How to Legally Change Your Name in Maine
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 Maine is filed in the County Probate Court (in the county where you reside) and costs about $40–$100 (typical $75, varies by county). In Maine, no newspaper publication is required, and most cases finish in 4–12 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
Maine Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Maine name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Maine Probate Court and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Maine District Court (through the divorce judgment) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | County Probate Court (in the county where you reside) | $40–$100 | Not required | 4–12 weeks |
| Minor child | County Probate Court (or District Court if part of a family matter) | $40–$100 | Not required | 6–16 weeks |
| Gender identity | County Probate Court (name) + Maine BMV / Maine CDC (gender marker) | $40–$100 | Not required | 4–12 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 · Maine District Court (through the divorce judgment)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$40–$100 · County Probate Court (in the county where you reside)
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$40–$100 · County Probate Court (or District Court if part of a family matter)
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$40–$100 · County Probate Court (name) + Maine BMV / Maine CDC (gender marker)
The Maine name-change process
Most legal name changes in Maine that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the County Probate Court (in the county where you reside). You file where you live — The Probate Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is $40–$100 (typical $75, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.
You do not have to publish a notice in a newspaper. Maine also runs a fingerprint or background check on adult petitioners. From filing to a signed order usually takes 4–12 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 Maine driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Maine name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Maine?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Maine?
How long does a name change take in Maine?
Which court handles name changes in Maine?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Maine?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.courts.maine.gov
- www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/vital-records
- www.courts.maine.gov/adminorders/jb-05-26.pdf
- legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec1-701.html
- www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/vital-records/amend-correct-or-complete-vital-records/change-the-gender-marker-on-your-birth-record
- www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/visit-your-bmv-branch/how-to-prove-your-identity
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.