motor Vehicle Commission
Data Base Corrections Unit
P.O. Box 146
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666

In Person

Visit your local New Jersey MVC office with the necessary documents.

Bring:

• Your original vehicle title or registration card.
• Proof of your name change.
• Payment for any applicable fees.

Complete the required forms and submit them along with your documents.

Fees

• There are fees associated with updating your vehicle title and registration. Check with your local MVC office for the most current information.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Voter Registration in New Jersey:

Online Update

• Visit the New Jersey Division of Elections Voter Registration page.
• You will need your date of birth and one of the following forms of identification: a current and valid New Jersey driver’s license or non-driver ID card, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

By Mail

• Download and complete the Voter Registration Application form from the New Jersey Division of Elections website.
• Mail the completed form along with proof of your name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to your County Commissioner of Registration.

In Person

• Visit your local County Commissioner of Registration office or a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office.
• Bring proof of your name change and other identification documents as required.

Important Deadlines

• Ensure your updated registration is submitted at least 21 days before an election to be eligible to vote with your new name.

• Social Security Administration
• Passport 
• Postal Service

Changing your name in New Jersey involves more than just filling out paperwork. Small missteps can delay the process or cause your petition to be denied. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

1. Filing in the Wrong County
You must file your name change petition in the Superior Court of the county where you live. Filing in the wrong jurisdiction will result in delays or rejection.

2. Missing the Publication Requirements
New Jersey law requires you to publish notice of your name change application in a local newspaper before the hearing and publish the final judgment afterward. Forgetting either publication—or missing the deadlines—can cause serious delays or require you to start over.

3. Not Notifying the Right Government Agencies
Once your name change is approved, you’re responsible for notifying the Social Security Administration, the NJ MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission), IRS, banks, employers, and other institutions. Failing to do so can lead to problems with identification, taxes, and legal documents.

4. Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Paperwork
Any errors—like leaving sections blank, using the wrong forms, or forgetting to sign—can slow down or halt your petition. Always double-check that everything is filled out properly before submitting.

5. Overlooking the Criminal Background Check Requirement
If you have a criminal record, the court may require you to submit additional documentation. The judge will want to confirm the name change is not being used for fraudulent purposes. Not disclosing your record or submitting incomplete information could lead to a denial.

6. Expecting the Court to Update Records for You
After your court order is issued, it’s your responsibility—not the court’s—to update your name with all relevant government and financial institutions. Many people make the mistake of assuming agencies are notified automatically.

How long does it take to change your name in New Jersey?
It usually takes about 8 to 12 weeks from filing to receiving your final court order, depending on the county’s schedule and whether you meet all publication and notification deadlines.

How much does it cost to change your name in NJ?
Expect to pay a filing fee of about $250. You’ll also need to cover the cost of newspaper publications (before and after your hearing), which can add $75 to $150 depending on the paper. Certified copies of your court order also come with additional fees.

Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper?
Yes. You must publish notice of your hearing before it takes place and publish the final judgment afterward. You can request a waiver if publication puts you at risk—for example, in cases of domestic violence—but the court must approve the exemption.

Can I change my child’s name in New Jersey?
Yes. You must file a petition with the court and notify the child’s other legal parent or guardian. If the other parent objects, the court will consider both sides and make a decision based on the best interests of the child.

Can I change my name in New Jersey if I have a criminal record?
Yes, but the court will closely review your petition to ensure the change isn’t being requested for fraudulent purposes. You may be asked to provide details about your criminal history, and some offenses may require additional court scrutiny.

Will the court automatically update my name on my birth certificate or driver’s license?
No. Once the court grants your name change, you must personally update your name with the NJ MVC, Social Security Administration, and other agencies. If you were born in New Jersey, you can request an amended birth certificate from the NJ Department of Health using your court order.