Changing Your Name
S.C. Code 15-49-10 and S.C. Code 15-49-20 — six months' residence, a petition to the family court, and a background check
A person who has lived in South Carolina for at least six months may petition a family court judge in writing to change names, stating the reason, age, residence, birthplace and the name wanted.
- A State Law Enforcement Division fingerprint and criminal background check.
- A Department of Social Services statement on whether the person is on the child abuse and neglect registry.
- An affidavit on whether the person is under an order to pay child support or alimony.
- A State Law Enforcement Division statement on whether the person is on the sex offender registry.
- An affidavit and proof of six months' residence.
Those are what the petition carries. The court may waive the residence requirement for a victim of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, sexual offenses, trafficking or other abuse who is in reasonable fear for their safety, on evidence such as police or court records or a victim services agency's documentation.
A child's name. A parent may petition to change a minor child's name. The other parent is named as a party unless the court waives it, a guardian ad litem is appointed for the child, and the petition is granted if it is in the child's best interest.
Returning to a former name in a divorce, or taking a name by marriage, does not go through this petition. A particular petition is a question for the family court clerk or a licensed South Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- S.C. Code 15-49-10 — Application for change of name
- S.C. Code 15-49-20 — Petition requirements for name change; notification; costs
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Carolina attorney.