Name Change

What do I need to do to change my name legally?

  1. You must have fingerprints taken electronically by an authorized agency. The fingerprints are submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for criminal history records checks. FDLE will send the results to the Clerk’s Office.*
  2. Complete the appropriate form for an adult, child, or family name change.
  3. A hearing will be scheduled

*NOTE: A background check is not required for petitions to restore a former name or for changes of name in proceedings for divorce or adoption of children.

How do I request a name change for a minor?

If the name change request is on behalf of a minor, consent may be required from the parent who is not filing the request. Note that if the name change is for a minor, fingerprints of the adult petitioner must be taken and submitted, not the minor’s.

What forms do I need to file a petition for a name change?

Forms may be purchased at either of our office locations, in Sarasota or Venice. Our Customer Service staff can assist you with forms and filing instructions.

You can view and download form packets, from the 12th Judicial Circuit Court for an adult, child, or family name change.

What are the fees for filing for a name change?

Description  Fee
Filing Fee for Name Change $412.50  
Adult Name Change Packet purchased at the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office $2.25
Minor Child Name Change Packet purchased at the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office $5.25
Family Name Change Packet purchased at the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office $5.55

Additional Fees

 Description Fee
Certification $2.00 
Sign/seal subpoena $2.00
Petition for modifications of final judgment $50.00 
Case re-open fee
 $50.00 
Issuance of summons on new and existing cases $10.00
Counter petition for name change, adoption and termination of parental rights $395.00
Counter petition for the same case type $295.00 

Payment Info

  • Cash (in person only)
  • Personal check, cashier's check, money order (payable to the Sarasota County Clerk of Courts)
  • MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express (a $3.50 surcharge will apply
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