Name Change Petition in Illinois — Free PDF & Word (2026 Updated)
Legally change your name through the court
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PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE State of Illinois IN THE [ ] DISTRICT [ ] SUPERIOR [ ] CIRCUIT COURT OF [COUNTY] COUNTY, ILLINOIS Case No.: [TO BE ASSIGNED] PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME Petitioner [CURRENT LEGAL NAME] respectfully states: 1. Petitioner resides at [ADDRESS], [COUNTY] County, Illinois IL. 2. Petitioner was born on [DOB] in [CITY, STATE]. 3. Petitioner's current legal name is: [CURRENT LEGAL NAME] 4. Petitioner requests the name be changed to: [NEW DESIRED NAME] 5. Reason for name change: [ ] Marriage [ ] Divorce [ ] Personal preference [ ] Other: [EXPLAIN] 6. Petitioner is not seeking a name change to defraud creditors or for any illegal purpose. 7. Petitioner [ ] has [ ] has not been convicted of a felony. 8. Petitioner [ ] is [ ] is not a registered sex offender. WHEREFORE, Petitioner requests this Court grant the name change in accordance with Illinois law (IL Statutes). PETITIONER SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____ Print Name: _____________________ VERIFICATION: I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Signature: _____________________ DATE: _____
FAQ: Name Change Petition in Illinois
Is a Name Change Petition required in Illinois?
Yes, in Illinois, a Name Change Petition is required for most transactions of this type. Under Illinois State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by at least one individual. Failure to use a proper Name Change Petition may result in legal complications.
Does a Name Change Petition need to be notarized in Illinois?
Notarization requirements in Illinois (IL) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $1-$5. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.
What are the tax implications of a Name Change Petition in Illinois?
Illinois has a base sales tax rate of 6.25%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Name Change Petition, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Illinois tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.
Name Change Petition Costs in Illinois
Estimated fees and processing times
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee | $5-$15 (if required) | Illinois standard rate: $1-$5 |
| Filing Fee | Varies by state | State registration (if applicable) |
| Processing Time | 1-3 business days | Typical turnaround in Illinois |
| Sales Tax | 6.25% | Illinois base rate (local taxes may apply) |
| Witness Requirement | 1 witness | Single witness sufficient |
| Our Template | FREE | Download instantly, no cost |
Sarah Mitchell, J.D.
Legal Document Specialist
Licensed Attorney, 15+ years experience
Specializes in contract law and legal document preparation
This Name Change Petition template for Illinois has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Illinois Name Change Petition Legal Guide
Under Illinois jurisdiction, this form meets all statutory requirements and provides comprehensive legal protection for your transaction.
Pursuant to Illinois State Code in Illinois, this Name Change Petition must meet specific criteria. The applicable sales tax is 6.25%. Notarization, which costs $1-$5 in IL, is strongly recommended. 1 witness is needed.
This document offers comprehensive legal protection tailored specifically to Illinois's unique statutory framework.
Completing Your Name Change Petition
The process in Illinois is straightforward but detail-oriented. Begin with the header information, proceed through each section methodically, and ensure all IL-required fields are completed. Illinois courts take document completeness seriously — missing information can delay or invalidate your filing.
Enforceability in Illinois
A Name Change Petition that meets all IL requirements is fully enforceable in Illinois. Courts in Illinois have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.
Smart Practices for IL Compliance
Illinois has specific rules that differ from neighboring states. Always verify your document against current IL statutes, especially if you're using a template from a previous year. Laws change, and what was valid last year in Illinois may need updating for 2026.
What Illinois Law Requires
Illinois's statutes are clear: a valid Name Change Petition must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of at least one witness where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under IL law can render the document unenforceable.
A Name Change Petition that meets all IL requirements is fully enforceable in Illinois. Courts in Illinois have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.
Smart Practices for IL Compliance
Illinois has specific rules that differ from neighboring states. Always verify your document against current IL statutes, especially if you're using a template from a previous year. Laws change, and what was valid last year in Illinois may need updating for 2026.
What Illinois Law Requires
Illinois's statutes are clear: a valid Name Change Petition must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of at least one witness where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under IL law can render the document unenforceable.
Illinois's statutes are clear: a valid Name Change Petition must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of at least one witness where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under IL law can render the document unenforceable.
Where to File Your Name Change Petition in Illinois
Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Name Change Petition.
Cook County Clerk
Chicago
118 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60602
Sangamon County Clerk
Springfield
200 S 9th St, Springfield, IL 62701
Peoria County Clerk
Peoria
324 Main St, Peoria, IL 61602
Illinois Name Change Petition Requirements
Review the following requirements to ensure your Name Change Petition is legally valid in Illinois.
Illinois Notarization
While notarization may not be required in Illinois, it is recommended. Fees range from $1-$5.
Before You Sign
Review all information carefully. In Illinois, a 6.25% sales tax may apply.
Legal Protection
Keep copies of all signed documents. Illinois law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.
Illinois Filing Deadlines
Check Illinois deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.
Other Forms in Illinois
Name Change Petition in Neighboring States
Document Information
- Document
- Name Change Petition
- State
- Illinois (IL)
- Category
- Family
- Format
- PDF / Word / Print
- Cost
- 100% Free
- Sales Tax
- 6.25%
- Notary Fee
- $1-$5
Illinois Legal Requirements
Governing Statute:
State Law
- ✓Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements
Legal Disclaimer
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Illinois may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.