Ward County, ND
How to Change Your Name in Ward County
File your adult name change petition with the District Court of North Dakota, Ward County. The filing fee is $160. Newspaper publication is required.
Get the full North 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
- District Court of North Dakota, Ward County (North Central Judicial District)
- Filing fee
- $160
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- File in the county where you reside; Ward County District Court, North Central Judicial District.
- Court address
- 315 3rd St SE, Minot, ND 58701; mailing: P.O. Box 5005, Minot, ND 58702-5005
- Court phone
- (701) 857-6600
- Jurisdiction
- District Court
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in Ward County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Not required for uncontested adult petitions
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail or in person
Getting Certified Copies
Confirm with the clerk — not recorded in our data
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 Ward County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the District Court of North Dakota, Ward 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), by mail or in person with the District Court of North Dakota, Ward County
- Arrange the required newspaper publication — confirm the approved newspaper with the clerk before you publish
- No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition in this county
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — ask the clerk how to request them.
- 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 North Dakota guide.
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the District Court of North Dakota, Ward County clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Ward County, North Dakota?
The court filing fee is $160. 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 Ward County?
File with the District Court of North Dakota, Ward County. Venue rule: File in the county where you reside; Ward County District Court, North Central Judicial District. Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing), by mail or in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Ward County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Ward County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the District Court of North Dakota, Ward County clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Ward County?
No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition, though the court can still schedule one if it has questions.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Ward County?
Our directory does not record the certified-copy procedure for the District Court of North Dakota, Ward County. Ask the District Court of North Dakota, Ward County clerk how many copies are included and how to request extras.