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How to Change Your Name in Illinois

Every Illinois 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 Illinois county

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

Adams County Alexander County Bond County Boone County Brown County Bureau County Calhoun County Carroll County Cass County Champaign County Christian County Clark County Clay County Clinton County Coles County Cook County Crawford County Cumberland County De Witt County DeKalb County Douglas County DuPage County Edgar County Edwards County Effingham County Fayette County Ford County Franklin County Fulton County Gallatin County Greene County Grundy County Hamilton County Hancock County Hardin County Henderson County Henry County Iroquois County Jackson County Jasper County Jefferson County Jersey County Jo Daviess County Johnson County Kane County Kankakee County Kendall County Knox County LaSalle County Lake County Lawrence County Lee County Livingston County Logan County Macon County Macoupin County Madison County Marion County Marshall County Mason County Massac County McDonough County McHenry County McLean County Menard County Mercer County Monroe County Montgomery County Morgan County Moultrie County Ogle County Peoria County Perry County Piatt County Pike County Pope County Pulaski County Putnam County Randolph County Richland County Rock Island County Saline County Sangamon County Schuyler County Scott County Shelby County St. Clair County Stark County Stephenson County Tazewell County Union County Vermilion County Wabash County Warren County Washington County Wayne County White County Whiteside County Will County Williamson County Winnebago County Woodford County

The Illinois name-change steps

1. Certified copies. Get them from your county clerk (marriage) or the Circuit Court Clerk (divorce or court order).
2. Social Security. Update your SSA record first — it's free.
3. Illinois Secretary of State. 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 Illinois?
Get certified copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, then update Social Security, your Illinois 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 Illinois?
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.