A legal name change in Arkansas starts with a verified petition filed in the circuit court of the county where you live. Under Arkansas Code ยง 9-2-101, the court can grant the change if you show good reasons for it.1Justia. Arkansas Code 9-2-101 – Name Change – Procedure Name changes that happen through marriage or divorce are handled inside those proceedings and do not require a separate petition.
Who Can File
The statute lets “any person” within the court’s jurisdiction petition for a name change. There is no fixed residency period in the statute, but you must file in the circuit court of the county where you currently live.1Justia. Arkansas Code 9-2-101 – Name Change – Procedure If you recently moved to Arkansas, ask your local circuit clerk whether the court considers you to have established jurisdiction.
Any adult can file on their own behalf. You do not need a lawyer, though some petitioners hire one if they expect complications at the hearing.
Minors
A child’s name change can only be filed by a parent or legal guardian, and both parents must provide written, notarized consent. If one parent cannot be located, the filing parent has to show a genuine effort to notify the absent parent. When parents disagree, the judge decides based on the child’s best interests.
Registered Sex Offenders
Arkansas restricts this group tightly. A person on the sex offender registry can only change their name if the change is tied to a marriage or is necessary for the practice of their religion. Any other change is prohibited, and violating the rule is a Class C felony. Even a permitted change has to be reported in person to local law enforcement within five calendar days.2Arkansas State Legislature. Act 262 of 2019 – Arkansas Code 12-12-906(f)
Forms You Need
Three documents go to the clerk: a Civil Court Cover Sheet, a Petition for Change of Name, and a proposed Order for Change of Name. Blank forms are usually available from your circuit clerk’s office or through the Arkansas Judiciary’s website. The petition must be notarized before you file.
The petition is a “verified petition in writing” under the statute, meaning you sign it under oath.1Justia. Arkansas Code 9-2-101 – Name Change – Procedure It should include your current legal name, date of birth, driver’s license or Social Security number, residential address, the new name you want, and your reasons. Because you’re signing under oath, the content has to be truthful. Hiding pending criminal cases or outstanding debts, or misstating your reasons, can get the petition denied.
The proposed order is a pre-drafted document the judge signs if the petition is granted. The statute says it must include your prior name, birth date, identifying information such as a Social Security or driver’s license number, and the new name.1Justia. Arkansas Code 9-2-101 – Name Change – Procedure The clerk redacts your Social Security number from the public case file under Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19.1 and keeps the unredacted version for official use.
Filing Fees and Fee Waivers
Take the completed, notarized forms to the circuit clerk in your county. The filing fee generally runs around $165, though some counties charge more. If you cannot afford it, file an In Forma Pauperis petition asking the court to waive the fee based on financial hardship. The clerk can walk you through that.
Arkansas does not require newspaper publication of a name change. Some circuit courts have local rules that may differ, so confirm with your clerk. Once the petition is filed, the clerk either schedules a hearing or tells you the judge intends to rule on the paperwork alone. Practice varies by county.
What Happens in Court
Many Arkansas name change cases are straightforward, and some judges sign the order without a hearing. When a hearing is scheduled, it tends to be brief. You appear, confirm your identity, and explain why you want the change. The judge decides whether you have shown “good reasons” and whether the change serves a lawful purpose.
Judges generally deny petitions that look designed to evade debts, dodge legal proceedings, or create confusion with a public figure. Profane or threatening names can also be rejected. If your reason is genuine, most petitions are granted without difficulty.
If the judge approves, the order is signed on the spot. Your name change takes legal effect once the order is signed and filed with the clerk. Ask the clerk for several certified copies right away, since you’ll need them for every agency and institution that holds your records. Certified copies typically cost a few dollars each.
What the Clerk Sends for You
The statute requires the clerk to send your unredacted order to the Arkansas Crime Information Center, Arkansas Driver Control, and, if you request it, the Division of Vital Records.1Justia. Arkansas Code 9-2-101 – Name Change – Procedure Those background database updates happen without any action on your part. You still have to personally update your Social Security record, driver’s license, passport, and other accounts.
The court can also seal the file if you present clear and convincing evidence that leaving it open would endanger you.1Justia. Arkansas Code 9-2-101 – Name Change – Procedure This matters most for survivors of domestic violence or stalking. If safety is a concern, raise it in your petition or at the hearing.
Updating Your Records After the Order
Social Security
Start with the Social Security Administration. Depending on your situation, you may be able to request the change online; otherwise, schedule an appointment at a local SSA office.3Social Security Administration. Change Name with Social Security Either way, bring your certified court order and proof of identity. SSA does not charge for a replacement card, and the new one typically arrives within five to ten business days.
Arkansas Driver’s License
Once your Social Security record is updated, visit an Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Revenue Office for a new license or state ID. Bring your certified court order, your updated Social Security card, and your current license or ID. The DFA also has an Affidavit of Legal Name Change for situations where linking documents are missing.4Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Affidavit of Legal Name Change for State ID or Driver License A standard replacement fee applies.
U.S. Passport
If your passport was issued less than a year ago and your name change was finalized within the same year, you can mail in Form DS-5504 with your current passport, court order, and a new photo at no charge. Expedited processing adds $60.5U.S. Department of State. Name Change for U.S. Passport or Correct a Printing or Data Error
If more than a year has passed since either the passport issue date or the name change, you’ll need to apply for a renewal. Most people can renew by mail using Form DS-82 with the court order, current passport, a new photo, and the standard renewal fee of $130 for a passport book.6U.S. Department of State. Passport Fees If you aren’t eligible to renew by mail, apply in person using Form DS-11.
Arkansas Birth Certificate
If you were born in Arkansas and want your birth certificate updated, request an amendment through the Arkansas Department of Health. A surname change requires a court order, which you already have. The amendment fee is $15, and amended certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. The department reviews each case individually, so contact the Vital Records office before submitting anything to confirm what they need. Asking the circuit clerk to forward your order to the Division of Vital Records during the name change proceeding can speed this step up.7Arkansas Department of Health. Change or Amend a Birth or Death Certificate