A minor child's parent(s) or legal guardian may file an application to change the minor's name. However, the name of a minor child may not be changed without the consent of both parents (if living), unless no father is listed on the birth certificate and the child has not been legitimized by the father. If there is no father listed on the birth certificate, the child must be at least one year old to complete the name change and a Birth Certificate issued within 30 days of the name change request. (One can always request an updated Birth Certificate from Vital Records (
Click here) If you are unable to obtain the consent of an absent parent, you will need to consult competent legal counsel to help you with the name change. Neither the ten (10) day Notice posting nor Affidavits of character are required for name changes of a minor child. Please bring the birth certificate and identification of the parents.