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Legal name change in Alaska

Change your legal name
Yes
Publication requirementA rule in some states that a name-change petition be printed in a newspaper before it is granted. Many states waive it for trans petitioners or for safety.
Required
Court hearing
Required
Sealed recordA court file that is kept confidential and not available to the public.
Possible

Adults in Alaska can change their name by filing a petition (CIV-700) in Superior Court and attending a short hearing. The court posts notice on its website instead of a newspaper, and you can ask the judge to skip the posting and keep the case confidential if you have safety concerns. The filing fee is $200, or you can ask for a fee exemption.

Main cost
$200, can be waived
Apply
Online, by mail, or in person

Draft from official sources, September 24, 2026. Not yet checked by a person. How we verify

On this page
  1. How it works
  2. Steps
  3. Costs and fee waivers
  4. Free help
  5. Forms
  6. Requirements
  7. Minors
  8. After you finish
  9. Tips
  10. Laws and other guides
  11. Sources

How it works

Under AS 09.55.010 the Superior Court may change your name if it finds sufficient reasons and that the change is consistent with the public interest. Wanting a name that matches your gender identity is a sufficient reason; you do not need a doctor's letter.

The process runs under Civil Rule 84. You file the petition, the court sets a hearing at least 40 days out and posts notice on the Alaska Court System legal notice website for four weeks, you attend a short hearing, the judge signs a judgment, notice of the judgment is posted for one more week, and then the clerk mails you a Certificate of Name Change (CIV-705). Your new name takes effect on the date on that certificate, at least 30 days after the judgment.

If posting your old and new names publicly would put you at risk, file CIV-708 with your petition. While the judge decides, nothing is posted and the case is not public.

Steps

  1. Read CIV-699 and fill out the petition[3][2]

    Fill out CIV-698 (cover sheet), CIV-700 (petition), and VS-405. Check Section 3 on CIV-700 if you may want to update an Alaska birth certificate. If public posting is a safety concern, also fill out CIV-708.

  2. Sign in front of a notary or court clerk[4]

    Court clerks notarize for free when you bring the petition in. Bring photo ID. If you file online and have no notary, attach TF-835 (Self Certification).

  3. File the petition and pay the fee (or request an exemption)[3][8]

    File through TrueFiling (akfile.truefiling.com) if it is available for your court, or in person or by mail if you are exempt (no safe internet access, disability, language barrier, and other reasons; you do not need to prove it). Pay the $200 fee by card online, most payment types in person, or check or money order payable to "State of Alaska" by mail. If you cannot pay, include TF-920 in the same bundle.

    Form
    TF-920
    Cost
    $200 filing fee, change of name (adult or child)

  4. Receive the hearing order; the court posts notice[3]

    The clerk sends you an Order for Hearing, Posting, and Additional Service (CIV-701) with a hearing date at least 40 days away. Unless posting was waived, the court posts the notice on its legal notice website for four consecutive weeks; you do not have to do anything for that. Read the order carefully in case the judge also requires newspaper publication or notice to a specific person; if so, you must complete it and file proof (CIV-702) before the hearing.

    Time
    At least 40 days to the hearing

  5. Attend the hearing[3]

    The hearing is short and informal. Tell the judge why you want the new name and state under oath that you are not changing it to avoid debts, defraud anyone, obstruct law enforcement, or interfere with anyone's rights. You do not have to discuss medical details.

  6. Wait for the Certificate of Name Change[3][8]

    After the judge signs the judgment, notice is posted for one week (unless waived), and then the clerk mails you the Certificate of Name Change (CIV-705) with one free certified copy. You can start using the new name on the date on the certificate, at least 30 days after the judgment. Order extra certified copies now; you will need them for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and banks.

    Cost
    $10 certification of documents (after the one free certified copy of the certificate)
    Time
    About 30 days after the hearing

Costs and fee waivers

Can’t afford it? You may not have to pay.[8][7]

Anyone who cannot afford the fee. The judge reviews the financial statement on TF-920; there is no fixed income cutoff printed on the court's fee page.

File TF-920 together with your petition (in TrueFiling, upload it in the same bundle). If you have not heard back within a week, call the court.

TF-920

WhatCostNotes
Filing fee, change of name (adult or child)[8]$200Can be waived
Certification of documents (after the one free certified copy of the certificate)[8]$10Can be waived$10 for the first certified document, $3 for each additional. Copy fees are $5 for the first document and $3 for each additional.
Newspaper publication (only if the judge orders it)[3]VariesVaries by vendorStandard posting on the court website is free. A judge can still order newspaper publication once a week for four weeks, which you pay the newspaper for; this is uncommon.

Free help

Legal clinics, organizations, and funds that help with this.

More detail

Forms8 forms: CIV-698, CIV-699, CIV-700, CIV-708, and more

Open a form for tips on filling it out.

Forms everyone files (3)

CIV-698Cover Sheet (adult change of name)Required

Open CIV-698[2]

CIV-700Petition for Change of NameRequired

How to fill it out

  • Section 1: your current legal name exactly as on your birth certificate or the last document that changed your name, including hyphens and periods. Leave the middle name blank if you have none (do not write "N/A").
  • Section 2: your new name. Double-check spelling; the judgment copies it exactly.
  • Section 3: check this box if you were born in Alaska and may want your birth certificate updated. If you skip it, you would have to reopen the case later by motion. If you were born in another state, ask that state's vital records office what the judgment must say.
  • Section 4 (reasons): a short, truthful statement is enough, for example "to reflect my gender identity" or "this is the name I use in daily life." You do not need to attach medical records.
  • Section 11 (other requests): you can note here that you are also filing CIV-708 to waive posting.
  • Do not sign until you are in front of a notary. Court clerks notarize for free; bring photo ID. If no notary is available, attach TF-835 (Self Certification).

Open CIV-700[4][3]

VS-405Application or Report of Change of Name (Alaska Vital Records)Required

Listed in the court's adult name change packet; file it with the petition.

Open VS-405[2]

Forms only some people need (5)

CIV-699Instructions for Adult Change of NameOptional

Read this first. It explains every step, posting, and which records to update afterwards.

Open CIV-699[3]

CIV-708Request to Waive Posting in Adult Change of Name CaseOptional

Use if public posting of your name change would put your safety at risk. Also lets you ask for a confidential or sealed case and "Not Published" on CourtView.

How to fill it out

  • Fill out page 1 only; page 2 is for the judge.
  • Item 2: check (a) to ask for a confidential or sealed case, (b) to show your name as "Not Published" on CourtView because the case involves sensitive, highly personal matters, and/or (c) for five years of "Not Published" if disclosure is likely to lead to physical harm.
  • Item 3: explain your specific reasons. The judge must find a reason beyond the general privacy anyone in a name change case has, so be concrete: for example, that being outed as transgender has led or could lead to harassment, threats, or violence, or that you have an abusive ex-partner or family member.
  • Sign in front of a notary or court clerk (it can be notarized with your petition). File it with the petition so the case stays non-public while the judge decides.

Open CIV-708[5][3]

TF-920Request and Order for Exemption from Payment of FeesOptional

Only if you cannot afford the $200 filing fee. It can also ask to waive certified-copy fees.

How to fill it out

  • Check the box for the filing fee for a new action, and also the box for copy fees (certified copies) so you can get extra certified copies of your certificate for free.
  • Fill in the financial statement completely (income, benefits, expenses, assets). The judge decides based on whether you can pay.
  • File it with your petition. Nothing happens in the case until the fee is paid or the exemption is granted; these requests are usually decided within a few days.

Open TF-920[7][8]

CIV-694Petition to Change Child's NameSometimes required: Only for a child under 18; filed by a parent.

Open CIV-694[2][6]

CIV-695Parental Consent from Non-Petitioning ParentSometimes required: Child's name change only, when the other parent consents.

Open CIV-695[2][6]

RequirementsWhere you live, age, criminal record, newspaper notice, hearing, background check, privacy and sealing, timeline
Where you live
File in the Superior Court. Use the court location nearest you; the court directory lists all locations.[1][3][4]
Age
18 or older (or legally emancipated) for the adult process. For anyone younger, a parent files for the child; see the Minors section.
Criminal record
If you are charged with a crime, incarcerated, on parole or supervised felony probation, or required to register as a sex offender, you must say so on the petition and give extra notice (to your probation or parole officer, or the Department of Public Safety). It does not automatically bar a name change, but the judge must also find the change is not fraudulent, not meant to obstruct law enforcement, and does not interfere with others' rights.
Newspaper publication
Yes.

The court itself posts notice of the petition on the Alaska Court System legal notice website for four consecutive weeks before the hearing, and notice of the judgment for one week after. There is no charge. A judge may order additional notice (newspaper, public places, or a specific person) in the hearing order.

File CIV-708 (Request to Waive Posting) with your petition, explaining your safety concerns. The case stays non-public until the judge rules. If the request is denied, the clerk waits at least 10 days before making the case public so you can withdraw the petition if you choose.

[3][5]
Court hearing
Yes.

A short hearing is held for every adult petition, at least 40 days after the hearing order. A separate short hearing may be held on a CIV-708 request, but it decides only the posting and confidentiality questions.

[3]
Background check
Sometimes.

No fingerprints or background check for most people. If you are charged with a crime, incarcerated, on parole or supervised felony probation, or on the sex offender registry, you must disclose it and give notice to your officer or the Department of Public Safety.

[1][3]
Privacy and sealed records
Available.

Name change cases are normally public and appear on CourtView. With CIV-708 you can ask the judge to make the case confidential or sealed (Administrative Rule 37.6) and to show your name as "Not Published" on CourtView (Administrative Rule 40). The judge must find your reason outweighs the public interest in access.

Check items 2(a), 2(b), and/or 2(c) on CIV-708 and explain your specific reasons in item 3. You can file CIV-708 later in an open case, but the case stays public until the judge rules, so filing it with the petition is better.

[5][3]
How long it takes

Usually about 3 months from filing to a usable Certificate of Name Change (at least 40 days to the hearing, then at least 30 days until the name takes effect), longer if a fee exemption or CIV-708 request adds steps.

MinorsA parent (or sometimes a legal guardian) files CIV-694 for a child under 18.

A parent (or sometimes a legal guardian) files CIV-694 for a child under 18. Both parents must consent; the non-petitioning parent signs CIV-695. The judge can waive consent for good cause (for example, the other parent is deceased, had rights terminated, or cannot be found after a diligent search) or if that parent had notice and chose not to participate. If a parent objects (CIV-696), the judge must also find the change is in the child's best interests. The judge considers the wishes of a child old enough to express an opinion. The same website posting and CIV-708-style safety options apply. Filing fee: $200.

[6][2]
After you finishWith certified copies of your Certificate of Name Change (CIV-705): 1.

With certified copies of your Certificate of Name Change (CIV-705):

  1. Social Security first (1-800-772-1213 or an SSA office). The DMV checks your name against SSA records.
  2. DMV within 30 days: Alaska law (AS 28.05.071) requires you to report a name change. Bring a certified copy in person. See the driver's license guide.
  3. Passport: the name can be updated; as of September 2026 the State Department only issues the sex assigned at birth.
  4. Birth certificate: if you were born in Alaska, contact Alaska Vital Records (see the birth certificate guide). If born elsewhere, contact that state.
  5. Banks, employer, insurance, voter registration, and the PFD Division.
Tips3 tips from people who have done this
  • Call the court's Family Law Self-Help Center helpline, (907) 264-0851, Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., for free help with the forms. Facilitators cannot give legal advice but can explain the process.
  • Check Section 3 (birth certificate) on CIV-700 even if you are not sure yet. Adding it later means filing a motion to reopen the case.
  • A name change does not change your sex marker anywhere. Alaska's DMV and Vital Records handle that separately; see those guides.
Laws and other guides2 laws, 2 other guides

Laws and rules

Other trusted guides

Sources

12 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. AS 09.55.010, Jurisdiction in action for change of name; noticeAlaska Legislature, Law. accessed
    “A person may bring an action for change of name in the superior court. A change of name of a person may not be made unless the court finds sufficient reasons for the change and also finds it consistent with the public interest.”
  2. Change of Name (self-help forms)Alaska Court System, Official page. accessed
    “Adult Change of Name Forms: CIV-698 Cover Sheet; CIV-699 Instructions for Adult Change of Name; CIV-700 Petition for Change of Name; VS-405 Application or Report of Change of Name”
  3. CIV-699 (7/25), Instructions for Adult Change of NameAlaska Court System, Form. accessed
    “The court will automatically post notice on the Alaska Court System's legal notice website for four consecutive weeks, unless the court waived this requirement in a written order.”
  4. CIV-700 (7/25), Petition for Change of NameAlaska Court System, Form. accessed
    “I request a court order to change my birth certificate to the new name in section 2.”
  5. CIV-708 (4/26), Request to Waive Posting in Adult Change of Name CaseAlaska Court System, Form. accessed
    “I ask the Court to not post my proposed name change and hearing date on the Alaska Court System's legal notice website, as is normally required by Civil Rule 84(b), because I have concerns about my personal safety.”
  6. CIV-693 (7/25), Instructions for Child's Change of NameAlaska Court System, Form. accessed
    “With a child, there is an extra requirement that both parents consent to the name change. The judge can waive (not require) this with good cause.”
  7. TF-920 (9/25), Request and Order for Exemption from Payment of FeesAlaska Court System, Form. accessed
    “I request exemption from payment of the following fees because I am unable to pay”
  8. Court Fees and Fee WaiverAlaska Court System, Official page. accessed
    “Change of Name (child or adult) $200 ... Certification of documents $10/first, $3 each additional”
  9. About the Family Law Self-Help CenterAlaska Court System, Official page. accessed
    “Telephone Helpline Hours: Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Statewide Telephone Helpline Number: (907) 264-0851”
  10. Apply for HelpAlaska Legal Services Corporation, Organization. accessed
    “Apply for legal aid services online or by calling our toll-free statewide intake number ... 1-888-478-2572”
  11. Get HelpACLU of Alaska, Organization. accessed
  12. Alaska Identity DocumentsAdvocates for Trans Equality, Organization. accessed
    “Alaska has a publication requirement, which requires notice of your name change to be posted on the Court's website for four weeks leading up to the hearing.”