Name Change Mobilization

We want to help as many people as possible legally change their names as a part of our long-term goal of gender self-determination for all, free of government limitation.

Name Change Mobilization Intake Form

After you submit the intake form, you will get a confirmation email. Please allow 40 business days for us to schedule an appointment. When the time comes to process a name change you will receive an email or phone call requesting to set up a time to meet with a TJLP staff member or volunteer to fill out the necessary paperwork. If you would like to be assisted sooner, please attend one of our in-person Name Change Mobilizations posted on our calendar and listed below.

All TJLP staff members and volunteers have signed confidentiality agreements and are dedicated to protecting your privacy. If you have any questions while you wait to be matched with someone for support, please contact namechange@tjlp.org.

Intake Form
  • Photograph of a generic form on white paper on a wooden desk with a black pen.

    Current In-Person Clinic Locations and Dates:

    Be sure to check our Programming and Events page for the most up to date information on in-person events!

    During in person clinics, TJLP staff and volunteers will meet 1:1 with clients on the spot to support with starting paperwork, gathering necessary documentation, and filing paperwork if the client is ready to do so.

  • Photograph of a Black person smiling at their computer.

    Virtual Name Change Mobilization Clinics:

    • Scheduled 1:1 with each client by a staff member or a volunteer

    • Clients will need to fill out an intake form to get on the waiting list for virtual assistance.

      During the 1:1 meeting a TJLP Staff or volunteer will meet with the clients to start the paperwork process, answer any questions, and file documents if the client is ready to do so.

What to expect during a NAME CHANGE MOBILIZATION…

TJLP utilizes paid staff and volunteers to conduct in person name change clinics and virtual 1:1 name change support and provides assistance to petitioners to update their name and gender marker on various identity documents (birth certificate, passports, drivers license and ID and other miscellaneous documents). 

Additionally, TJLP provides referrals to resources for trans and non-binary individuals to access other legal services, access to gender affirming services and other social services.

We have helped change over 2,000 names in Cook County and throughout Illinois! Read our Name Change Overview to the right to get started.

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • To file a petition for a name change, a person must prove they have lived in IL for the past 6 months. Immigrants, legal permanent residents, and undocumented folks are eligible to change their name so long as they meet the six month Illinois residency requirement.

  • You must file in the County you reside in.

  • Current Illinois law may create a barrier to people with certain criminal convictions. An attorney will speak with you about your particular criminal record to explain how the law affects your ability to change your name.

    • In 2024, a new name change law took effect in Illinois that will allow individuals with felony convictions to file a name change, as long as the sentence is fully completed and the case has been discharged.

    • For Identity Theft Convictions the State’s Attorney can file an objection within 30 days of receiving notice of the filed name change, but they would need to prove a specific reason for that objection and the judge would need to file in State’s Attorney’s favor for a name change to be denied.

    • For anyone who is required to comply with the Sex Offender Registry, a judge will make a determination on a case by case basis. In order to be eligible to file a name change if you are required to comply with the registry, you must be changing your name for gender identity related reasons, due to marriage, religious reasons, or because you are a victim/survivor of human trafficking.

  • For Cook County name changes, the Court requires a government issued Photo ID, Proof of 6 months Residency in Illinois (if you do not have an Illinois ID or Driver’s License), and birth certificate (or passport if you were not born in the United States and do not have access to a birth certificate).

If you are unable to change your name in Illinois, you may be able to change the gender markers on your identification documents!

Documents, Forms, and Filing

You will need:

It costs $388 to change your name in the state of Illinois and each county has its own additional processing fees on top of the $388. It also costs $90 to publish your name with the Daily Herald if you live in Cook County. If you live outside of Cook County, the price of publishing may cost between $75-$200. So, getting your name changed in Illinois costs around $500.

You can fill out a fee waiver to waive some or all of this fee. Fee waivers will typically be granted in full if you make under $18,825 a year. Be prepared to share your monthly and yearly income when filling out a fee waiver.

Publishing the Name Change

Under current law, adults must publish the name change hearing information in a newspaper for three consecutive weeks, with the first week being at least 6 weeks before your hearing. In Cook County, it is standard practice to publish in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin or the Daily Herald.

You can file a publication waiver if you believe it would be a “hardship” for you to publish. Please contact TJLP if this is something you’re interested in.

Before your hearing you’ll have to file a publication notice with the court, which contains all information that will be published and goes to the publishing newspaper as well as the court. Once published, you will receive a publication certification from the newspaper that also has to be filed with the court.

Name Change Hearing

Unfortunately, in Illinois you do have to appear in front of a judge to be granted a legal name change. These name change hearings are currently taking place on Zoom in Cook County and many of the collar counties, and are generally pretty straightforward. They are usually 15 minutes or less and the judge will confirm the information you already provided on the name change petition. Most counties outside of the Chicagoland area are only holding hearings in person with no virtual options.

TJLP will reach out before your hearing to prep you for your hearing, and for Cook County residents, we will be present with you at your Zoom hearing.

What happens after a name change is granted? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.