Changing A Name
NRS 41.270 and NRS 41.290 — a verified petition in the district court, and an order if no objection comes within 10 days
Any natural person in Nevada other than an unemancipated minor may file a verified petition to change his or her name with the clerk of the district court where the person lives. It states the present name, the name wanted, the reason, and whether the person has a felony conviction, with a statement under penalty of perjury that the change is not for a fraudulent purpose. A person with a criminal record attaches a full set of fingerprints.
10 days. If no written objection is filed within 10 days after the notice is published, or after the petition is filed where publication is not required, and the court is satisfied good reason exists, it orders the change. If an objection is filed, the court sets a hearing and grants or refuses the change on the proofs.
The court specifically considers any criminal record stated in the petition. The order is recorded as a judgment and sent to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics, and, for a person with a record, to the criminal history repository. An order obtained by falsely denying a felony or a fraudulent purpose is rescinded.
When publication is required and when it is waived are in another section not reproduced here. Whether a particular change will be granted is for the court, and preparing a petition is a matter for a licensed Nevada attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- NRS 41.270 — Verified petition
- NRS 41.290 — Order of court; hearing on objections; disposition and rescission of order
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Nevada attorney.