How to Legally Change Your Name in New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire is filed in the Circuit Court, Probate Division and costs about $140. In New Hampshire, newspaper publication is sometimes required, and most cases finish in 4–10 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
New Hampshire Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
New Hampshire name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against New Hampshire Circuit Court, Probate Division and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Circuit Court, Family Division (through the divorce decree) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | Circuit Court, Probate Division | $140 | Sometimes | 4–10 weeks |
| Minor child | Circuit Court, Probate Division | $140 | Sometimes | 4–10 weeks |
| Gender identity | Circuit Court, Probate Division | $140 | 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 · Circuit Court, Family Division (through the divorce decree)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$140 · Circuit Court, Probate Division
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$140 · Circuit Court, Probate Division
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$140 · Circuit Court, Probate Division
The New Hampshire name-change process
Most legal name changes in New Hampshire that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Circuit Court, Probate Division. You file where you live — Circuit Court, Probate Division in the county where you live. The filing fee is $140.
Some courts require a newspaper notice and some do not. From filing to a signed order usually takes 4–10 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, New Hampshire treats it more privately: No newspaper publication is required; you may ask the court to keep the record confidential where disclosure would create a safety risk..
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your New Hampshire driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
New Hampshire name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in New Hampshire?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in New Hampshire?
How long does a name change take in New Hampshire?
Which court handles name changes in New Hampshire?
What do I do after my name change is approved in New Hampshire?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.courts.nh.gov/self-help/name-changes
- www.dmv.nh.gov/drivers-licensenon-driver-ids/update-personal-information
- www.courts.nh.gov/our-courts/circuit-court/family-division/name-change
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.