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Name Change to Match Gender Identity in Arkansas: Steps, Cost & Forms

Verified against Arkansas Circuit Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

A name change to match gender identity in Arkansas is filed in the Arkansas Circuit Court, costs about $150–$175 (typical $165, varies by county), and requires no newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 3–8 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.

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What it costs

Filing fee
$150–$175 (typical $165, varies by county)

Same circuit court filing fee as any adult petition; confirm the exact amount with your county circuit clerk

Court
Arkansas Circuit Court

Circuit Court in the county where you live

Timeline
3–8 weeks

Step by step

  1. 1

    File the standard verified Petition for Change of Name under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-2-101 — Arkansas has no separate gender-identity name-change track and requires no publication.

  2. 2

    If you need confidentiality, ask the court to seal the file under § 9-2-101(c)(3)(C) by showing, with clear and convincing evidence, that you would otherwise be endangered, and redact confidential information as required by Administrative Order 19.1.

  3. 3

    Present the case to a circuit judge and obtain the signed order.

  4. 4

    Use certified copies of the order to update Social Security, Arkansas DFA driver services, and your US passport.

Official forms

Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.

FormCodeOfficial link
Arkansas Judiciary court forms (Civil Cover Sheet)—Open ↗
Application for a Social Security CardSS-5Open ↗
Newspaper publication: Not required — Arkansas requires no newspaper publication for a name change; for privacy, § 9-2-101(c)(3)(C) lets the court seal the file on clear and convincing evidence that the petitioner would otherwise be endangered.
Background check: No background check
Good to know in Arkansas:
  • • There is no separate statutory gender-marker name-change process — it runs through the standard § 9-2-101 petition.
  • • The court may seal the file on clear and convincing evidence of endangerment under § 9-2-101(c)(3)(C).

Then update your IDs

Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Arkansas license, then your passport and accounts.

Who to notify →Build my checklist →See my timeline →

Gender identity name change in nearby states

Nevada →Mississippi →Iowa →Kansas →

Name Change to Match Gender Identity in Arkansas: FAQ

How much does a name change to match gender identity cost in Arkansas?
About $150–$175 (typical $165, varies by county), filed in the Arkansas Circuit Court. Same circuit court filing fee as any adult petition; confirm the exact amount with your county circuit clerk.
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas does not require newspaper publication for this type of name change.
Is a gender-identity name change private in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires no newspaper publication for a name change; for privacy, § 9-2-101(c)(3)(C) lets the court seal the file on clear and convincing evidence that the petitioner would otherwise be endangered.
How long does it take in Arkansas?
Typically 3–8 weeks from filing to a signed order, then Social Security (7–10 business days), the DMV, and your passport (4–6 weeks).
What do I do after the judge signs my order in Arkansas?
Order certified copies, then update Social Security first, the DMV next, then your passport, banks, and employer. Our Who-To-Notify Checklist builds the full ordered list.

Sources

Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:

See our verification methodology and themaster source list.

Last verified July 16, 2026Reviewed by the Name Change Atlas Editorial Team against official court and .gov sources.

We're re-confirming some fee details for this state against the county court. Always confirm the exact current fee with your court clerk before you file.