Residents of Maryland can change their names without a court order if it is requested for a child less than one year old or by a person getting married or divorced. In other cases, a court order for name change is needed. This page provides information on how to change your name in Maryland by means of a court order. Any person may petition for a name change as long as it is not requested for any illegal or fraudulent purposes.http://www.courts.state.md.us/family/forms/dr60.pdf A registered sexual offender may also submit such a petition. But the petitioner must send written notice of the change to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services within seven days after the order is granted.http://michie.lexisnexis.com/maryland/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp

When an order for name change is granted, the petitioner needs a certified copy of the Order for Name Change to amend the record at the Motor Vehicle Administration, the Bureau of Vital Statistics and Social Security Administration. The petitioner should also change other relevant legal records which include but are not limited to IRS file, insurance policies and retirement plans, employment record, passport, voter registration, bank accounts and property ownership.http://www.courts.state.md.us/family/forms/drin60.pdf

Obtain the relevant forms from a circuit court of the county in which the petitioner resides. The forms can also be downloaded from the Maryland Judiciary website.http://www.courts.state.md.us/family/forms/namechange.html For minor children under 18 years old, the petition should be prepared by a parent, a guardian or a guardian ad litem. Signed consents from all parents, guardians and custodians are usually required.http://www.courts.state.md.us/family/forms/drin62.pdfThe petition must be signed under oath. File all the documents to the circuit court clerk who will sign and issue a notice of name change. The notice also states the latest date by which an objection to the petition may be filed.http://michie.lexisnexis.com/maryland/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp

The petitioner should publish a notice of name change with a local newspaper once at least 15 days before the objection period ends. The petitioner should ask for a proof of publication and send it to the court.http://michie.lexisnexis.com/maryland/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp

The court clerk will forward the petition and the proof of publication to a judge for review. If there is objection to the petition or the judge has any question regarding the petition, a hearing will be scheduled. If the judge is satisfied with the petition, an Order for Name Change will be signed and issued. A certified copy of the order is mailed to the petitioner. Additional certified copies are available from the court for a fee.http://www.courts.state.md.us/family/forms/drin60.pdf

The content of this page is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice.