Name Changes in Georgia: A Fast and Official Legal Process
A legal name change in Georgia for adults is processed through the Superior Court of the county of residence under O.C.G.A. §§ 19-12-1 through 19-12-4. The petitioner must have lived in the county for six months before filing. The process requires a sworn petition, publishing notice in the county's official newspaper for four consecutive weeks, and appearing at a hearing before the judge.
Name changes for minors follow a different process. If both parents consent, the petition can be filed more easily. If one parent objects, the court applies the best interest of the child standard under O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1. Name changes during adoption are handled as part of that process under O.C.G.A. § 19-8-21.
Common reasons for name changes include: restoration of a maiden name after divorce under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-16, name changes for transgender individuals, name simplification for naturalized citizens, and personal reasons. Once the court order is obtained, all documents must be updated: Social Security, Georgia driver's license, passport, and other records.
Steps You Should Take
1
Consultation and Case Evaluation
Call (770) 609-9396 to speak with a bilingual attorney. We evaluate your situation, explain the complete process, court costs, and estimated timeline.
2
Preparation and Filing of the Petition
Your attorney will prepare the sworn name change petition and file it with the Superior Court of Gwinnett County.
3
Publication in the Official Newspaper
We handle the mandatory publication of the notice in the Gwinnett Daily Post for four weeks as required under O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1.
4
Hearing Before the Judge and Document Updates
We accompany you to the hearing and, once the order is issued, guide you through updating all your official documents: Social Security, driver's license, passport, and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the name change process take in Georgia?
For adults, the process generally takes 6 to 10 weeks from filing to hearing, including the mandatory four-week publication period under O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1. If uncontested and properly documented, the hearing is brief.
Do I need to attend a hearing before the judge?
In Georgia, most name change cases require a brief hearing before the Superior Court judge. The hearing is generally short; the judge asks a few basic questions and, if everything is in order, signs the order that same day.
Can I change my name if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but the court may deny it if the purpose is fraudulent or to evade debts or legal orders under O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1. Working with an attorney is especially advisable in these cases.
How do I update my documents after the name change?
After obtaining the court order, update in this order: Social Security Administration (Form SS-5), Georgia driver's license at the DMV, U.S. passport (Form DS-5504), then bank accounts, credit cards, employer records, and other documents.
Can my spouse and I change our names at the same time?
Each person must file their own separate petition under O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1, but they can be filed simultaneously and scheduled for the same hearing. Marriage-related name changes can be done directly through the marriage license without court proceedings.
Applicable Laws
O.C.G.A. §§ 19-12-1 through 19-12-4Georgia Name Change Law: residency requirements, petition, publication, and hearing.
O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1Adult process: petition filing, four-week publication, and Superior Court hearing.
O.C.G.A. § 19-5-16Restoration of maiden name as part of the divorce decree.
O.C.G.A. § 19-8-21Name change for adopted minors: handled within the adoption proceeding.
Related Services
Other Family Law Services
Case Evaluation
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Norcross, GA 30093
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