How to Legally Change Your Name in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island is filed in the Municipal Probate Court (city or town of residence) and costs about $30–$150 (typical $100, varies by county). In Rhode Island, no newspaper publication is required, and most cases finish in 2–8 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
Rhode Island Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Rhode Island name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Rhode Island Municipal Probate Court and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Rhode Island Family Court (through the divorce judgment/decree) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | Municipal Probate Court (city or town of residence) | $30–$150 | Not required | 2–8 weeks |
| Minor child | Municipal Probate Court (city or town of residence) | $30–$150 | Not required | 2–8 weeks |
| Gender identity | Municipal Probate Court (city or town of residence) | $30–$150 | Not required | 2–8 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 · Rhode Island Family Court (through the divorce judgment/decree)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$30–$150 · Municipal Probate Court (city or town of residence)
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$30–$150 · Municipal Probate Court (city or town of residence)
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$30–$150 · Municipal Probate Court (city or town of residence)
The Rhode Island name-change process
Most legal name changes in Rhode Island that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Municipal Probate Court (city or town of residence). You file where you live — The Probate Court of the city or town where you live. The filing fee is $30–$150 (typical $100, 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. Rhode Island also runs a fingerprint or background check on adult petitioners. From filing to a signed order usually takes 2–8 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 Rhode Island driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Rhode Island name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Rhode Island?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Rhode Island?
How long does a name change take in Rhode Island?
Which court handles name changes in Rhode Island?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Rhode Island?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/probate-forms
- health.ri.gov/vital-records/marriage-licenses
- www.courts.ri.gov
- dmv.ri.gov/licenses-permits-ids/drivers-licenses/name-address-change
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.