How to Legally Change Your Name in Idaho
Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in Idaho is filed in the Magistrate Division of the Idaho District Court and costs about $120–$176 (typical $166, varies by county). In Idaho, 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.
Idaho Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Idaho name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Idaho District Court (Magistrate Division) and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Idaho District Court (through the Decree of Divorce) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | Magistrate Division of the Idaho District Court | $120–$176 | Required | 6–12 weeks |
| Minor child | Magistrate Division of the Idaho District Court | $120–$176 | Required | 6–12 weeks |
| Gender identity | Magistrate Division of the Idaho District Court | $120–$176 | Required | 6–12 weeks |
Choose your situation
Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.
No court petition
Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.
$0 · Idaho District Court (through the Decree of Divorce)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$120–$176 · Magistrate Division of the Idaho District Court
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$120–$176 · Magistrate Division of the Idaho District Court
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$120–$176 · Magistrate Division of the Idaho District Court
The Idaho name-change process
Most legal name changes in Idaho that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Magistrate Division of the Idaho District Court. You file where you live — Magistrate Division of the District Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is $120–$176 (typical $166, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.
After you file, you publish a legal notice in a newspaper. From filing to a signed order usually takes 6–12 weeks.
Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies right away — you'll hand one to Social Security, the DMV, and the passport agency, in that order.
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Idaho driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Idaho name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Idaho?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Idaho?
How long does a name change take in Idaho?
Which court handles name changes in Idaho?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Idaho?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- courtselfhelp.idaho.gov/Forms/name
- healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/birth-marriage-death-records/about-marriage-and-divorce-records
- itd.idaho.gov/dmv
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.
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.