Sanders County, MT
How to Change Your Name in Sanders County
File your adult name change petition with the Montana Twentieth Judicial District Court, Sanders County. The filing fee is $120. Newspaper publication is required.
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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 Twentieth Judicial District Court, Sanders 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; official adult packet: 'in the jurisdiction where you reside'). Twentieth Judicial District (covers Lake and Sanders Counties). District Judges: Hon. Molly Owen (Dept 1), Hon. John Mercer (Dept 2).
- Court address
- 1111 W Main Street, Thompson Falls, MT 59873
- Court phone
- (406) 827-6962
- Jurisdiction
- District Court
- Official forms
- courts.mt.gov/forms/namechange ↗
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in Sanders 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 Sanders County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Montana Twentieth Judicial District Court, Sanders 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 Twentieth Judicial District Court, Sanders 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 Twentieth Judicial District Court, Sanders County clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Sanders 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 Sanders County?
File with the Montana Twentieth Judicial District Court, Sanders County. Venue rule: File the name-change petition in the District Court of the county where you reside (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-31-101; official adult packet: 'in the jurisdiction where you reside'). Twentieth Judicial District (covers Lake and Sanders Counties). District Judges: Hon. Molly Owen (Dept 1), Hon. John Mercer (Dept 2). Accepted filing methods: in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Sanders County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Sanders County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Montana Twentieth Judicial District Court, Sanders County clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Sanders County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Montana Twentieth Judicial District Court, Sanders County clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Sanders County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.