Powell County, MT
How to Change Your Name in Powell County
File your adult name change petition with the Montana Third Judicial District Court, Powell 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 Third Judicial District Court, Powell 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). Third Judicial District (covers Deer Lodge, Granite and Powell Counties).
- Court address
- 409 Missouri Ave, Suite 302, Deer Lodge, MT 59722
- Court phone
- (406) 846-9787
- Jurisdiction
- District Court
- Official forms
- courts.mt.gov/forms/namechange ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
Filing Requirements in Powell 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 Powell County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Montana Third Judicial District Court, Powell 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 Third Judicial District Court, Powell 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 Third Judicial District Court, Powell County clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Powell 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 Powell County?
File with the Montana Third Judicial District Court, Powell County. Venue rule: File the name-change petition in the District Court of the county where you reside (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-31-101). Third Judicial District (covers Deer Lodge, Granite and Powell Counties). Accepted filing methods: in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Powell County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Powell County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Montana Third Judicial District Court, Powell County clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Powell County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Montana Third Judicial District Court, Powell County clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Powell County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.