Step-by-Step Guide: Name Change and Birth Certificate Updates in Illinois

Good news: Illinois has friendly laws for name changes and birth certificate updates!

What You'll Need:

  • Current ID (driver's license or state ID)
  • Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Social Security card
  • Money for fees (about $400-$600 total)
  • Court forms

1Get Ready

Find your county courthouse

  • Go to your county courthouse (where you live now)
  • Cook County, DuPage County, etc. each have their own courthouse
  • Call the clerk's office to ask about name change forms

Gather your documents

  • Birth certificate (certified copy)
  • Current photo ID
  • Social Security card
  • Make copies of everything

2Fill Out Court Forms

In Illinois, you need these forms:
  • Petition for Name Change
  • Order for Name Change
  • Publication Notice (sometimes)

Get the forms

Fill out the forms

  • Use your current legal name
  • Write the new name you want
  • Sign everything
  • Make 3 copies of each form
Filing fee in Illinois:
  • Usually $284-$364 (depends on your county)
  • Ask about payment plans if you need them
  • Some people can get fees waived

3File Your Petition

Go to the courthouse

  • Bring your completed forms
  • Bring copies of your ID
  • Pay the filing fee
  • Get your case number and court date

Your court date

  • Usually scheduled 4-6 weeks out
  • Write this date down somewhere safe

4Publication (Usually Not Required)

Good news: Most Illinois counties don't require newspaper publication for adult name changes anymore. But check with your county clerk to be sure.

5Go to Court

Prepare for your hearing

  • Dress nicely
  • Bring all your documents
  • Arrive 15 minutes early

At the hearing:

  • The judge will ask why you want to change your name
  • Common good reasons: "This name better matches who I am" or "For personal reasons"
  • Illinois judges are usually very understanding
  • You'll get a signed court order

6Get Certified Copies

Ask the clerk for certified copies

  • Get at least 5-10 copies of your court order
  • Each copy costs about $15-$25
  • You'll need these for everything else

7Update Your Birth Certificate with Illinois

For births in Illinois:

Contact Illinois Department of Public Health

  • Website: dph.illinois.gov
  • Phone: (217) 782-6553
  • You can apply online, by mail, or in person

What you need:

  • Certified copy of your name change court order
  • Application for corrected birth certificate
  • Fee: $15 for first copy, $4 for extra copies
  • Your current ID

For sex marker changes (Illinois is very supportive):

  • You need a letter from any licensed healthcare provider
  • The letter just needs to say the change is medically appropriate
  • No surgery required
  • No specific doctor type required
  • Illinois made this very easy in 2021

Processing time:

  • Usually 2-4 weeks
  • You can pay extra for rush service

8Update Social Security

Go to your local Social Security office

  • Bring your court order
  • Bring your new birth certificate
  • This service is free
  • Usually takes 1-2 weeks to get new card

9Update Illinois Driver's License

Go to any Illinois DMV

  • Bring court order and new birth certificate
  • Fee: $30 for new license
  • You can update name and gender marker at same time
  • No extra paperwork needed for gender marker change

10Update Everything Else

With your new documents, update:
  • Passport (at post office or passport office)
  • Bank accounts
  • Insurance policies
  • Work records
  • School records
  • Medical records
  • Voter registration

Illinois-Specific Tips

  • Chicago residents: Use the Daley Center downtown
  • Cook County: Has online forms and helpful staff
  • Rural counties: Call ahead - some have limited hours
  • LGBTQ+ resources: Illinois has many supportive organizations

Costs in Illinois

  • Court filing fee: $284-$364
  • Certified copies of court order: $15-$25 each
  • New birth certificate: $15
  • New driver's license: $30
  • Total: About $400-$500

Timeline in Illinois

  • Week 1: File your petition
  • Week 4-6: Court hearing
  • Week 7: Get new birth certificate
  • Week 8: Update Social Security and driver's license
  • Week 9-12: Update everything else

Getting Help in Illinois

Free legal help:

LGBTQ+ support:

Online resources:

Important Illinois Laws

  • Illinois passed the Vital Records Modernization Act in 2021
  • This made name and gender changes much easier
  • No court order needed for gender marker changes (just a doctor's letter)
  • Illinois protects your privacy - old records are sealed

Common Questions for Illinois

Q: Do I need to live in Illinois for a certain time?

A: No minimum time required

Q: Can I change my name and gender marker at the same time?

A: Yes! Illinois makes this easy

Q: What if I was born outside Illinois?

A: You'll need to contact that state's vital records office

Q: Are there names I can't choose?

A: Most names are fine, but judges can reject inappropriate names

Remember: Illinois has some of the most supportive laws in the country for name and gender changes. The process is designed to be straightforward and respectful. You've got this!