Illinois Legal Name Change: Cost & Process
Researched by the LawLintel Data Team · Sources verified 2026-08-24
- Filing fee
- ≈$150–$400county-set — e.g., Lake County $291
- Publication
- Not required (repealed March 1, 2025)
- Residency
- 3 months in Illinois
- Court
- Circuit Court
Illinois repealed newspaper publication for adult name changes effective March 1, 2025 — a major simplification that some county websites still haven't caught up with. Today the process is the statewide NC-A form set, a county filing fee (roughly $150–$400; Lake County charges $291), three months of Illinois residency, and a short court appearance.
Felony convictions require a completed sentence before petitioning, with tighter restrictions for certain sex and identity-theft offenses. The statewide fee-waiver application applies as in any civil case.
Costs & fees
| Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Petition filing feeLake County: $291 | ≈$150–$400 (by county) | Official fee |
| Certified copies | $6–$15 each | Official fee |
Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Residency | 3 months in Illinois before filing |
| Publication | None since March 1, 2025 (older county instructions may be outdated) |
| Criminal history | Felony: sentence must be completed; certain offenses barred/restricted |
| Hearing | Petitioner appears and answers questions under oath |
The process, step by step
- Complete the NC-A forms. Statewide standardized Request for Name Change (Adult) from illinoiscourts.gov.
- File in the circuit court. County of residence; pay the fee or file the statewide fee-waiver application.
- Attend the court date. Short appearance; the judge signs the statewide Order for Name Change if requirements are met.
- Update records. SSA, Secretary of State (driver's license), passport, banks.
Forms & where to file
Circuit Court of your county of residence.
Frequently asked questions
Does Illinois still require newspaper publication?
No — publication for adult name changes was repealed effective March 1, 2025. If a county website still lists it, the statewide NC-A instructions (revised 3/25) control.
How much does it cost?
County filing fees run roughly $150–$400 (Lake County: $291). Fee waivers are available through the statewide application.
Can I change my name with a criminal record?
Usually yes once your sentence is complete — but certain sex-offense and identity-theft convictions carry longer bars or outright prohibitions.
Related information
Sources & verification
- 19th Judicial Circuit (Lake County) — adult name change
- Illinois Courts — NC-A instructions (rev. 3/25)
Official fees and statutory rules above are traceable to the listed authorities; figures marked as estimates are LawLintel editorial estimates, not government fees. Laws and fees change — last verified 2026-08-24. See our methodology and legal disclaimer.
LawLintel provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, rules, procedures and fees change and can depend on your specific facts and county. Verify important information with the applicable court or a qualified attorney before acting.