Clay County, IN
How to Change Your Name in Clay County
File your adult name change petition with the Clay Circuit Court. The filing fee is $157. Newspaper publication is required.
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The court step is one of many — the free state guide maps SSA, DMV, passport and the records that come after.
Court Information
- Court
- Clay Circuit Court
- Filing fee
- $157
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- File the verified petition with the circuit court in the county where you live (IC 34-28-2-1, state baseline). Clay County has a Circuit Court and a Superior Court.
- Court address
- 609 East National Avenue, Room 209, Brazil, IN 47834 (Clay County Clerk; in.gov Clay County Clerk page)
- Court phone
- Not recorded — confirm with the clerk
- Jurisdiction
- Circuit Court
- Official forms
- www.in.gov/counties/clay/county-offices/county-clerk ↗
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in Clay 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 Clay County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Clay Circuit Court 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 Clay Circuit Court
- 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 Indiana guide.
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Clay Circuit Court clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Clay County, Indiana?
The court filing fee is $157. 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 Clay County?
File with the Clay Circuit Court. Venue rule: File the verified petition with the circuit court in the county where you live (IC 34-28-2-1, state baseline). Clay County has a Circuit Court and a Superior Court. Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing) or in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Clay County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Clay County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Clay Circuit Court clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Clay County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Clay Circuit Court clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Clay County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.