DeKalb County, GA
How to Change Your Name in DeKalb County
File your adult name change petition with the Superior Court of DeKalb County. The filing fee is $217. 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 DeKalb County
- Filing fee
- $217
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Court address
- Not recorded — confirm with the clerk
- Court phone
- 404-371-2836
- Jurisdiction
- DeKalb County Superior Court; O.C.G.A. §19-12-1 through §19-12-4 and §31-10-23(d)
- Official forms
- dekalbgasuperiorcourt.gov ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
Filing Requirements in DeKalb County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing) or in personefile mandatory since 2017-01-01; paperless since 2018-01-01.
Getting Certified Copies
Apply at the Clerk in person after the Final Order is signed
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 DeKalb County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Superior Court of DeKalb 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 DeKalb CountyNote: efile mandatory since 2017-01-01; paperless since 2018-01-01.
- 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 — Apply at the Clerk in person after the Final Order is signed.
- 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 DeKalb County clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in DeKalb County, Georgia?
The court filing fee is $217. 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 DeKalb County?
File with the Superior Court of DeKalb County. Venue rule: County of residence. Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing) or in person. Note: Efile mandatory since 2017-01-01; paperless since 2018-01-01.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in DeKalb County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in DeKalb County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Superior Court of DeKalb County clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in DeKalb County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Superior Court of DeKalb County clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in DeKalb County?
Apply at the Clerk in person after the Final Order is signed. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.