Legal name change in Essex County, New Jersey

What you get

• Your name change complaint worksheet, filled in with your answers
• Step-by-step instructions, including newspaper notice if ordered
• Your county court address, phone and official page
• The order to update Social Security, MVC and others

How it works

1. Answer simple questions online, in English or Spanish (about 15 minutes).
2. Review your answers and pay securely.
3. Download your package right away and follow the plain steps to file it yourself.

Where to file in Essex County

Call ahead: hours, rooms and fees can change. Source: New Jersey Courts directory.

This is not the right service if

• A name change for a child under 18
• A name change that is part of a marriage or divorce (those use a different process)

More help in Essex County

• Uncontested divorce
• Small claims
• Landlord: unpaid rent or lease violation
• Security deposit demand letter

Serving all 22 towns in Essex County

Belleville Township, Bloomfield Township, Caldwell Borough, Cedar Grove Township, City of Orange Township, East Orange, Essex Fells Borough, Fairfield Township, Glen Ridge Borough, Irvington Township, Livingston Township, Maplewood Township, Millburn Township, Montclair Township, Newark, North Caldwell Borough, Nutley Township, Roseland Borough, South Orange Village, Verona Township, West Caldwell Township, West Orange Township

Questions

Where do I file a name change in Essex County?

At the Superior Court, Civil Division: Essex County Hall of Records, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Newark, NJ 07102. Phone 973-776-9300 ext. 56800. Call ahead to confirm hours and the fee.

Do I need a lawyer to change my name?

No. Adults can file their own name change in New Jersey. Luneford is not a law firm; we prepare your worksheet and explain each step.

What do I update after the judge approves?

Start with Social Security, then the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, then your bank, employer and passport.