Hennepin County, MN

How to Change Your Name in Hennepin County

Court Information

Court
Hennepin County District Court (Fourth Judicial District), Minnesota Judicial Branch
Filing fee
$310
Fee waiver
Available for qualifying petitioners
Where to file
county of residence
Jurisdiction
Minnesota District Court, Minn. Stat. §259.10
Last verified
August 17, 2026

Filing Requirements in Hennepin County

Newspaper publication
Not required
Court hearing
Required
How to file
online (e-filing), by mail or in person

Getting Certified Copies

Court Administrator's office (in person)

You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Hennepin County
  2. Complete the name change petition form (available from the Hennepin County District Court (Fourth Judicial District), Minnesota Judicial Branch clerk or website)
  3. If you cannot afford the filing fee ($310), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
  4. File your petition online (e-filing), by mail or in person with the Hennepin County District Court (Fourth Judicial District), Minnesota Judicial Branch
  5. Attend your hearing if the court schedules one
  6. If approved, get certified copies of the court order — court administrator's office (in person)
  7. 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 Hennepin County District Court (Fourth Judicial District), Minnesota Judicial Branch clerk before filing.

NameRight provides procedural guidance, not legal advice.

Verify requirements with official courts and agencies. Full legal disclaimer