Cook County, IL
How to Change Your Name in Cook County
Court Information
- Court
- Circuit Court of Cook County - County Division
- Filing fee
- $638
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence; 6-month IL residency
- Jurisdiction
- Circuit Court, county of residence (IL 6 months)
- Official forms
- www.illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms/approved-forms/circuit-court-standardized-forms-suites/name-change/ ↗
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Cook County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing) or in person
Getting Certified Copies
in-person Daley Center Rm 1202 / mail / email
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 Cook County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Circuit Court of Cook County - County Division clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($638), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing) or in person with the Circuit Court of Cook County - County Division
- Attend your hearing if the court schedules one
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — in-person daley center rm 1202 / mail / email
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Circuit Court of Cook County - County Division clerk before filing.