Kearny County, KS
How to Change Your Name in Kearny County
File your adult name change petition with the Kearny County District Court, 25th Judicial District. The filing fee is $195. Newspaper publication is required.
Get the full Kansas 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
- Kearny County District Court, 25th Judicial District
- Filing fee
- $195
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Petition the district court of the county where you reside; 60-day Kansas residency required (K.S.A. 60-1402(a)).
- Court address
- Kearny County Courthouse, 304 N Main, PO Box 64, Lakin, KS 67860
- Court phone
- 620-271-6254
- Jurisdiction
- District Court
- Official forms
- ks25jd.org/160/Kearny ↗
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in Kearny County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- by mail, in person or by drop box
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 Kearny County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Kearny County District Court, 25th Judicial District 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 by mail, in person or by drop box with the Kearny County District Court, 25th Judicial District
- 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 Kansas guide.
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Kearny County District Court, 25th Judicial District clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Kearny County, Kansas?
The court filing fee is $195. 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 Kearny County?
File with the Kearny County District Court, 25th Judicial District. Venue rule: Petition the district court of the county where you reside; 60-day Kansas residency required (K.S.A. 60-1402(a)). Accepted filing methods: by mail, in person or by drop box.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Kearny County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Kearny County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Kearny County District Court, 25th Judicial District clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Kearny County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Kearny County District Court, 25th Judicial District clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Kearny County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.