How to Legally Change Your Name in Wisconsin

Key facts about legal name changes in Wisconsin — filing fees, requirements, and what to expect.

Filing Fee

$164–$165

Timeline

4-8 weeks

Publication

3 weeks

Hearing

Required

At a Glance

Court Filing Fee: $164–$165

Newspaper Publication: Required

Background Check: Not required

Court Hearing: Required

What's Involved?

Changing your name in Wisconsin requires filing a petition with your county court, paying the filing fee, publishing a notice in a local newspaper, and attending a brief court hearing. After approval, you'll need to update your name with government agencies, banks, employers, and other organizations.

The process involves multiple steps, specific forms, and strict requirements that vary by county. Missing a step or using the wrong form can delay your name change by weeks.

What You'll Need

Our personalized Wisconsin name change kit includes everything for your specific situation:

The exact court form for Wisconsin and how to fill it in correctly
Step-by-step filing instructions for your county courthouse
Complete cost breakdown of all government fees
Post-court checklist: 20 agencies to update, in priority order
Pre-written notification letters for banks, employers, and insurance
Publication notice template and local newspaper finder

Did You Know?

Confidential name change option (form CV-451) where judge may waive publication if it would endanger petitioner

Ready to change your name in Wisconsin?

Get your personalized kit with the exact forms, instructions, and checklists — ready in 5 minutes.

Start My Name Change — From $29

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Official Wisconsin courts website: https://www.wicourts.gov