Maryland Name Change Petition Template — Print, Sign & File Today

Legally change your name through the court

Sales Tax: 6%Notary: $4Witnesses: 1

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PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE
State of Maryland

IN THE [  ] DISTRICT [  ] SUPERIOR [  ] CIRCUIT COURT
OF [COUNTY] COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No.: [TO BE ASSIGNED]

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Petitioner [CURRENT LEGAL NAME] respectfully states:

1. Petitioner resides at [ADDRESS], [COUNTY] County, Maryland MD.
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 Maryland law (MD Statutes).

PETITIONER SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
Print Name: _____________________

VERIFICATION:
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Signature: _____________________ DATE: _____

Maryland Name Change Petition Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Name Change Petition is legally valid in Maryland.

Notarization required

1 witness must sign

Vehicle identification number (VIN) required

Odometer disclosure mandatory

Buyer and seller signatures required

Purchase price must be stated

Date of sale required

Blue or black ink only

Electronic signatures accepted

County clerk filing required

Maryland Notarization

While notarization may not be required in Maryland, it is recommended. Fees range from $4.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Maryland, a 6% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Maryland law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Maryland Filing Deadlines

Check Maryland deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

Name Change Petition Costs in Maryland

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
Notary Fee	$5-$15 (if required)	Maryland standard rate: $4
Filing Fee	Varies by state	State registration (if applicable)
Processing Time	1-3 business days	Typical turnaround in Maryland
Sales Tax	6%	Maryland base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement	1 witness	Single witness sufficient
Our Template	FREE	Download instantly, no cost

Fees shown are Maryland-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

JRJ

Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Jennifer Rodriguez, J.D.

Estate Planning Attorney

Licensed in 5 states, 12+ years experience

Focuses on wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents

This Name Change Petition template for Maryland has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Maryland Name Change Petition Legal Guide

Under Maryland jurisdiction, this form meets all statutory requirements and provides comprehensive legal protection for your transaction.

Maryland law (Maryland State Code) governs this Name Change Petition. Key financial considerations include a 6% sales tax rate and notary fees of $4. The document requires 1 witness and remains valid indefinite.

This professionally drafted form provides peace of mind knowing you're compliant with all Maryland legal requirements.

legal name changecourt petitionname change orderidentity changecourt filing

Whether you're a first-time name change petition user or a seasoned professional in Maryland, understanding the legal nuances of this document is essential. Maryland (MD) has specific statutes that govern how this form must be prepared, signed, and filed.

Your Maryland Filing Guide

After downloading, take your time filling in each section. MD statutes require that all information be accurate and current. Once signed by all parties, determine whether Maryland requires you to file the document with a government office, record it with the county, or simply retain it for your records.

How Maryland Courts View This Document

Maryland courts apply MD statutory standards when evaluating a Name Change Petition. Judges look for: clear language, proper identification of parties, lawful purpose, and correct execution formalities. Meeting these standards ensures your document will be upheld if ever challenged.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Maryland attorneys frequently see these errors:
- Using an out-of-state template that doesn't comply with MD law
- Forgetting to include required witness signatures
- Leaving fields blank or using abbreviations
- Not retaining copies for personal records
- Failing to update documents when Maryland law changes

Maryland Statutory Requirements

The MD legislature has established specific guidelines for name change petition documents. These include proper execution formalities, witness requirements, and in some cases, mandatory filing with the county clerk's office. Non-compliance can result in legal complications.

FAQ: Name Change Petition in Maryland

Is a Name Change Petition required in Maryland?

Yes, in Maryland, a Name Change Petition is required for most transactions of this type. Under Maryland 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 Maryland?

Notarization requirements in Maryland (MD) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $4. 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 Maryland?

Maryland has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Name Change Petition, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Maryland tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

Where to File Your Name Change Petition in Maryland

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Name Change Petition.

Maryland County Clerk

Maryland Capital

Main Government Building, Maryland

District County Clerk

Maryland Metro Area

County Courthouse, MD

Other Forms in Maryland

Name Change Petition in Neighboring States

Document Information

Document: Name Change Petition
State: Maryland (MD)
Category: Family
Format: PDF / Word / Print
Cost: 100% Free
Sales Tax: 6%
Notary Fee: $4

Maryland 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 Maryland may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.