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How to Legally Change Your Name in Colorado

Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

An adult name change in Colorado is filed in the County Court or District Court (Civil) and costs about $98. In Colorado, you must publish a notice in a newspaper, and most cases finish in 6–12 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.

Colorado Name-Change Calculator

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Colorado name change at a glance

Every figure is verified against Colorado County Court and District Court and .gov sources.

Cost, court, publication requirement, and timeline for each type of name change in Colorado.
SituationCourtFiling feePublicationTimeline
MarriageNo court needed$0—Depends on ID updates
DivorceDistrict Court (through the dissolution of marriage decree)$0Not required1–4 weeks
Adult petitionCounty Court or District Court (Civil)$98Required6–12 weeks
Minor childCounty Court or District Court (Civil)$98Required6–12 weeks
Gender identityCounty Court or District Court (Civil)$98Required (waivable)4–10 weeks

Choose your situation

Marriage→

Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.

No court petition

Divorce→

Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.

$0 · District Court (through the dissolution of marriage decree)

Adult petition→

Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.

$98 · County Court or District Court (Civil)

Minor child→

Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.

$98 · County Court or District Court (Civil)

Gender identity→

Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.

$98 · County Court or District Court (Civil)

The Colorado name-change process

Most legal name changes in Colorado that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the County Court or District Court (Civil). You file where you live — County Court or District Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is $98.

After you file, you publish a legal notice in a newspaper. Colorado also runs a fingerprint or background check on adult petitioners. From filing to a signed order usually takes 6–12 weeks.

If the fee is a hardship, ask the clerk about a fee waiver — Statewide statutory fee: $98 in County Court (§13-32-101) or $268 in District Court (§13-15-101). Waivable with Form JDF 205; the waiver does not cover the separate CBI ($16.50) and FBI ($18) fingerprint fees or the newspaper publication cost. Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies; you'll need one for Social Security, the DMV, and your passport.

For a name change to match your gender identity, Colorado treats it more privately: Colorado does NOT require newspaper publication for a name change to conform to the petitioner's gender identity (§13-15-102(4)), and the court may keep the records confidential..

After your order: who to notify

The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Colorado driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.

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

Colorado name change: FAQ

How much does a name change cost in Colorado?
An adult name change in Colorado costs about $98, filed in the County Court or District Court (Civil). Statewide statutory fee: $98 in County Court (§13-32-101) or $268 in District Court (§13-15-101). Waivable with Form JDF 205; the waiver does not cover the separate CBI ($16.50) and FBI ($18) fingerprint fees or the newspaper publication cost. Marriage and divorce name changes have no separate court fee.
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Colorado?
Yes. In Colorado, an adult name-change petition requires publishing a legal notice in a newspaper. After the court enters the Order for Publication (JDF 426), publish the Public Notice (JDF 427) at least three times within 21 days in a newspaper. Publication can be waived for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, or domestic abuse, or where the change conforms to the petitioner's gender identity.
How long does a name change take in Colorado?
A court name change in Colorado typically takes 6–12 weeks from filing to a signed order. After that, updating Social Security takes about 7–10 business days and a passport 4–6 weeks.
Which court handles name changes in Colorado?
Adult name changes in Colorado are handled by the County Court or District Court (Civil). You file in county court or district court in the county where you live.
Can I get the name-change filing fee waived in Colorado?
Yes, if you can't afford it. Statewide statutory fee: $98 in County Court (§13-32-101) or $268 in District Court (§13-15-101). Waivable with Form JDF 205; the waiver does not cover the separate CBI ($16.50) and FBI ($18) fingerprint fees or the newspaper publication cost. Ask your county clerk for the fee-waiver form.
What do I do after my name change is approved in Colorado?
Update Social Security first (free, Form SS-5), then your Colorado driver's license, then your US passport, and finally banks, employer, and insurance. Use our Who-To-Notify Checklist to order every account you hold.

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.