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How to Change Your Name in North Carolina
Every North Carolina 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 North Carolina county
Every North Carolina county is covered. Pick yours for the offices, fees and forms that apply where you live.
Alamance County
Alexander County
Alleghany County
Anson County
Ashe County
Avery County
Beaufort County
Bertie County
Bladen County
Brunswick County
Buncombe County
Burke County
Cabarrus County
Caldwell County
Camden County
Carteret County
Caswell County
Catawba County
Chatham County
Cherokee County
Chowan County
Clay County
Cleveland County
Columbus County
Craven County
Cumberland County
Currituck County
Dare County
Davidson County
Davie County
Duplin County
Durham County
Edgecombe County
Forsyth County
Franklin County
Gaston County
Gates County
Graham County
Granville County
Greene County
Guilford County
Halifax County
Harnett County
Haywood County
Henderson County
Hertford County
Hoke County
Hyde County
Iredell County
Jackson County
Johnston County
Jones County
Lee County
Lenoir County
Lincoln County
Macon County
Madison County
Martin County
McDowell County
Mecklenburg County
Mitchell County
Montgomery County
Moore County
Nash County
New Hanover County
Northampton County
Onslow County
Orange County
Pamlico County
Pasquotank County
Pender County
Perquimans County
Person County
Pitt County
Polk County
Randolph County
Richmond County
Robeson County
Rockingham County
Rowan County
Rutherford County
Sampson County
Scotland County
Stanly County
Stokes County
Surry County
Swain County
Transylvania County
Tyrrell County
Union County
Vance County
Wake County
Warren County
Washington County
Watauga County
Wayne County
Wilkes County
Wilson County
Yadkin County
Yancey County
The North Carolina name-change steps
1. Certified copies. Get them from your county clerk (marriage) or the Clerk of Superior Court (divorce or court order).
2. Social Security. Update your SSA record first — it's free.
3. North Carolina DMV. Reissue your license with your new name.
4. Passport. Submit the correct form with a certified copy.
Get your exact North Carolina county guide
Personalized to your county and reason — offices, fees, forms, clickable links, and a fillable tracker, emailed straight to you.
Get my guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name in North Carolina?
- Get certified copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, then update Social Security, your North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
- 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.