Clarke County, GA
How to Change Your Name in Clarke County
File your adult name change petition with the Superior Court of Clarke County. The filing fee is $218. Newspaper publication is required.
Get the full Georgia checklist
The court step is one of many — the free state guide maps SSA, DMV, passport and the records that come after.
Court Information
- Court
- Superior Court of Clarke County (Western Judicial Circuit); Clerk of Superior & State Courts
- Filing fee
- $218
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Petition to the superior court of the county of residence (O.C.G.A. 19-12-1(a)); Athens residents file with the Superior Court of Clarke County via the Clerk of Superior & State Courts.
- Court address
- Clerk of Superior & State Courts, 325 E. Washington St., Suite 450, Athens, GA 30601
- Court phone
- 706-613-3190
- Jurisdiction
- Superior Court
- Official forms
- www.accgov.com/clerkofcourts ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
Filing Requirements in Clarke County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing) or in person
Getting Certified Copies
available
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Clarke County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Superior Court of Clarke County clerk or its website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee, complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing) or in person with the Superior Court of Clarke County
- Arrange the required newspaper publication — confirm the approved newspaper with the clerk before you publish
- Attend the hearing the court schedules
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — available.
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Check what you are missing before you file
The free readiness score checks documents, forms, fees and privacy across four dimensions — and links the gaps to the same Georgia guide.
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Superior Court of Clarke County clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Clarke County, Georgia?
The court filing fee is $218. A fee waiver is available for petitioners who qualify by income; file the waiver request together with your petition. Certified copies may cost extra; ask the clerk for the current copy fee.
Where and how do I file a name change in Clarke County?
File with the Superior Court of Clarke County. Venue rule: Petition to the superior court of the county of residence (O.C.G.A. 19-12-1(a)); Athens residents file with the Superior Court of Clarke County via the Clerk of Superior & State Courts. Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing) or in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Clarke County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Clarke County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Superior Court of Clarke County clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Clarke County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Superior Court of Clarke County clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Clarke County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.