McPherson County, SD
How to Change Your Name in McPherson County
File your adult name change petition with the Circuit Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit, McPherson County. The filing fee is $72. Newspaper publication is required.
Get the full South Dakota 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
- Circuit Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit, McPherson County
- Filing fee
- $72
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- File the Verified Petition with the clerk of court in the county where you reside, provided you have resided there for more than six months (UJS-024 Instructions, REV. 01/2026).
- Court address
- PO Box 248, 706 Main Street, Leola, SD 57456-0248
- Court phone
- 605-439-3361
- Jurisdiction
- Circuit Court
- Official forms
- ujs.sd.gov/self-help/pro-se-forms/name-change-forms/ ↗
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in McPherson County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing) or in person
Getting Certified Copies
available ($15 per copy)
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 McPherson County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Circuit Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit, McPherson 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 Circuit Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit, McPherson 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 ($15 per copy).
- 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 South Dakota guide.
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Circuit Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit, McPherson County clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in McPherson County, South Dakota?
The court filing fee is $72. 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 McPherson County?
File with the Circuit Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit, McPherson County. Venue rule: File the Verified Petition with the clerk of court in the county where you reside, provided you have resided there for more than six months (UJS-024 Instructions, REV. 01/2026). Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing) or in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in McPherson County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in McPherson County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Circuit Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit, McPherson County clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in McPherson County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Circuit Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit, McPherson County clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in McPherson County?
Available ($15 per copy). You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.