How to Write a Name Change Petition in Wisconsin (2026 Guide)

Legally change your name through the court

Sales Tax: 5%Notary: $10Witnesses: 1

Document Preview


PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE
State of Wisconsin

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

Case No.: [TO BE ASSIGNED]

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Petitioner [CURRENT LEGAL NAME] respectfully states:

1. Petitioner resides at [ADDRESS], [COUNTY] County, Wisconsin WI.
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 Wisconsin law (WI Statutes).

PETITIONER SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
Print Name: _____________________

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

Wisconsin Name Change Petition Requirements

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

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

Wisconsin Notarization

While notarization may not be required in Wisconsin, it is recommended. Fees range from $10.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Wisconsin, a 5% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

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

Wisconsin Filing Deadlines

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

Name Change Petition Costs in Wisconsin

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
Notary Fee	$5-$15 (if required)	Wisconsin standard rate: $10
Filing Fee	Varies by state	State registration (if applicable)
Processing Time	1-3 business days	Typical turnaround in Wisconsin
Sales Tax	5%	Wisconsin base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement	1 witness	Single witness sufficient
Our Template	FREE	Download instantly, no cost

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

Where to File Your Name Change Petition in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin County Clerk

Wisconsin Capital

Main Government Building, Wisconsin

District County Clerk

Wisconsin Metro Area

County Courthouse, WI

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 Wisconsin has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

FAQ: Name Change Petition in Wisconsin

Is a Name Change Petition required in Wisconsin?

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

Notarization requirements in Wisconsin (WI) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $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 Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has a base sales tax rate of 5%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Name Change Petition, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Wisconsin tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

Wisconsin Name Change Petition Legal Guide

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

In Wisconsin, according to Wisconsin State Code, a 5% sales tax applies to applicable transactions. Notary fees in WI typically range from $10. A single witness signature is sufficient under state law.

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

legal name changecourt petitionname change orderidentity changecourt filing

A properly executed Name Change Petition in Wisconsin protects all parties involved and ensures compliance with WI state law. Below, we cover the critical steps, common pitfalls, and state-specific rules you should be aware of before signing.

How to Complete This Form

Start by gathering all necessary information: party names, addresses, and relevant details specific to your transaction. Wisconsin law under WI requires accuracy in every field. Once completed, have all parties review the document before signing. Depending on the transaction type, Wisconsin may require notarization or witness signatures.

Expert Recommendations

Legal professionals in Wisconsin recommend:
- Always use a state-specific template compliant with WI statutes
- Have documents reviewed before signing high-value agreements
- File copies with the appropriate Wisconsin government office when required
- Update your documents annually to reflect any changes in WI law

Enforceability in Wisconsin

A Name Change Petition that meets all WI requirements is fully enforceable in Wisconsin. Courts in Wisconsin have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.

Meeting Wisconsin's Legal Threshold

For your Name Change Petition to hold up in a Wisconsin court, it must satisfy the state's statutory requirements. WI law emphasizes clear language, mutual consent, and proper execution. We've built these requirements directly into our template.

Other Forms in Wisconsin

Name Change Petition in Neighboring States

Document Information

Document: Name Change Petition
State: Wisconsin (WI)
Category: Family
Format: PDF / Word / Print
Cost: 100% Free
Sales Tax: 5%
Notary Fee: $10

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