Adult Name Change in South Carolina: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against South Carolina Family Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in South Carolina is filed in the South Carolina Family Court, costs about $150, and requires no newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 8–16 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.
Your personalized plan
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
What it costs
Statewide Family Court filing fee of $150; a separate ~$25 SLED background-check fee and DSS/registry screening costs also apply and are not part of the filing fee
Family Court in the county where you have lived for at least six months
Step by step
- 1
Confirm you have lived in South Carolina for at least six months, then request a Name Change Packet from the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) by calling (803) 896-1443; take the enclosed fingerprint card to a local law enforcement agency to be fingerprinted, then mail the completed fingerprint card, records-check form, a $25 cashier's check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to SLED Records.
- 2
Obtain the two additional required screenings: a Department of Social Services screening statement from the Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect, and a SLED sex-offender registry screening statement.
- 3
Prepare the Petition for Change of Name together with the supporting affidavits required by S.C. Code Ann. § 15-49-20 — a six-month South Carolina residency affidavit and an affidavit stating whether you owe court-ordered child support or alimony — and complete the Family Court Coversheet (SCCA 467).
- 4
File the petition, affidavits, and coversheet with the Clerk of Court (Family Court) in your county, pay the $150 filing fee, and attach the SLED fingerprint/criminal background results, the DSS Central Registry screening, and the sex-offender registry screening to the petition.
- 5
Attend the hearing if the Family Court requires one, obtain the signed order changing your name, order certified copies, and use them to update Social Security, the SC DMV (in person), your passport, and your accounts.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • South Carolina requires at least six months of residency before you can petition to change your name (this may be waived for victims of domestic violence who fear for their safety).
- • The SLED fingerprint and criminal background check costs about $25 and is mailed to SLED Records — budget several weeks for it to be returned before you file, because the results must be attached to the petition.
- • Confirm the exact filing fee with your county Family Court Clerk of Court before filing, as some clerks may add small administrative charges.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your South Carolina license, then your passport and accounts.
Adult petition name change in nearby states
Adult (Court) Name Change in South Carolina: FAQ
How much does a adult (court) name change cost in South Carolina?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in South Carolina?
How long does it take in South Carolina?
What do I do after the judge signs my order in South Carolina?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c049.php
- www.sccourts.org/resources/general-public/self-help-resources
- dmv.sc.gov/Driver-Services/Drivers-License/Address-or-Name-Change
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.