How to: Name Change in the State of Colorado

Just like anything that involves the judicial process, changing your name takes some time and adherence to an established set of rules. In Colorado, there are several criteria you must first meet to change your name. After those criteria are met, you must be willing to file several forms and undergo a background check.

Changing Your Name as a Result of a Legal Status Change

• 1

  Fill out the "Name Change Request Form." This form is also used for address changes and requests for duplicate licenses.

• 2

  Provide all legal documents that support your request to change your name. These documents could include a divorce decree, court order or marriage license.

• 3

  Check the form to make sure you've filled it out completely and accurately.

• 4

  Submit the "Name Change Request Form" and all related documents to the address or fax number listed at the top of the form.

Changing Your Name Without a Status Change

• 1

  Determine if you meet the qualifications for this process. You must be at least 18 years of age, reside in the county where you'll be filing your petition and not have been convicted of any state or federal felony.

• 2

  Undergo a federal and state background check. Visit the local police or sheriff's department to be fingerprinted. Inform them that you are petitioning for a legal name change. After getting the fingerprint cards completed, fill out the appropriate information to send to the FBI and submit your prints for the background check. Mail this information to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIIS) Division; Attn: SCU, Mod. D-2; 1000 Custer Hollow Road; Clarksurg, WV 26306. Include a check or money order for the fee. Your prints (and a check or money order for the fee) also need to be submitted to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations at 690 Kipling; Denver, CO 80215.

• 3

  Fill out all forms for the name change petition. These include Petition for Change of Name (Adult) (JDF 433), Order for Publication for Change of Name (JDF 426), Public Notice (JDF 427) and Final Decree for Change of Name (JDF 448). These forms can be obtained online or at your local circuit court office.

• 4

  Submit all forms to the circuit court office along with any other documents required by these forms. Sign the petition in front of the office notary. Pay the $100 fee for this process.

• 5

  Attend the hearing for your name change, if required. Some judges do not implement this step.

• 6

  Publish notice of your expected name change in the local newspaper three times. This must be done no more than 21 days after the Order for Publication is officially entered into court. Follow the instructions on the Public Notice (JDF 427) form.

• 7

  Provide the court with proof that your notice was published. After this step is completed, the decree for your name change should be signed by the judge. Be sure to acquire a copy of this for your records.