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How to Change Your Name in Iowa

Every Iowa county handles name changes a little differently — different clerk offices, fees, and processing times. Below are detailed, county-specific guides plus the steps that apply statewide.

Pick your Iowa county

Every Iowa county is covered. Pick yours for the offices, fees and forms that apply where you live.

Adair County Adams County Allamakee County Appanoose County Audubon County Benton County Black Hawk County Boone County Bremer County Buchanan County Buena Vista County Butler County Calhoun County Carroll County Cass County Cedar County Cerro Gordo County Cherokee County Chickasaw County Clarke County Clay County Clayton County Clinton County Crawford County Dallas County Davis County Decatur County Delaware County Des Moines County Dickinson County Dubuque County Emmet County Fayette County Floyd County Franklin County Fremont County Greene County Grundy County Guthrie County Hamilton County Hancock County Hardin County Harrison County Henry County Howard County Humboldt County Ida County Iowa County Jackson County Jasper County Jefferson County Johnson County Jones County Keokuk County Kossuth County Lee County Linn County Louisa County Lucas County Lyon County Madison County Mahaska County Marion County Marshall County Mills County Mitchell County Monona County Monroe County Montgomery County Muscatine County O'Brien County Osceola County Page County Palo Alto County Plymouth County Pocahontas County Polk County Pottawattamie County Poweshiek County Ringgold County Sac County Scott County Shelby County Sioux County Story County Tama County Taylor County Union County Van Buren County Wapello County Warren County Washington County Wayne County Webster County Winnebago County Winneshiek County Woodbury County Worth County Wright County

The Iowa name-change steps

1. Certified copies. Get them from your county clerk (marriage) or the Clerk of District Court (divorce or court order).
2. Social Security. Update your SSA record first — it's free.
3. Iowa DOT. Reissue your license with your new name.
4. Passport. Submit the correct form with a certified copy.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I change my name in Iowa?
Get certified copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, then update Social Security, your Iowa driver's license, and your passport in that order. Exact offices and fees vary by county — pick your county below.
How long does a name change take in Iowa?
A marriage or divorce name change usually takes a few weeks once you have certified copies. A court-order name change takes longer because of the petition and hearing.