INSTRUCTIONS: NAME CHANGE (SFN 51261)

This form is used when a Notary has legally changed their name.  If a citizen wants to change their name in North Dakota after a divorce or annulment, the clerk will advise the person to consult with an attorney.  If the person wants to file pro se, the clerk will state that they need to file a written motion for change of name at their local clerk’s office, deliver a copy to the opposing party, and then present the case before a judge. 

For more information on changing names after a divorce, refer to Chapter 38-28 of the North Dakota Century Code.

“Name Change SFN 51261 Step 1”

In the first box of the form, the Notary Public needs to disclose their name as it appears on Commission.  In the second box, the Notary Public has the option to provide their email address. 

“Name Change SFN 51261 Step 2”

Accord to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, the Notary Public has the option to disclose their social security number in the third box.  Disclosure of the Notary Public’s federal ID number is voluntary as well.  

“Name Change SFN 51261 Step 3”

The Notary Public needs to provide their new legal name in the fourth box.  Provide first, middle, and last.  In the next box, provide the spouse’s name if applicable, but this option is also optional.  In the sixth box, provide the Commission Number.  Provide the expiration date in the next box. 

“Name Change SFN 51261 Step 4”

In the eighth box and other boxes in the same row, the Notary Public needs to provide their home mailing address including street address, city, state, zip code, and home telephone number.  In the next row, provide the work mailing address. 

“Name Change SFN 51261 Step 5”

In the next rows, check the appropriate box(es) and provide a date for the date of the name change.  The Notary Public then has to sign and date the bottom of the form. 

“Name Change SFN 51261 Step 6”

The form needs submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office along with a $10.00 fee.  When the form is received, a certificate is sent to the Notary Public along with a letter approving a new seal or stamp. 

INSTRUCTIONS: APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (Adult) CC-1411

This application cannot be used for the name change of a minor.  A probationer or incarcerated person may submit an application if the court finds good cause for the name change. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 1”

Check the appropriate box on the first line and fill in your city or county.  Fill in your current full name in the second line.  Fill in your full name on the third line as well. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 2”

In part 1, provide your full birth name.  Fill in your current residential address in part 2.  If your mailing address is different from your residential address, fill in part 3. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 3”

Provide your full date of birth in part 4a.  Provide your place of birth in part 4b including city and state. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 4”

Provide the full names of your father and mother in parts 5 and 6. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 5”

Check the appropriate box in part 7 indicating whether or not you’ve ever been convicted of a felony.  If you check “Yes” in part 8, include the name of your facility name and location.  If you check “Yes” in part 9, provide the court name.  If you check “Yes” in part 10, attach a court order or similar documentation highlighting the change of name.

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 6”

On the second page, provide your full current name and your requested change of name.

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 7”

Sign the document on the “Applicant” line in front of Notary Public.  The Clerk, Deputy Clerk or Notary Public will fill in the bottom of the document. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 8”

Before bringing this form to the County Court, you need to make copies of the original as determined by your specific district.  You are encouraged to hire an attorney to help you with this form and any other required forms. 

INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION TO CHANGE NAME (Adult) CAO 12-1

Apart from the Petition, an adult will also need the following forms:

·  Notice of Hearing

·  Order for Name Change

·  Name Change Letter of Publication

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 1”

The Petition is easily filled out.  Make sure to print in black ink and provide your district number and county in the heading.  If the sections of the Petition do not apply, write “none” or “N/A.”  The completed Petition must be signed in front of Notary Public. 

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 2”

Make of copy of the Petition and two copies of the Notice of Hearing.  Attach these copies to the originals.  Take these forms to the Clerk’s Office in your county and pay the filings fees.  The filing fees will cost about $88.00, but they may be subject to change depending on your county.  If you cannot afford the filing fees, you can fill out the Fee Waiver FW 1-9. 

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 3”

After filing the form, request for the hearing to occur at least six weeks in the future.  The clerk will issue the Notice when the filing fee is paid or the fee is officially waived by the judge. 

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 4”

Select a newspaper in your area and send a signed Letter of Publication with a copy of the Notice of Hearing.  The newspaper needs to publish the Notice every week for at least 4 consecutive weeks.  After the Notice has been published enough times, the newspaper will send an Affidavit of Publication.  Make sure the Clerk receives the Affidavit. 

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 5”

After the clerk has received and approved the Affidavit, the petitioner needs to attend the hearing.  You’ll want to bring the original Order and any copies of the Order you will need for changing your driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, and more.  If the judge approves the change of name, they will sign the Order and you’ll receive certified copies from the Clerk’s office.