Gallatin County, MT
How to Change Your Name in Gallatin County
File your adult name change petition with the Montana Eighteenth Judicial District Court, Gallatin County. The filing fee is $120. Newspaper publication is required.
Get the full Montana 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
- Montana Eighteenth Judicial District Court, Gallatin County
- Filing fee
- $120
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- File the name-change petition in the District Court of the county where you reside (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-31-101; official adult packet: 'in the jurisdiction where you reside'). 18th Judicial District — Gallatin County is the sole county of the district.
- Court address
- 515 S. 16th Ave., Room 1041, Bozeman, MT 59715 (new Law & Justice Center; courts moved Jan 2025 from 615 S. 16th Ave.)
- Court phone
- 406-582-2165
- Jurisdiction
- District Court
- Official forms
- courts.mt.gov/forms/namechange ↗
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in Gallatin County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- 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 Gallatin County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Montana Eighteenth Judicial District Court, Gallatin 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 in person with the Montana Eighteenth Judicial District Court, Gallatin 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 Montana guide.
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Montana Eighteenth Judicial District Court, Gallatin County clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Gallatin County, Montana?
The court filing fee is $120. 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 Gallatin County?
File with the Montana Eighteenth Judicial District Court, Gallatin County. Venue rule: File the name-change petition in the District Court of the county where you reside (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-31-101; official adult packet: 'in the jurisdiction where you reside'). 18th Judicial District — Gallatin County is the sole county of the district. Accepted filing methods: in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Gallatin County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Gallatin County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Montana Eighteenth Judicial District Court, Gallatin County clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Gallatin County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Montana Eighteenth Judicial District Court, Gallatin County clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Gallatin County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.