General information about the name change process is contained in Wisconsin Statutes 786.36 and 786.37. There is a $164.50 filing fee to file a Name Change action.

Forms for a name change, as well as Basic Steps to Handling a Name Change, can be found on the State of Wisconsin website

The Clerk of Courts cannot give you legal advice.

If you need further help, you may consult the Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 786.36 and 786.37.

In a name change packet you will find the following State forms and instructions:

• Petition for Name Change (Adult or Minor 14 or Older) CV-450 [DOC]
• Petition for Name Change (Minor Child under 14) CV-455 [DOC]
• Notice and Order for Name Change Hearing CV-460 [DOC]
• Affidavit of Attempted Service on Non-Petitioning Parent CV-465 [DOC]
• Order for Name Change CV-470 [DOC]
• Order Denying Name Change. CV-475 [DOC]
• Response of Non-Petitioning Parent to Name Change of Minor Child Under 14. CV-480 [DOC]
• Basic Steps to Handling a Name Change. CV-490 [PDF]

Bureau of Vital Statistics form. If you were born in the State of Wisconsin and your new name changes your birth certificate, or affects other vital records, you will need to complete this form in our office.

Before you begin

Carefully read all the documents so that errors can be avoided. Complete all documents that apply to you. YOU MUST USE BLACK INK. Print or type the information, except for signatures, which must be notarized. A notary is available in the Clerk of Courts office.

After you have completed all documents, you must come to the Clerk of Courts office to open your file. Have photocopies of all completed documents made for your records before coming to the Clerk of Courts, or you may obtain copies in the Clerk of Courts office for .25 per page before filing or $1.25 per page after filed. After paying the statutory filing fee of $164.50, the Clerk of Courts will assign a case number and a court date.

Contact your local newspaper and make the necessary arrangements to publish your Notice of Hearing for one day for three consecutive weeks (a Class 3 notice). Following publication, the newspaper will issue you a Proof of Publication. File this Proof of Publication with the Clerk of Courts prior to your hearing date, if possible, or bring it with you at the time of your hearing.

In some cases, additional information may be needed by the Court, especially in name changes for minor children under the age of 14 years. If this applies to your case please read the instructions on the appropriate form and the area on the Basic Steps to Handling a Name Change.

It is your responsibility to file the necessary affidavits along with your petition when needed.

If you were not born in the State of Wisconsin, it is your responsibility to contact the office of Vital Statistics in the state of your birth to find out what is required to amend your vital records there. You can obtain this information from your local library or at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm.

If your name change is granted, your new name is effective immediately.

Return to the Clerk of Courts office immediately after the court hearing.

A clerk will assist you with additional forms you may need and collect the filing fees set forth below.

1. The order for name change needs to be recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds.  There is a $30.00 fee for filing in the Register of Deeds. Check should be made payable to Register of Deeds. The Clerk of Courts will forward your filing to the Register of Deeds.

2.  If you were born in the State of Wisconsin and are seeking to have your birth or marriage certificate(s) updated with the new name, you will need to complete the form for the Bureau of Vital Statistics. There is a $10.00 fee to change a vital record.  You may also request copies of your amended vital record at the time you are making the change.  There is a $20.00 fee to obtain a certified copy of your amended certificate. Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $3.00 each. Please make check payable to State of Wis. Vital Records. We will mail this filing to the State for you.  

3. If you were born in a state other than Wisconsin, it is your responsibility to contact the office of Vital Statistics in the state of your birth to find out what is required to amend your vital records there. Click on the link below and choose the appropriate state for further information.

• http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm

4. The clerk will certify any additional documents you may wish to obtain for a cost of $5.00 per document, plus $1.25 per page. You will need to contact the proper individuals to report your name change and find out if they require a certified copy.  At anytime, you may request additional copies as you may need them.  **Please note the retention period for Civil cases is 20 years - it may not be possible to obtain a copy of the order after 20 years has lapsed.  

If you need any further information regarding name change, please call the Clerk of Courts office at: 920-386-3570