Legal name change in Delaware
This guide summarizes official-source basics for changing your legal name in Delaware. Court and agency requirements can change, so verify current instructions with the official court or agency before filing.
Quick facts
Court
Varies by county
Filing fee
Check with the court or agency
Timeline
Check with the court or agency
Residency
Varies; check with your local court
Publication
Yes, generally required
Fee waiver
Available
Gender marker options
M / F / X for DMV
Forms you may need
Adult Name Change Packet
Adult Court of Common Pleas name change packet including petition, affidavit, and notice for publication.
View form Source: Delaware CourtsPetition for Minor Name Change
Required Family Court form for each minor child.
Source: Delaware CourtsAffidavit of Parental Consent
Used when respondent parent consents to the minor name change.
Source: Delaware CourtsCustody Separate Statement
Required minor name change form.
Source: Delaware CourtsInformation Sheet
Required minor name change form.
Source: Delaware CourtsAnswer to Minor Name Change
Respondent answer form.
Source: Delaware CourtsAffidavit in Support of Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
Family Court fee waiver / in forma pauperis form referenced in the Minor Name Change FAQ.
Source: Delaware CourtsGender Designation Change Consent Form
DMV form referencing M/F/X changes on driver license or identification card.
View form Source: Delaware CourtsRequest for Gender Change on Driver License/Identification Card
Older DMV gender change request form for M/F requiring medical or social service provider certification.
View form Source: Delaware CourtsGender Designation Changes on Driver Licenses and Identification Cards Procedure
DMV procedure stating surgery is not required; older procedure references MV2020 provider certification.
View form Source: Delaware CourtsGender Reassignment Authorization
Office of Vital Statistics birth certificate sex designation amendment packet.
View form Source: Delaware CourtsFiling fees & fee waiver
Filing fees in Delaware: Check with the court or agency. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with the court before filing.
Fee waiver available: Yes
Fee waiver available. Check with the court for specific waiver requirements.
Publication & privacy
Yes, newspaper publication is generally required (Publication in a newspaper of general circulation is required. Waiver may be available.). Verify current requirements with your local court.
If publication raises safety concerns, ask the court about available options or waivers.
Gender marker notes
Available options: M, F, X for DMV. Rules can change, so verify with the relevant state agency before submitting documents.
Available options: M, F, X for DMV
Self-attestation: Verify with the relevant agency
Medical proof required: Verify with the relevant agency
Agency rules can change. Verify current requirements with the relevant state agency before submitting documents.
What happens after the court order
After receiving your court order, update your records with key agencies. The following list is a general starting point — priorities may vary by situation.
- Social Security Administration
- State DMV (driver license or state ID)
- U.S. Passport
- Employer / payroll
- Bank and financial accounts
County notes
County procedures can vary. Always confirm filing steps with your local court.
What you can use for free
Free guides explain the general process. Complete helps apply the process to your situation.
Free
- State-level filing overview
- Official court and agency links
- Filing fee and publication notes
- General fee waiver information
- General post-court checklist
Complete
- Personalized filing sequence
- County prep notes where available
- Privacy path analysis
- Fee waiver checklist
- Guided court-form packet builder where available
- Exportable post-court roadmap
Frequently asked questions
How do I change my name in Delaware?
In Delaware, name change filings generally go through Varies by county. Requirements can vary by county and situation, so use this page as a starting point and verify current instructions with the official court source.
How much does a name change cost in Delaware?
Available source data lists the filing fee as Check with the court or agency. Fees can change, and additional costs may apply (e.g., publication fees, certified copies). Confirm the current amount with the court before filing.
Is publication required for a name change in Delaware?
Yes, newspaper publication is generally required (Publication in a newspaper of general circulation is required. Waiver may be available.). Verify current requirements with your local court.
Is a hearing required for a name change in Delaware?
Yes, a court hearing is generally required.
Can I update my gender marker in Delaware?
Available options: M, F, X for DMV. Rules can change, so verify with the relevant state agency before submitting documents.
Where should I verify current requirements for Delaware?
Start with the official court or agency source linked on this page. NameRight provides informational guidance and preparation tools, not legal advice. Court and agency rules can change, so always verify before filing or paying fees.
Official sources
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NameRight is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide self-help information, document preparation tools, and public court process guidance based on publicly available information. Court procedures and eligibility rules can change, and your situation may require advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. Full legal disclaimer