How to Change Your Name in Winnebago County, Illinois
Changing your name in Winnebago County (county seat: Rockford) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Winnebago County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
Step 1 — Get your certified copies
Every agency needs to see an original certified document. For a marriage name change, order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Winnebago County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Winnebago County Circuit Court Clerk (below).
Winnebago County Clerk
Phone: (815) 319-4250 (Winnebago County Clerk)
Certified copy fee: $17 first certified copy + $5 each additional copy of the same record
clerk.wincoil.gov/licenses/marriage-certificate-and-civil-union-certificate
Step 2 — Update Social Security
Update your Social Security record first — it must come before your driver's license. It's free, but bring your certified document and a current photo ID.
Local Social Security office
Step 3 — Update your Illinois Secretary of State license
Once your Social Security record is updated, visit the Illinois Secretary of State to reissue your driver's license or state ID with your new name.
Illinois Secretary of State office
Driver's license / ID fee: $5.00 corrected driver's license; $10.00 corrected state ID card
Step 4 — Update your passport
Submit the correct passport form with a certified copy of your name-change document. Passport services are available in Chicago Passport Agency (230 S. Dearborn St, Kluczynski Federal Bldg, 18th floor) for urgent travel by appointment only; routine applications/renewals via USPS, public library, and county clerk passport acceptance facilities (see iafdb.travel.state.gov)..
Fees at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copies (Winnebago County) | $17 first certified copy + $5 each additional copy of the same record |
| Social Security card update | Free |
| Driver's license reissue | $5.00 corrected driver's license; $10.00 corrected state ID card |
| U.S. passport update | $0–$130 (depends on timing) |
Local note: Illinois marriage name change: NO court filing — the certified marriage certificate IS the legal name-change document. Order of operations: (1) certified marriage certificate from the COUNTY CLERK that issued the license; (2) SSA card update in person by appointment, free (appointments required since Jan 2025) — must be done BEFORE the DMV; (3) Illinois SOS Driver Services in person to apply for a corrected license/ID within 30 days ($5 license / $10 ID); (4) U.S. passport; (5) voter & vehicle registration. WINNEBAGO-SPECIFIC: certified copies issued by the County Clerk in Rockford (Room 104); online orders via ORO portal.
Skip the guesswork — get your Winnebago County guide
Your personalized, step-by-step guide for Winnebago County — every office, fee, and form, with clickable links and a fillable progress tracker. Delivered to your inbox.
Get my Winnebago County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Winnebago County, IL?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Winnebago County Clerk, then update your Social Security record, your Illinois Secretary of State driver's license, and your passport — in that order.
- How much does a certified copy cost in Winnebago County?
- The Winnebago County Clerk charges $17 first certified copy + $5 each additional copy of the same record for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Winnebago County Clerk's office?
- Phone: (815) 319-4250 (Winnebago County Clerk). Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Winnebago County?
- No for a marriage or divorce name change — your certificate or decree is your legal document. A court-order name change requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court Clerk and attending a hearing.