- 1). Reside in the state of Illinois for at least six months.
- 2). Publish a "Notice of Intent" in a Chicago newspaper in your county once a week for three weeks, stating that you intend to change your name.
- 3). File a "Petition for Change of Name" with your county's circuit clerk. You are eligible to do this six weeks after your "Notice of Intent" first appears in a newspaper. With your petition, include a proof of publication, as well as an affidavit from someone (that is not a relative) verifying you are the person you claim to be. This affidavit must be signed in front of a notary public. If you reside in Cook County, the affidavit can be found on page three of the Cook County "Petition for Change of Name." Residents of DuPage County can find the affidavit at the bottom of page one on the DuPage County "Petition for Change of Name."
- 4). Attend the hearing in front of a court judge. The judge will ask you basic questions, such as where you were born, your age and questions to ensure you are not a sex offender or someone who is changing her name to defraud anyone or avoid legal processes. If the judge is satisfied with your answers, you will be awarded a legal name change.
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