How to Change Your Name in Pennsylvania

Instructions - howtochangeyourname.com/pennsylvania.htm
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Instructions on how to change your name in Pennsylvania under the statute 1309-295 that allows any resident to change their name after marriage, after divorce, or for personal reasoning.

Get Fingerprinted. - In every county, the name change process begins with the petitioner getting their fingerprints taken so that law enforcement can verify the applicant is not changing their name for fraudulent reasons.
Instructions to Obtain Fingerprints.

Forms. - The petitioner must fill out the appropriate forms and have them notarized.
Pennsylvania Name Change Petition
Civil Cover Sheet

Submit Forms. - You must submit the: Name Change Petition, Civil Cover Sheet, and Fingerprint Card to the County Court Clerk's Office where you reside and pay the $151.25 filing fee.

Publication. - Depending on your county, you may have to make public notice of your name change either through: the Court's bulletin board, the Court's law journal, or through the local newspaper. You will have to submit a 'Notice of Name Change' and have your public notice run the timeframe as instructed by the clerk.
Be sure to get a 'Proof of Publication' after successful publication.

Hearing. - When you have completed the publication you are ready to head to your hearing, make sure to have identification and all your forms including the 'Name Change Certification' which is available at the clerk's office before you attend the hearing.
After successful hearing you will be given a name change decree which will be your official certification for changing your name.