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Name Change to Match Gender Identity in South Carolina: Steps, Cost & Forms

Verified against South Carolina Family Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

A name change to match gender identity 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.

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What it costs

Filing fee
$150

Same $150 Family Court filing fee as any adult name-change petition; separate ~$25 SLED background-check and registry screening costs also apply

Court
South Carolina Family Court

Family Court in the county where you have lived for at least six months

Timeline
8–16 weeks

Step by step

  1. 1

    Complete the same SLED fingerprint/criminal background check, DSS Central Registry screening, and sex-offender registry screening required for any adult name change, then prepare the Petition for Change of Name with the residency and child-support/alimony affidavits and the Family Court Coversheet (SCCA 467).

  2. 2

    To also amend the sex/gender marker on your South Carolina birth certificate, include a petition to change the gender marker supported by a notarized statement from a licensed physician; ask the Family Court to seal the record if you have safety concerns.

  3. 3

    File in the Family Court of your county, pay the $150 filing fee, attach the SLED and registry screenings, and attend the required hearing.

  4. 4

    Use the signed court order to update Social Security, the SC DMV gender marker, your US passport, and — with the order — the gender marker on your birth certificate through SC DPH Vital Records.

Official forms

Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.

FormCodeOfficial link
Family Court CoversheetSCCA467Open ↗
South Carolina birth certificate — SC DPH Vital Records—Open ↗
Newspaper publication: Not required — No newspaper publication is required, and you may ask the Family Court to seal the record if you fear for your safety.
Background check: Fingerprint/background check required
Good to know in South Carolina:
  • • Amending the sex/gender marker on a South Carolina birth certificate requires a Family Court order and a notarized physician's statement about the medical transition.
  • • You may request that the court record be sealed for your safety; the name-change portion still requires the SLED background check and the DSS and sex-offender registry screenings.

Then update your IDs

Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your South Carolina license, then your passport and accounts.

Who to notify →Build my checklist →See my timeline →

Gender identity name change in nearby states

Minnesota →Alabama →Colorado →Louisiana →

Name Change to Match Gender Identity in South Carolina: FAQ

How much does a name change to match gender identity cost in South Carolina?
About $150, filed in the South Carolina Family Court. Same $150 Family Court filing fee as any adult name-change petition; separate ~$25 SLED background-check and registry screening costs also apply.
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina does not require newspaper publication for this type of name change.
Is a gender-identity name change private in South Carolina?
No newspaper publication is required, and you may ask the Family Court to seal the record if you fear for your safety.
How long does it take in South Carolina?
Typically 8–16 weeks from filing to a signed order, then Social Security (7–10 business days), the DMV, and your passport (4–6 weeks).
What do I do after the judge signs my order in South Carolina?
Order certified copies, then update Social Security first, the DMV next, then your passport, banks, and employer. Our Who-To-Notify Checklist builds the full ordered list.

Sources

Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:

See our verification methodology and themaster source list.

Last verified July 16, 2026Reviewed by the Name Change Atlas Editorial Team against official court and .gov sources.