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How to Legally Change Your Name in South Dakota

Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

An adult name change in South Dakota is filed in the South Dakota Circuit Court (Civil) and costs about $70. In South Dakota, you must publish a notice in a newspaper, and most cases finish in 6–12 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.

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South Dakota name change at a glance

Every figure is verified against South Dakota Circuit Court (Unified Judicial System) and .gov sources.

Cost, court, publication requirement, and timeline for each type of name change in South Dakota.
SituationCourtFiling feePublicationTimeline
MarriageNo court needed$0—Depends on ID updates
DivorceSouth Dakota Circuit Court (through the divorce decree)$0Not required1–4 weeks
Adult petitionSouth Dakota Circuit Court (Civil)$70Required6–12 weeks
Minor childSouth Dakota Circuit Court (Civil)$70Required6–12 weeks
Gender identitySouth Dakota Circuit Court (Civil)$70Required6–12 weeks

Choose your situation

Marriage→

Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.

No court petition

Divorce→

Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.

$0 · South Dakota Circuit Court (through the divorce decree)

Adult petition→

Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.

$70 · South Dakota Circuit Court (Civil)

Minor child→

Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.

$70 · South Dakota Circuit Court (Civil)

Gender identity→

Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.

$70 · South Dakota Circuit Court (Civil)

The South Dakota name-change process

Most legal name changes in South Dakota that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the South Dakota Circuit Court (Civil). You file where you live — Circuit Court in the county where you have resided for at least six months. The filing fee is $70.

After you file, you publish a legal notice in a newspaper. From filing to a signed order usually takes 6–12 weeks.

If the fee is a hardship, ask the clerk about a fee waiver — The clerk of courts collects a statewide filing fee (reported at about $70) when you file the verified petition; confirm the exact amount with your county clerk. A fee waiver (Motion to Waive Filing Fee) is available for those who cannot afford it.. Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies; you'll need one for Social Security, the DMV, and your passport.

After your order: who to notify

The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your South Dakota driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.

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

South Dakota name change: FAQ

How much does a name change cost in South Dakota?
An adult name change in South Dakota costs about $70, filed in the South Dakota Circuit Court (Civil). The clerk of courts collects a statewide filing fee (reported at about $70) when you file the verified petition; confirm the exact amount with your county clerk. A fee waiver (Motion to Waive Filing Fee) is available for those who cannot afford it.. Marriage and divorce name changes have no separate court fee.
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in South Dakota?
Yes. In South Dakota, an adult name-change petition requires publishing a legal notice in a newspaper. Under SDCL 21-37-4 you must publish notice of the hearing once a week for four successive weeks in a legal newspaper in the county where you reside. Publication may be waived only if you are a victim of domestic abuse or human trafficking and seek to protect your safety.
How long does a name change take in South Dakota?
A court name change in South Dakota typically takes 6–12 weeks from filing to a signed order. After that, updating Social Security takes about 7–10 business days and a passport 4–6 weeks.
Which court handles name changes in South Dakota?
Adult name changes in South Dakota are handled by the South Dakota Circuit Court (Civil). You file in circuit court in the county where you have resided for at least six months.
Can I get the name-change filing fee waived in South Dakota?
Yes, if you can't afford it. The clerk of courts collects a statewide filing fee (reported at about $70) when you file the verified petition; confirm the exact amount with your county clerk. A fee waiver (Motion to Waive Filing Fee) is available for those who cannot afford it.. Ask your county clerk for the fee-waiver form.
What do I do after my name change is approved in South Dakota?
Update Social Security first (free, Form SS-5), then your South Dakota driver's license, then your US passport, and finally banks, employer, and insurance. Use our Who-To-Notify Checklist to order every account you hold.

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.

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.