Change your child's name to match their gender identity (when one parent asking)
You start the process of changing your child's name to match their gender identity by filling out court forms.
⚠️ These instructions are only if one parent will sign the petition. You'll need to follow different instructions if both parents are going to sign the name change petition.
How to fill out your court forms
🔗 Links to court forms below open in a new tab.
-
Fill out forms
Fill out these forms:
- Petition for Change of Name (form NC-100) (make sure to check box 6)
- Name and Information about the Person Whose Name is to be Changed (form NC-110). On Item 7c, explain you're changing your child's name to match your gender. Then, attach to the NC-100.
- Order to Show Cause—Change of Name to Conform to Gender Identity (form NC-125)
- Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010) (some courts do not require this form)
- Decree Changing Name (form NC-130) (fill out the boxes at the top and Item 3)
⚠️ If you're worried about safety, you may be able to keep the request confidential
You can ask the court to keep your child's name change confidential if they're in the:
- State Witness Program, or
- Safe at Home address confidentiality program and are changing their name to avoid domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking, or are a victim of sexual assault,
Learn how with Information Sheet for Name Change Proceedings Under Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home) (form NC-400-INFO).
💬 Talk to your self-help center to find out options.
If you're worried about safety for you and your children, there are people that can help you come up with a safety plan to keep you safe at home, work, school, other places that you go, and online. Go to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-SAFE.
-
Find out if you have any local forms to fill out
-
Some courts also have local forms you have to use.
- Check with your court clerk’s office or your court's website (link opens in a new tab), or talk to your self-help center to ask if they have any local forms you need to use.
- Your self-help center may also be able to review your forms before you file them.
-
-
Make copies
- Make at least 2 copies of all of your forms.
- When you file them, the court will keep the original and return the copies to you, stamped.
- One copy is for you. The second copy is to serve your child's other parent.
Change a child's name to match gender
What's next?
Once you’ve completed the forms, you’ll file them with the court clerk.