Minor Child Name Change in Iowa: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Iowa District Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
A minor child name change in Iowa is filed in the Iowa District Court, costs about $195, and requires no newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 5–12 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
Same statewide statutory filing fee as an adult petition; an Application to Defer Costs is available
District Court in the county where you live
Step by step
- 1
Complete the Petition for Change of Name of Minor Child and file it with the clerk of the Iowa District Court in the county where the child lives.
- 2
Under Iowa Code § 674.6, obtain the written consent of both parents named on the birth certificate — and the child's own written consent if the child is 14 or older.
- 3
If one parent will not consent, the court sets a hearing on 20 days' notice to that parent; the court may waive consent if the parent abandoned the child, failed to support the child, or does not object after notice.
- 4
Attend the hearing if required; the judge decides based on the child's best interest.
- 5
Get certified copies of the decree and update the child's Social Security record, school records, and passport.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • Both parents on the birth certificate generally must consent; a child 14 or older must also consent.
- • Iowa Code § 674.6 lets the court proceed over a parent's objection only after a hearing on 20 days' notice, and only on specific grounds such as abandonment or failure to support.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Iowa license, then your passport and accounts.
Minor child name change in nearby states
Minor Child Name Change in Iowa: FAQ
How much does a minor child name change cost in Iowa?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Iowa?
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name in Iowa?
How long does it take in Iowa?
What do I do after the judge signs my order in Iowa?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.iowacourts.gov/faq/name-change-for-adults-and-minor-children
- www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/representing-yourself/name-change
- iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/other-services/change-information
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.