WHO CAN REQUEST A NAME CHANGE?
Because the Connecticut
Supreme Court has determined that name changes should be granted liberally,
any adult Connecticut resident who wishes to formally change his or her name
may do so, provided that the name change is not for the purpose of fraud or
other illicit activity. Connecticut allows anyone, trans or otherwise, to
choose whatever name they wish to have as long as it is not adopted for
fraudulent purposes. If you are inappropriately denied a request of name
change please contact CTAC. This name change is the first step in obtaining
further legal documents [state id, drivers license, etc] in your new name.
Name changes are handled by
Probate Courts.
HOW TO
APPLY FOR A NAME CHANGE
It
should be noted that effecting a Change of Name in Connecticut for a Trans
person is relatively straightforward
 |
Adults complete an Application For Change of Name (Adult)
Form PC-901 |
|
Minors
complete Application For Change of Name (Minor)
Form PC-900. |
|
Completed
forms are submitted to the
local Probate Court, which has the authority to grant name changes.
|
|
Currently
the
Probate Court application fee for a Name Change is $150. |
|
All
courts provide a waiver of fees if you meet certain income requirements.
To request a waiver of fees complete Probate from PC-184, Request/Order
Waiver of Fees - Petitioner. |
|
Though a
name change request may also be submitted to Superior Court, it is more
convenient to use the Probate Court for a name change. |
|
The form
does require you to complete the section: "A change of name is sought for
the following reasons". What you fill in here will depend upon the level
of detail you desire to disclose. Responses can be as general as for
personal reasons, medical reasons or disclosure that you are in the
process of transitioning. The probate process occurs in a relatively
informal environment [typically conference room] and with only the Probate
Judge present. |
|
Supporting Documentation required is your legal birth certificate. |
|
You are
not required to provide any supporting documentation from a therapist or
medical professional to change your name. Any such request could be
considered discriminatory in the State of Connecticut. |
|
The
process for a name change typically takes up to four weeks. |
