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Date: 09/09/2025

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  4. Adult name change basics

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Adult name change basics Guide

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An adult may want to legally change their name. There are many reasons to change a name, including:

  • Changing a name after marriage to your new spouse’s last name,
  • Going back to your name before marriage, after a divorce,
  • Religious reasons,
  • Gender affirmation,
  • Avoiding an abuser, and
  • Simply not liking your current name.

In Illinois, there is a process to legally change your name starting with filing a case in court requesting to change your name. If the judge grants the name change, you can take the order to different agencies, organizations, and businesses to update your legal documents and records.

Learn more about Adult name change common questions.

What is a name change?
What are the requirements to change your name as an adult in Illinois?
Are there restrictions as to who can ask for a name change?
Can a child under the age of 18 change their name?
Is there a cost to file an adult name change request?
Can I keep my request for a name change private?
What type of documents can people update after getting a court order for a name change?
What is the process for changing your name after getting married?
What is the process for changing your name after getting a divorce?
Can a spouse be included in an adult name change form?
If a parent changes their name, will their child’s name automatically be changed as well?
Where can I learn more about adult name changes?
Should you get a lawyer to help if you want a name change?
Last full review by a subject matter expert
March 24, 2025
Last revised by staff
March 25, 2025

About our legal information

Take action

Starting a case to change the name of an adult

Forms

Name change for an adult Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you make the forms to ask the court to change your name. If you have a spouse, they can request a name change at the same time on your forms. Use only if you are 18 or older.

Learn more

Adult name change common questions
Correcting a name on a birth or death certificate
Changing a child's name

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

Take action

Starting a case to change the name of an adult

Forms

Name change for an adult Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you make the forms to ask the court to change your name. If you have a spouse, they can request a name change at the same time on your forms. Use only if you are 18 or older.

Learn more

Adult name change common questions
Correcting a name on a birth or death certificate
Changing a child's name
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© 2025 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.