Overview of Colorado Name Change Process

We made the process as smooth as it can get. We have some basic steps that will help you throughout the process, keep them in mind. Besides, be sure to  follow each step on our website.

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1. The background check:

Most Colorado name changes will require a background check by the CBI and FBI. The applicant will need to be fingerprinted. Then their information will be checked against law enforcement databases. This process needs to be completed before a name change petition can be filed.

Once the background checks are complete, you have 90 days to file a petition with the court. If you do not file a petition within 90 days, you will need to do the background checks again.

There are two ways you can complete the fingerprinting and background check process:

• Order online: we recommend Colorado Fingerprinting if you want to order online. You will still need to make an appointment to go to their offices and have your fingerprints taken. This option is $75. It is more expensive but faster. Your result will generally be ready in a few weeks.
• Do it yourself: law enforcement agencies can take your fingerprints for you. You can find a local law enforcement agency here. Please contact them to make sure they take fingerprints for name changes. You may also need to set up an appointment. After having the fingerprints you must submit them to the FBI and CBI. This option is around $45, and has many steps to follow.

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2. Information required for filling out forms on our site:

Before filling out our forms you will want to gather the following pieces of information. These forms can take a little time to fill out. We recommend setting aside an hour or two for this process and having all the information by you when starting.

• Current and new name
• Any past names used
• Age and birth date
• Home and mailing address (if different)
• Colorado county they live in
• Contact email address and phone number(s)
• Social Security Number (We will not ask you for this. But you will need to write it on some of the forms when printed)
• Felony history if they have one. Or information about any crime they committed as a minor if it would have been a felony for an adult.

They will not be filed at the same time, but you will have everything you need to do the next step of the process when the previous one is complete.

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3. Filling out the forms

Once the background checks are complete, you have 90 days to file a petition with the court. If you do not file a petition within 90 days, you will need to do the background checks again.

Next steps:

• Fill out the name petition
• Fill out other documents

Once you are done filling them, they will then be completed, printed, and ready to sign when it is time to file.

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4. Ask for a fee waiver

If you are filing your Name Change Petition Packet in a county court there is an $88 filing fee. If you are filing your case in district court there is a $238 filing fee.

If you would like to ask the court to consider waiving filing fees please fill out the Filing Fee Waiver Form that appears next.

There is no guarantee that the court will waive your fees. If they are unable to waive your fees you can ask if they can do a payment plan when you file. Please follow the instructions and fill out our waiver fee form to ask for a fee waiver.

Please let us know if you need guidance, we are here to help!