Official Minnesota Name Change Petition Form | Step-by-Step Guide
Legally change your name through the court
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PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE State of Minnesota IN THE [ ] DISTRICT [ ] SUPERIOR [ ] CIRCUIT COURT OF [COUNTY] COUNTY, MINNESOTA Case No.: [TO BE ASSIGNED] PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME Petitioner [CURRENT LEGAL NAME] respectfully states: 1. Petitioner resides at [ADDRESS], [COUNTY] County, Minnesota MN. 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 Minnesota law (MN 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 Minnesota
Is a Name Change Petition required in Minnesota?
Yes, in Minnesota, a Name Change Petition is required for most transactions of this type. Under Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Notarization requirements in Minnesota (MN) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $5-$10. 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 Minnesota?
Minnesota has a base sales tax rate of 6.875%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Name Change Petition, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Minnesota tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.
Name Change Petition Costs in Minnesota
Estimated fees and processing times
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee | $5-$15 (if required) | Minnesota standard rate: $5-$10 |
| Filing Fee | Varies by state | State registration (if applicable) |
| Processing Time | 1-3 business days | Typical turnaround in Minnesota |
| Sales Tax | 6.875% | Minnesota base rate (local taxes may apply) |
| Witness Requirement | 1 witness | Single witness sufficient |
| Our Template | FREE | Download instantly, no cost |
Where to File Your Name Change Petition in Minnesota
Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Name Change Petition.
Minnesota County Clerk
Minnesota Capital
Main Government Building, Minnesota
District County Clerk
Minnesota Metro Area
County Courthouse, MN
Minnesota Name Change Petition Requirements
Review the following requirements to ensure your Name Change Petition is legally valid in Minnesota.
Minnesota Notarization
While notarization may not be required in Minnesota, it is recommended. Fees range from $5-$10.
Before You Sign
Review all information carefully. In Minnesota, a 6.875% sales tax may apply.
Legal Protection
Keep copies of all signed documents. Minnesota law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.
Minnesota Filing Deadlines
Check Minnesota deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.
Michael Chen, Esq.
Real Estate Law Consultant
Bar Certified, Real Estate Expert
Expert in property transactions and real estate documentation
This Name Change Petition template for Minnesota has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Minnesota Name Change Petition Legal Guide
In Minnesota, this document is legally binding under local statutes and provides essential protection for both parties involved in the transaction.
Pursuant to Minnesota State Code in Minnesota, this Name Change Petition must meet specific criteria. The applicable sales tax is 6.875%. Notarization, which costs $5-$10 in MN, may be required depending on the transaction type. 1 witness is needed.
By utilizing this state-specific template, you avoid common mistakes that could invalidate your document in Minnesota.
Step-by-Step Process
1. **Download the template** — Our Minnesota-specific form includes all fields required by MN law.
2. **Enter your information** — Fill in names, addresses, dates, and transaction details accurately.
3. **Review carefully** — Double-check all entries against your source documents.
4. **Sign and witness** — Execute the document according to Minnesota's signature requirements.
5. **Notarize if needed** — Some Minnesota transactions require notarization.
6. **File or distribute** — Provide copies to all parties and file with the appropriate Minnesota office if required.
Enforceability in Minnesota
A Name Change Petition that meets all MN requirements is fully enforceable in Minnesota. Courts in Minnesota have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Minnesota attorneys frequently see these errors:
- Using an out-of-state template that doesn't comply with MN law
- Forgetting to include required witness signatures
- Leaving fields blank or using abbreviations
- Not retaining copies for personal records
- Failing to update documents when Minnesota law changes
What Minnesota Law Requires
Minnesota'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 a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under MN law can render the document unenforceable.
A Name Change Petition that meets all MN requirements is fully enforceable in Minnesota. Courts in Minnesota have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Minnesota attorneys frequently see these errors:
- Using an out-of-state template that doesn't comply with MN law
- Forgetting to include required witness signatures
- Leaving fields blank or using abbreviations
- Not retaining copies for personal records
- Failing to update documents when Minnesota law changes
What Minnesota Law Requires
Minnesota'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 a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under MN law can render the document unenforceable.
Minnesota'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 a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under MN law can render the document unenforceable.
Other Forms in Minnesota
Name Change Petition in Neighboring States
Document Information
- Document
- Name Change Petition
- State
- Minnesota (MN)
- Category
- Family
- Format
- PDF / Word / Print
- Cost
- 100% Free
- Sales Tax
- 6.875%
- Notary Fee
- $5-$10
Minnesota 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 Minnesota may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.