Changing Your Name
54 Pa.C.S. 701 — a petition, a hearing one to three months out, and notice in two newspapers
In Pennsylvania it is unlawful to assume a different name except through the court process or the exceptions the section allows. The petition is filed in the court of common pleas of the county of residence and gives the intent, the reason, the current residence, and every residence for the five years before the petition. A spouse may join.
A hearing, and notice. The court sets a hearing not less than one month nor more than three months after filing, and orders notice published in two newspapers of general circulation and given to any nonpetitioning parent of an affected child. If notice would endanger the petitioner or their child, the court waives it and seals the file.
Before approving, the court sends the application and fingerprints to the State Police, at the applicant's cost, who note the change on any criminal history record and certify to the court within 60 days. A person convicted of a felony may change their name once at least two calendar years have passed since the sentence ended and they are off probation and parole, or if pardoned. For the most serious offenses the section lists, the court may not order a change.
Sources for this section (2)
- 54 Pa.C.S. 701 — Court approval required for change of name
- 54 Pa.C.S. 702 — Change by order of court
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.