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Change of Name Form

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STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA
NAME CHANGE
MINOR PACKET

Prepared by U.S. Legal Forms, Inc.
Copyright 2016 - U.S. Legal Forms, Inc.

Control Number – SD-NAME-2

This packet contains the following:

1. Instructions;

2. Forms List; and

3. Access to South Dakota Law Summary.

I. EXPLANATION OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

A. In South Dakota, an action for a court ordered Change of Name begins with the filing of a Petition in the District court. The Petition must contain certain information. The forms in this packet include the necessary information for a Minor Name Change in the State of South Dakota.

B. You can use this packet if:

► You are less than 18 years of age and have been a resident of the county in which you will file for the required amount of time as reflected in the law summary.

► You have proper and reasonable cause for the requested change of name.

► You are not changing your name to avoid debts or defraud creditors.

II. WHAT FORMS ARE INCLUDED

A. Petition - (SD-NC-200) The Petition must be filed in the Circuit Court of the county where the person resides.

B. Order - (SD-NC-201) The Order Changing Name should be presented to the Judge after hearing and a determination has been made that it is right and proper to change the name of the Minor Petitioner.

C. Order for Hearing - (SD-NC-202) This form should be signed by the Judge after the filing of the Petition but prior to the publication of notice.

D. Notice of Name Change - (SD-NC-203) This form must be signed by the Clerk of the appropriate county and issued under the seal of the Court.

If you did not order a completion package and need access to the download page again for any of the above forms, please check your email for a link to that will redisplay the page for you.

Note: This package contains forms for use throughout your State. However, some Counties, or Judges may require a different form, or modification to these forms. If this happens, please consult with your local Court Clerk. If you are required to use additional forms, please advise us by sending an e-mail to orders@uslegalforms.com.

III. PROCEDURE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (MINOR) FOR THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

A. Preliminary Note:

1. The attached forms may be completed by:

a. Printing the forms and completing by hand. Use black ink and print neatly.

b. Printing the forms and completing using a typewriter.

c. By completing the forms on your computer using a word processing program and then printing the forms.

2. Use complete names and not initials. Check your spelling carefully, a misspelled word can delay your name change.

3. Print three (3) complete sets of forms.

4. All forms with a heading – the name of the court, the Petitioner’s name, the case number, and the name of the document – require that the heading be completed. You will need to add the name of the court and the full name of the Petitioner. The “Action/Cause No.” will be assigned by the court clerk at the time of filing.

5. Forms that require your signature and include a notary block MUST be signed in the presence of the notary or court clerk who will complete the acknowledgement. Use your complete name – first name, middle name, last name.

6. When a form is filed with the court, request the clerk “file-stamp” one copy of the form for your file.

7. A Law Summary is available and can be printed for your State. To do so, go to where you located this package and select the Law Summary link under the form title and print. Review the Law Summary before beginning the process of completing the forms.

B. Procedure

Step 1: Create the Petition to Change Name pertinent to your situation using Form 1. You must have been a bona fide resident of the county in which you intend to file the Petition for six months prior.

Step 2: File the Petition in the Circuit Court in the county in which you reside.

Step 3: Prepare the Order for Hearing in Form 3 after the Petition is filed and get a court date for hearing assigned.

Step 4: Prepare Form 4, Notice of Change of Name, and publish that Notice once each week for four successive weeks in any legal newspaper of the county of Minor Petitioner's residence.

Step 5: Submit to the Court a copy of the notice as published.

Step 6: At hearing, any objections by persons who can show to the Court good reason for objection to the name change will be heard by the Court; and the Court may examine, upon oath, any of the Minor Petitioners, demonstrates or other persons touching the application, and may make an Order changing the name or dismissing the application, as to the Court may seem reasonable and proper.

Step 7: If the Court finds that it is reasonable and proper to issue the Order Changing Name, prepare that Order using Form 2 and present it to the Court for signing.

Step 8: Upon signing of the Order to Change Name, the Minor Petitioner, if registered to operate a motor vehicle, may apply for a duplicate license using the new name. A certified copy of the signed Order to Change name must be presented.

Step 9: Obtain a certified copy of the Order from the Clerk after it has been signed by the Judge. You are now ready to notify appropriate persons and governmental agencies of the change.

NOTE ABOUT COMPLETING THE FORMS

The forms in this packet contain “form fields” created using Microsoft Word. “Form fields” facilitate completion of the forms using your computer. They do not limit you ability to print the form “in blank” and complete with a typewriter or by hand.

If you do not see the gray shaded form fields, go the View menu, click on Toolbars, and then select Forms. This will open the forms toolbar. Look for the button on the forms toolbar that resembles a shaded letter “a”. Click in this button and the form fields will be visible.

The forms are locked which means that the content of the forms cannot be changed. You can only fill in the information in the fields.

If you need to make any changes in the body of the form, it is necessary for you “unlock” or “unprotect” the form. IF YOU INTEND TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE CONTENT, DO SO BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO FILL IN THE FIELDS. IF YOU UNLOCK THE DOCUMENT AFTER YOU HAVE BEGUN TO COMPLETE THE FIELDS, WHEN YOU RELOCK, ALL INFORMATION YOU ENTERED WILL BE LOST. To unlock click on “Tools” in the Menu bar and then selecting “unprotect document”. You may then be prompted to enter a password. If so, the password is “uslf”. That is uslf in lower case letters without the quotation marks. After you make the changes relock the document before you being to complete the fields.

After any required changes and re-protecting the document, click on the first form field and enter the required information. You will be able to navigate through the document from form field to form field using your tab key. Tab to a form field and insert your data. If problems, please let us know.

LAW SUMMARY

The law summary file for this package can be located at the following address:

http://www.uslegalforms.com/sd/SD-NAME-2.htm

DISCLAIMER

These materials were developed by U.S. Legal Forms, Inc. based upon statutes and forms for the State of South Dakota. All Information and Forms are subject to this Disclaimer: All forms in this package are provided without any warranty, express or implied, as to their legal effect and completeness. Please use at your own risk. If you have a serious legal problem we suggest that you consult an attorney. U.S. Legal Forms, Inc. does not provide legal advice. The products offered by U.S. Legal Forms (USLF) are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

THESE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF ANY KIND INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL U. S. LEGAL FORMS, INC. OR ITS AGENTS OR OFFICERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE MATERIALS, EVEN IF U.S. LEGAL FORMS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

FORM FIELDS

Use the following fields to complete the packet information:

Court Name:

Petitioner / Minor Name:

Current Name:

Requested New Name:

County of Residence:

Years / Months Resided in County:

Reason for Name Change:

Action / Cause No.:

Filing Date:

Hearing Date:

Publication Newspaper Name:

Publication County:

Publication Dates:

Checkboxes:

Petitioner Signature:

Date:

Notary / Clerk Name:

Notary Commission Expiration:

Additional Notes:

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What a Change of Name Form Is and when it's used

A Change of Name Form is a court or administrative petition used to request an official change to an individual's legal name on public records and identity documents. Common uses include marriage, divorce, gender transition, adoption, or personal preference. The form typically collects petitioner details, current and proposed names, reasons for the change, supporting documentation, and a signature block; courts may require a hearing, publication or background checks before issuing a final order. After approval, the court order is used to update federal and state records such as driver licenses, Social Security, and financial accounts.

Why using a proper Change of Name Form matters

A correctly completed form creates a clear legal record, speeds processing, and reduces the risk of delays when updating identity documents and accounts. Proper evidence and signatures strengthen the enforceability of the resulting court order or administrative update.

Why using a proper Change of Name Form matters

Core elements included in a professional Change of Name Form

A well-constructed form groups petitioner details, name history, proposed new name, legal basis, supporting attachments, and signature or notarization fields to streamline review by clerks and judges.

Petitioner Details

Full legal name, date of birth, address, and contact information so the court can identify and notify the applicant and confirm jurisdiction.

Name History

List prior names and any aliases, including dates of prior name changes, to allow background checks and avoid confusion with existing records.

Proposed Name

Exact spelling and format of the requested new name, including middle names and suffixes, to ensure consistency across government documents.

Legal Basis

A concise statement of the reason for the request (marriage, divorce, personal choice, gender marker change, adoption) or statutory authority under which the court may grant the change.

Supporting Documents

Fields to list attachments such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, government ID, background check results, or proof of publication when required.

Signature and Authentication

Signature block with date, notary or witness lines if required, and space for clerk stamps or court order entries after approval.

Step-by-step: completing and filing a Change of Name Form

Follow these steps to prepare, sign, and file your petition with the appropriate court or agency.

  • 01
    Prepare the form: Complete petitioner and proposed name sections accurately.
  • 02
    Gather evidence: Attach IDs and certificates required by the court.
  • 03
    Sign and authenticate: Sign before a notary or obtain required witness signatures.
  • 04
    File and serve: Submit to the clerk, pay fees, and follow service/publication rules.

Configuring an online Change of Name workflow

Set up digital fields and routing to collect signatures, attachments, and clerk acknowledgements before submission.

Field | Configuration Purpose | Expected input
Upload Document Accept PDF/DOCX; require 1–5 attachments
Signer Roles Petitioner | signs; Witness/Notary | signs when required
Authentication Email + SMS OTP or stronger identity proofing
Notifications Auto-email on completion to petitioner and court clerk

Where to file and what happens next

After completion, routing depends on local rules—typical paths include county court filing, clerk review, and issuance of a signed order.

  • File with Court: Submit petition to the county or family court clerk.
  • Clerk Review: Clerk checks completeness and fees before docketing.
  • Hearing or Order: Judge may schedule a hearing or approve by written order.
  • Record Updates: Use the signed order to update IDs and records.

Who typically completes a Change of Name Form

Individuals seeking a legal name change, guardians filing for minors, and legal professionals preparing petitions frequently use this form.

  • Self-represented petitioners preparing their own paperwork for court submission and record updates.
  • Attorneys filing petitions for clients who require court-ordered name changes or identity corrections.
  • Administrative staff or clerks assisting with intake, publication notices, and record routing to agencies.

The form supports both pro se filers and practitioners; completing it accurately reduces clerical follow-up and hearing delays.

Key signer roles and who has authority

Petitioner

The person requesting the name change signs the petition and affirms the facts under penalty of perjury. If the petitioner is a minor, a parent or guardian typically signs on their behalf and may appear at a hearing.

Court Clerk

The clerk receives the petition, assigns a docket number, and records the filing. Clerk signatures or stamps certify filing and may be required for downstream requests to state agencies.

Essential information the form must capture

Current Name: Full legal name
Requested Name: Exact new name
Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY
Address: Street, city, state, ZIP
Attachments: IDs and certificates
Signature: Signed and dated

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the form

  • Using inconsistent name spellings across fields and attachments, which can trigger identity verification failures and processing delays.
  • Omitting required attachments such as a birth certificate or previous name-change decree; missing documents often result in rejection.
  • Signing before required notarization or witness presence, which can invalidate the signature and require re-execution.
  • Failing to follow local publication or service rules; some jurisdictions require public notice before a hearing or final order.

Consequences of incorrect or incomplete submissions

Filing Rejection: Delay or return of petition
Hearing Postponement: Additional court appearances
Identity Mismatch: Denial of agency updates
Perjury Risk: Penalties for false statements
Extra Costs: Fees for refiling and counsel
Record Errors: Complicated downstream corrections

Timing and common processing expectations

Timelines vary by jurisdiction; filing, hearing, publication, and agency update steps each have their own typical windows.

Filing to Docket:

Clerk usually files within 1–5 business days

Publication Period:

If required, publication may run 3–4 weeks

Hearing Scheduling:

Hearing often set 4–12 weeks after filing

Order Issuance:

Court issues signed order after hearing or review

Agency Updates:

Use the order to update IDs; timelines vary by agency

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Small details reduce delays; use consistent formats and prepare attachments in advance.

Use consistent name formats
Match spelling and punctuation across the petition and all attachments to prevent identity verification mismatches during agency updates.
Prepare certified copies
Obtain certified or certified-true copies of supporting documents where courts or agencies require official proof.
Confirm local rules
Check county court websites for publication, hearing, and service requirements to avoid resubmission from procedural omissions.
Consider eSign thoughtfully
If using electronic signatures, ensure the method meets local authentication and notarization requirements to avoid rejection.

Digital signing and submission considerations

When completing a Change of Name Form electronically, confirm that eSign method, notarization, and file formats meet the court's requirements.

  • Supported Formats: PDF and DOCX are broadly accepted
  • Integrations: Works with systems like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
  • Identity Options: Email + SMS OTP, KBA, or stronger authentication

Comparing common eSignature vendors for name-change workflows

Vendor plans and features vary; signNow is listed first for comparison. Check each vendor's plan details and compliance options to match local notarization and HIPAA requirements.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

FAQs and troubleshooting for Change of Name filings

Answers to common procedural and technical questions about preparing, signing, and filing a Change of Name Form.


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