How to Legally Change Your Name in Nevada
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 Nevada is filed in the Nevada District Court and costs about $200–$300 (typical $270, varies by county). In Nevada, 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.
Nevada Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Nevada name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Nevada District Court and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Nevada District Court (through the divorce decree) | $0 | Not required | 1–6 weeks |
| Adult petition | Nevada District Court | $200–$300 | Required | 6–12 weeks |
| Minor child | Nevada District Court | $200–$300 | Required | 6–12 weeks |
| Gender identity | Nevada District Court | $200–$300 | Required (waivable) | 4–10 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 · Nevada District Court (through the divorce decree)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$200–$300 · Nevada District Court
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$200–$300 · Nevada District Court
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$200–$300 · Nevada District Court
The Nevada name-change process
Most legal name changes in Nevada that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Nevada District Court. You file where you live — District Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is $200–$300 (typical $270, 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. a background check may be required depending on your situation. 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.
For a name change to match your gender identity, Nevada treats it more privately: If you are changing your name to match your gender identity, you do NOT have to publish a newspaper notice — the Notice of Petition step is skipped. This exemption is separate from the personal-safety waiver, which also seals the record under NRS 41.280..
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Nevada driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Nevada name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Nevada?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Nevada?
How long does a name change take in Nevada?
Which court handles name changes in Nevada?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Nevada?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/self-help/name-changes/overview-of-name-changes
- dmv.nv.gov/namechange.htm
- selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/self-help/divorce/overview-of-divorce
- selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/self-help/name-changes/name-changes-for-adults
- selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/self-help/name-changes/name-changes-for-children
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.