Montgomery County, PA
How to Change Your Name in Montgomery County
Court Information
- Court
- Prothonotary's Office, Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, PA (38th Judicial District)
- Filing fee
- $168
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- Court of Common Pleas, 54 Pa.C.S. §701
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Montgomery County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail, in person or by drop box
Getting Certified Copies
In person / by mail / lobby drop box
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 Montgomery County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Prothonotary's Office, Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, PA (38th Judicial District) clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($168), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing), by mail, in person or by drop box with the Prothonotary's Office, Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, PA (38th Judicial District)
- Arrange the required newspaper publication — confirm the approved newspaper with the clerk before you publish
- Attend your hearing if the court schedules one
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — in person / by mail / lobby drop box
- 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 Prothonotary's Office, Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, PA (38th Judicial District) clerk before filing.