Changing a Name

• The petition goes to district court in the county of residence, showing citizenship or permanent residence, at least six months in the county, the reason, and the name requested.
• The court checks for criminal history and may order a record check at the petitioner's cost.
• With a felony conviction, the request is presumed made in bad faith unless proven otherwise by clear and convincing evidence.
• Notice runs thirty days in the county's official newspaper, which the court may waive for a first name only or for a victim of domestic violence.

• N.D.C.C. § 32-28-02StatuteChange of name of person - Petition - Criminal history record checks - ExceptionsOpens ndlegis.gov ↗

The petitioner pays the costs, and a name change does not affect any pending case or any right or title.

• N.D.C.C. § 32-28-04StatuteCosts - Change not to affect rights or pending actionsOpens ndlegis.gov ↗