How to Change Your Name in Illinois

If you’re looking to change your name in Illinois following marriage, you can typically initiate this process when submitting your marriage license. However, it’s advisable to check with your county clerk as procedures and regulations can vary between counties.

Once married, your marriage certificate becomes the primary legal document for your name change. Upon filing your marriage license at the county courthouse, you can expect to receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate by mail within approximately two weeks. This certified copy can then be used to update your name with various agencies, institutions, and businesses.

In Illinois, changing your name after a divorce is a straightforward process. The name change request can be included in the divorce decree. If the judge approves, the name change becomes official when the decree is signed. You’ll need to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other important documents to reflect your new name. Obtain certified copies of the divorce decree to present as legal proof of your name change. This ensures all your records and identification match your new name, helping you transition smoothly to your post-divorce identity.

To change your name via petition in Illinois, you’ll need to file a Petition for a Change of Name in the county where you reside. The petition must include your current name, the new name you desire, and the reasons for the change. You may also need to undergo a background check. Once filed, a court hearing will be scheduled, where a judge will review your petition. If the judge approves your request, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. You’ll then use this court order to update your name on official documents like your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport.

To change the name of a minor in Illinois, a parent or guardian must file a Petition for Change of Name of a Child in the county where the child resides. The petition must include the child’s current name, the desired new name, and the reasons for the change. Both parents typically need to consent, but if one parent does not agree, the court may still grant the change if it is in the child’s best interest. A court hearing will be scheduled, and if the judge approves, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. This order is then used to update the child’s official documents.

Here is the process for changing the name on your Illinois driver’s license.

1. Update Your Name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Before updating your name on your Illinois driver’s license, you must first update your name with the SSA. This is required because the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) verifies your new name with the SSA.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following documents to present at the SOS office:

• Your current Illinois driver’s license or ID card.
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

3. Visit an Illinois SOS Office

• You must visit an SOS office in person to complete the name change process. This cannot be done online or by mail.
• Bring all required documents and be prepared to pay a fee for the updated driver’s license or ID card.

4. Receive Your Updated License

• After submitting your documents and paying the fee, the SOS will issue a new driver’s license or ID card with your updated name. The process must be completed within ten days of your legal name change to avoid penalties.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Vehicle and Title Registration in Illinois.

1. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following:

• Your current Illinois vehicle title.
• A completed Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190).
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• Your updated Illinois driver’s license or ID card showing your new name.

2. Visit an Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) Office or Mail Your Application

• You can either visit a local SOS office in person or mail the required documents to the Illinois Vehicle Services Department. This process cannot be completed online.
• If applying by mail, ensure all forms are properly filled out and include payment for the title correction fee.

3. Pay the Applicable Fees

There is a fee for updating your name on the vehicle title. The typical fee is $15 if the change is due to marriage, divorce, or a court order. For other types of name changes, the fee is usually $50. Note that fees can change at any time.

4. Receive Your Updated Title and Registration

Once your application and payment are processed, the Illinois SOS will issue a corrected vehicle title and registration reflecting your updated name.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Voter Registration in Illinois.

Online Update

You can update your voter registration online through the Illinois Online Voter Registration System. To complete the update, you’ll need your Illinois driver’s license or state ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

By Mail

Download and complete the Illinois Voter Registration Application (Form SBE R-19) from the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Once completed, mail the form to your local County Clerk or Board of Elections office. Make sure the form is postmarked at least 27 days before an election to ensure your updated information is processed in time.

In Person

Visit your local County Clerk’s office, Board of Elections office, or any other designated voter registration location, such as public libraries or schools. Bring two forms of identification, one of which must show your current address.

On Election Day

If you haven’t updated your registration before the deadline, you can still vote on Election Day by visiting your polling place. You’ll need to sign an affidavit confirming your identity and updated name if you are living in the same precinct.

• Social Security Administration
• Passport 
• Postal Service

Criminal Background Check: If you are an adult petitioning for a name change, you may need to undergo a criminal background check. This helps ensure that the name change is not being requested to evade law enforcement or creditors.

Consent Requirements: For minors, both parents typically need to consent to the name change. If one parent does not consent, the court will consider whether the change is in the child’s best interest.

Court Discretion: The court has the discretion to deny a name change request if it believes the change is being requested for fraudulent or misleading purposes.

Notification Requirements: You may need to notify certain parties of your name change, such as creditors, employers, and schools.

Impact on Legal Documents: A name change will require updating all legal documents, including your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and any other identification or financial documents.

Restrictions on Frequency: While there are no specific limits on how often you can change your name, multiple name changes may raise suspicion and could be scrutinized by the court.

Legal Status: If you have any pending legal actions, such as bankruptcy or criminal charges, the court may consider these when reviewing your petition.

Debt and Financial Obligations: Changing your name does not absolve you of any existing debts or financial obligations. Creditors must still be able to track you, and you are required to notify them of your name change.

Immigration Status: If you are not a U.S. citizen, changing your name could affect your immigration status or documentation. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney before proceeding.