Adult Name Change in North Carolina: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against North Carolina Superior Court (Clerk of Superior Court, Special Proceedings) and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in North Carolina is filed in the Clerk of Superior Court, Special Proceedings (county of residence), costs about $120, and requires a newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 4–10 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
North Carolina's special-proceeding filing fee for an adult name change is $120, set statewide; the clerk typically accepts only cash, money order, or cashier's check. Separate SBI/FBI background-check fees apply.
Clerk of Superior Court (Special Proceedings Division) in the county where you live
Step by step
- 1
Post Form AOC-SP-601 (Notice of Intent to Change Name) in the location the Clerk of Superior Court designates at the courthouse, and wait at least 10 days before filing your application.
- 2
Obtain a state and federal criminal history record check from the SBI and FBI (or an FBI-approved Channeler) and gather two Affidavits of Good Character (Form AOC-SP-607) from citizens who know you.
- 3
File Form AOC-SP-604 (Application for Adult Name Change) with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where you live, attach the background checks and affidavits, and pay the $120 fee.
- 4
The clerk reviews the application and, if everything is in order, signs Form AOC-SP-609 (Order on Application for Adult Name Change) — usually with no in-person hearing.
- 5
Order certified copies of the AOC-SP-609 order and use them to update Social Security, the NC DMV, your passport, and your accounts.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • North Carolina is one of the stricter states: an adult name change requires a state AND federal criminal background check plus two good-character affidavits, in addition to the posted notice of intent.
- • State law generally allows only one voluntary name change in a lifetime, with limited exceptions — see N.C.G.S. § 101-2 and § 101-6.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your North Carolina license, then your passport and accounts.
Adult petition name change in nearby states
Adult (Court) Name Change in North Carolina: FAQ
How much does a adult (court) name change cost in North Carolina?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in North Carolina?
How long does it take in North Carolina?
What do I do after the judge signs my order in North Carolina?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.nccourts.gov/documents/forms/application-for-adult-name-change
- www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/civil-and-small-claims/name-changes
- www.ncdot.gov/dmv
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.