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NameRight provides procedural guidance, not legal advice.
Verify requirements with official courts and agencies. Full legal disclaimer
In Delaware, you file a name change petition with the Court of Common Pleas for your county in the county where you live. The filing fee is $85, and newspaper publication is generally required. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford the cost. Court and agency rules can change, so verify current requirements with your local court before filing.
Court
the Court of Common Pleas for your county
Filing fee
$85
Timeline
Check with the court or agency
Residency
Varies; check with your local court
Publication
Yes, generally required
Fee waiver
Available for qualifying petitioners
Gender marker options
M / F / X for DMV
Adult Name Change Packet
Adult Court of Common Pleas name change packet including petition, affidavit, and notice for publication.
View form Source: Delaware CourtsPetition for Minor Name Change
Required Family Court form for each minor child.
Source: Delaware CourtsAffidavit of Parental Consent
Used when respondent parent consents to the minor name change.
Source: Delaware CourtsCustody Separate Statement
Required minor name change form.
Source: Delaware CourtsInformation Sheet
Required minor name change form.
Source: Delaware CourtsAnswer to Minor Name Change
Respondent answer form.
Source: Delaware CourtsAffidavit in Support of Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
Family Court fee waiver / in forma pauperis form referenced in the Minor Name Change FAQ.
Source: Delaware CourtsGender Designation Change Consent Form
DMV form referencing M/F/X changes on driver license or identification card.
View form Source: Delaware CourtsRequest for Gender Change on Driver License/Identification Card
Older DMV gender change request form for M/F requiring medical or social service provider certification.
View form Source: Delaware CourtsGender Designation Changes on Driver Licenses and Identification Cards Procedure
DMV procedure stating surgery is not required; older procedure references MV2020 provider certification.
View form Source: Delaware CourtsGender Reassignment Authorization
Office of Vital Statistics birth certificate sex designation amendment packet.
View form Source: Delaware CourtsThe filing fee for a name change in Delaware is $85. This may not include publication costs, certified copies, or other court fees, which vary by county. Fees can change — confirm the current amount with the court before filing.
Fee waiver available: Yes
Fee waivers are available for qualifying petitioners (indigency / inability to pay). Ask the court clerk about the waiver process. Source: DE Court of Common Pleas.
Yes, newspaper publication is generally required (Publication in a newspaper of general circulation is required. Waiver may be available.). Verify current requirements with your local court.
If publication raises safety concerns, ask the court about available options or waivers.
Available options: M, F, X for DMV. Rules can change, so verify with the relevant state agency before submitting documents.
Available options: M, F, X for DMV
Self-attestation: Verify with the relevant agency
Medical proof required: Verify with the relevant agency
Agency rules can change. Verify current requirements with the relevant state agency before submitting documents.
After receiving your court order, update your records with key agencies. The following list is a general starting point — priorities may vary by situation.
County procedures can vary. Always confirm filing steps with your local court.
Free guides explain the general process. Complete helps apply the process to your situation.
In Delaware, you file a name change petition with the Court of Common Pleas for your county in the county where you live. Requirements can vary by county and situation, so verify current instructions with the official court source before filing.
The filing fee in Delaware is $85. Additional costs may apply (publication fees, certified copies, background checks) and fees can change. Source: DE Court of Common Pleas. Confirm the current amount with the court before filing.
Yes, newspaper publication is generally required (Publication in a newspaper of general circulation is required. Waiver may be available.). Verify current requirements with your local court.
Yes, a court hearing is generally required.
Available options: M, F, X for DMV. Rules can change, so verify with the relevant state agency before submitting documents.
Start with the official court or agency source linked on this page. NameRight provides informational guidance and preparation tools, not legal advice. Court and agency rules can change, so always verify before filing or paying fees.
Get a personalized filing path based on your situation.
NameRight is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide self-help information, document preparation tools, and public court process guidance based on publicly available information. Court procedures and eligibility rules can change, and your situation may require advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. Full legal disclaimer