To change your last name in Idaho, file a petition in the district court of the county where you live, pay the $166 filing fee, publish a notice of hearing in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks, and attend a hearing where a judge signs the judgment. The process runs under Title 7, Chapter 8 of the Idaho Code and typically takes six to eight weeks from filing to final order, followed by updates to your Social Security card, driver’s license, and other records. If your name change is tied to a marriage or divorce, you may not need to file a petition at all.
When You Can Skip the Court Petition
Taking a spouse’s last name after marriage doesn’t require a court case. Your certified marriage certificate is the legal document you use to update your Social Security card, Idaho driver’s license, and the rest of your records.
If you’re divorcing and want to restore a maiden name or a previous last name, ask your attorney to include the restoration in the divorce decree. Idaho divorce forms have space for this request, and judges routinely grant it. Once signed, the decree works the same way a name change judgment does for updating records. If your divorce is already final and the decree didn’t address your name, you’ll have to use the standard petition process below.
Filing the Petition
File in the district court of the county where you live. Idaho Code § 7-802 requires the petition to state your place of birth, current residence, present name, the name you want, and the reason for the change.1Idaho State Legislature. Idaho Code Section 7-802 – Petition for Change
The Idaho Court Assistance Office publishes standardized forms. Adults and emancipated minors use the Petition for Name Change; the packet also includes a Notice of Hearing and a proposed Judgment for the court to sign.2Idaho Court Assistance Office. Name Change Download them directly from the Court Assistance Office site so you’re working from the current versions, and fill out every field. Blank spaces or inconsistencies can get your paperwork rejected or push your hearing back.
The filing fee is $166, paid to the Clerk of the District Court when you submit your forms.2Idaho Court Assistance Office. Name Change The clerk sets your hearing date once the filing is accepted.
Publishing Notice and Going to the Hearing
Before the court will hear your case, you have to publish the Notice of Hearing in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. The court designates which newspaper is most likely to reach people in your county.3Justia. Idaho Code Title 7 Chapter 8 – Change of Names Publication costs vary but generally run $50 to $150. After the final run, the newspaper sends you an Affidavit of Publication, which you file with the court before the hearing.
Publication exists to give creditors and anyone else a chance to object. At the hearing, the judge confirms publication was completed and checks for objections. Any person can object by showing good reason the change shouldn’t be granted, though objections are rare for straightforward requests. If the judge finds the petition reasonable and nothing valid has been filed against it, they sign the Judgment for Name Change.
Order several certified copies of the judgment from the clerk while you’re there. You’ll need them for Social Security, your license, your passport, and other records, and they only cost a few dollars each.
Changing a Child’s Last Name
A parent or guardian petitions on behalf of a minor using form CAO NCM 1-1. If both parents agree, the non-petitioning parent signs a Parental Consent to Name Change form.2Idaho Court Assistance Office. Name Change
If the other parent doesn’t consent, you must serve them with notice of the petition and hearing at least 30 days before the hearing. The court then hears from both sides and decides based on the child’s best interests. Contested cases are where hiring an attorney starts to make sense. Newspaper publication is still required.
Restriction for Registered Sex Offenders
A person required to register as a sex offender cannot petition for a name change to avoid registration, and a court will deny any change that would have the effect of relieving someone of the duty. If a registrant does receive a court-approved change for a legitimate reason, the court must notify the Idaho State Police central sex offender registry with the old and new names, Social Security number, date of birth, and last known address.4Idaho State Legislature. Idaho Code Section 7-805 – Restrictions on Name Changes for Convicted Sexual Offenders
Updating Your Records After the Judgment
Social Security Card
Update Social Security first. The Social Security Administration requires an application for a new card plus proof of your legal name change (the certified court order or marriage certificate), proof of identity such as a current driver’s license or passport, and evidence of U.S. citizenship. Original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency only — photocopies and notarized copies aren’t accepted.5Social Security Administration. Learn What Documents You Will Need to Get a Social Security Card
You can apply in person at a local SSA office or by mail. There’s no fee, and the new card typically arrives within about two weeks. Your Social Security number doesn’t change. Wait until the updated card is in hand before heading to the Idaho Transportation Department.
Idaho Driver’s License or State ID
Bring your certified court order and your current license to the Idaho Transportation Department. Allow 24 to 48 hours after the Social Security update, since the state system needs time to sync with the federal database.
Idaho Birth Certificate
If you were born in Idaho, submit an application for amendment to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, with your certified court order. Standard processing runs three to four weeks.6Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Processing Times and Fees The amended certificate gives you a permanent record linking your old and new names.
Voter Registration
Complete an Idaho Voter Registration Form with your new name and mail or deliver it to your county clerk’s office. Get this done well before the next election to avoid confusion at the polls.
Passport and TSA PreCheck
If your name change happened less than a year after your most recent passport was issued, update it by mailing Form DS-5504 with the passport and your certified name change document. There’s no fee.7Travel.State.Gov. Name Change for U.S. Passport or Correct a Printing or Data Error After a year, use Form DS-82 (renewal by mail) or Form DS-11 (in person), which carry standard passport fees. Expedited processing adds $60, and 1-to-3-day delivery adds $22.05.8Travel.State.Gov. Passport Fees
TSA PreCheck is a separate update. Email your updated government photo ID and name change documents to TSAEnrollmentDocuments@tsa.dhs.gov with your Known Traveler Number and your updated name broken out by first, middle, and last. Changes can take up to 45 days.9TSA Enrollment by IDEMIA. Help Center Until the update clears, keep airline reservations in the name on your current ID.
Employer and IRS
Tell your employer once the new Social Security card arrives. Until they see the updated card, they should keep reporting wages under your old name. After, they file a Form W-2c to correct the name on your most recent W-2.10Internal Revenue Service. Publication 15 (2026), (Circular E), Employers Tax Guide If you file taxes jointly, make sure the name on your return matches what the SSA has on file — a mismatch can delay your refund.
Banks, credit cards, and insurers round out the list. Most will update your account with a copy of your court order or marriage certificate and a new ID showing the change.