Wake County, NC
How to Change Your Name in Wake County
Court Information
- Court
- Wake County Clerk of Superior Court
- Filing fee
- $120
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- Superior Court Special Proceedings, NCGS Ch. 101 (administrative ruling by the Clerk)
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Wake County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Not required for uncontested adult petitions
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail, in person or by drop box
Getting Certified Copies
Along with the efile request / at the Clerk's office
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 Wake County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($120), 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 Wake County Clerk of Superior Court
- No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition in this county
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — along with the efile request / at the clerk's office
- 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 Wake County Clerk of Superior Court clerk before filing.