INSTRUCTIONS: NAME CHANGE PACKET (NORTH CAROLINA)

The Petition and other required forms need filed in the county where the petitioner (or minor) lives. The petition will have to provide evidence of residency when filing the forms.

“Name Change Packet (North Carolina) Step 1”

All forms need completed in black ink, and the Petition needs notarized prior to filing. The Notice requires a date-stamp and must be posted in the Special Proceedings Office in the Wake County Courthouse. The Notice will then be posted on the courthouse bulletin for at least ten days.

“Name Change Packet (North Carolina) Step 2”

All filing fees need paid in the form of cash or certified funds. The Court does not accept any other methods of payment.

“Name Change Packet (North Carolina) Step 3”

While filing the Petition, you’ll need to present the original or certified copy of the applicant’s or minor’s birth certificate along with a valid form of identification. If you do not have a US birth certificate because you or the child was born in another country, U.S. citizenship papers or a passport is required.

“Name Change Packet (North Carolina) Step 4”

While filing the Petition and Affidavits of Character, adults needs to provide a detailed list of counties and states that lived in for the last 10 years. They must also provide a criminal history record for each county and state they resided.

“Name Change Packet (North Carolina) Step 5”

After submitting the Petition and Affidavits of Character, the petitioner will also need to complete the Order and Certificate of Name Change in the Clerk’s Office.

“Name Change Packet (North Carolina) Step 6”

According to the Wake County Packet, those born in the state of Florida need to ask the Clerk for more information before filing their papers. For other questions, you need to hire an attorney because the Clerk is not allowed to help you with the required forms.

“Name Change Packet (North Carolina) Step 7”

If a petitioner is filing a Petition for the name change of a minor under the age of 16, an Affidavit of Character, criminal background check, and posting of the Notice is not required for the minor.

“Name Change Packet (North Carolina) Step 8”

Consent from the other parent is not required unless they are listed on the minor’s birth certificate. A name change cannot not occur for a child until they are at least 1 year of age.