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Trans Name Change Guide Minnesota

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Trans Person's Guide To Changing Your Legal Name in Minnesota

by Emma Zimbinski

language zimbin.ski email emma@zimbin.ski

Changing your legal name in Minnesota might seem daunting, but the process basically boils down to:
Fill out some forms • File them with the court • Get a background check done • Go to a hearing • Update records with Social Security Administration • Update License with DMV • Tell employer, school, banks, insurance, doctors, pharmacy etc.

It's going to take some time, but you can do it little by little :-)

Quick Jump to Sections:

info Start Here contract_edit Forms upload_file File local_police Background Check gavel Hearing receipt_long Get Copies security Social Security id_card Driver's License

0.) Introduction, Requirements, and Assumptions

Requirements to change your name in Minnesota:

  • Have lived in MN for 6 months
  • File in the county you live in
  • Be 18+ (unless your parents file for you)
  • Pay a ~$300 fee, or get it waived if you qualify (there are other fees)

Important: This document is NOT intended to be an exhaustive guide to legally changing your name. It is instead a brief primer, intended to make the process as easy as possible for the majority of people whose requirements are simple. I'm not a lawyer, and this isn't legal advice. This guide is based on my own experience and research — double-check everything with official sources or get legal help from the MN Volunteer Lawyer Network if you need it.

This guide assumes you meet certain criteria

These are not requirements for changing your name, but this guide assumes you meet them for the sake of brevity and simplicity. Please seek out additional resources if you do not meet these assumptions.

This guide will assume that you...

If you have lived in any other states as an adult, getting a background check will be more complicated. Additionally, if you were born outside of Minnesota, you will need your state's cooperation to change birth records. Seek out the council of the MN Volunteer Lawyer Network. If you were born in IA, IN, KS, OK, TN, TX, or FL, unfortunately you cannot change your gender marker (as of writing). There may be requirements to prove you've had "appropriate treatment" or even requirements for surgery in other states. Movement Advancement Project has a great map that you can use as a starting point for understanding your birth states laws.

If you're cis, all the steps are going to be the same. The automated form generator and interactive form set assume you are trans. Just don't forget to uncheck the relevant portions of NAM102 and NAM107 or else you will end up legally changing your gender.

If you are not a citizen, reach out to the MN Volunteer Lawyer Network for legal assistance.

You can request an interpreter using the top of form NAM102. You can also get an interpreter for your two required witnesses. Arrange this with the judge's chambers. The automated form generator and interactive form set skip over the interpreter section, make sure to go back and add this section. You may wish to reach out to the MN Volunteer Lawyer Network for assistance.

If you don't have a legal address, contact the MN Volunteer Lawyer Network for guidance on alternative options.

You should be able to do most of this via mail, however this guide follows the online process.

The automated form generator and interactive form set skip over the children section. Go back and fill this section out.

The automated form generator and interactive form set skip over the marriage and/or divorce section. Go back and fill this section out. Furthermore, you may need to bring the court proof of marriage and/or divorce if your name has changed before. One of your witnesses for your hearing should be your spouse.

The automated form generator and interactive form set skip over the criminal history section. Go back and fill this section out.

The automated form generator and interactive form set skip over the minor section. Go back and fill this section out. Furthermore, there is a separate set of forms for minors. Both parents must be notified. Important: Click ESC 3 times quickly (or tap 3 times quickly) to exit the page and clear history.

Form NAM102 requires a description of any property you own or have an interest in. The automated form generator and interactive form set skip this. Go back and fill this section out.

Uncheck a checkbox above to reveal additional information.

1.) Prepare the forms you'll need

You have three options for obtaining and filling out the forms you need. They are ordered by how much time and effort they require. Once completed, you'll need to file these forms with the court.

rocket_launch

Option 1: Use the Automatic Form Generator (recommended)

Simply enter your information once and the website will auto fill all three PDFs for you

open_in_new Open Form Generator
picture_as_pdf

Option 2: Use the interactive PDF Forms

These PDFs have been modified with fillable text boxes so you can type your information directly into them

1. NAM102 - Application for Name Change

The main application for the name change process.

download Download NAM102

2. NAM103 - Criminal History Check Release

A release that allows the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to perform a background check.

download Download NAM103

3. NAM107 - Proposed Order Granting Name Change

The order that will eventually be signed by the judge.

download Download NAM107
edit_document

Option 3: Use the Original Forms and Edit Them Manually

Download the forms required from the court website. You will need to either print and scan these or edit them using PDF software of your choosing. For various technical (and some Adobe) reasons, editing PDFs is really challenging. I recommend avoiding this option if you can.

open_in_new Download Original Forms

Instructions for manual editing:

NAM102 Application for Name Change
  • Skip the header (County of, Judicial District, Court File Number)
  • Under "In the Matter of the Application of" enter your current legal name
  • Continue filling out the form using your current legal name
  • Enter your new name and gender marker (if desired) in #7
  • Sign it (you can use your new name!)
NAM103 - Criminal History Check Release
  • Use your current legal name and sex at birth
  • Enter any other names or nicknames you may have (including your new name if desired)
  • Sign it (you can use your new name!)
NAM107 - Proposed Order Granting Name Change
  • Skip the header (County of, Judicial District, Court File Number)
  • Under "In the Matter of" enter your current legal name
  • Under "For a change of name to" enter your new name
  • Leave a blank space for the court to enter a date
  • Copy your information EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON 'NAM102'
  • Do not enter anything after "It is Ordered". The court will fill this out later.
  • You do not need to sign this document.

Example forms (already filled in):

visibility Example NAM102 visibility Example NAM103 visibility Example NAM107

2.) Determine if you qualify for financial assistance

Fee Waiver Eligibility

If you're on government assistance or making (before tax) less than 125% of the current year federal poverty guidelines you are eligible for a fee waiver.

For 2025, this number is $19,562/yr for a single person.

If you do make less than this or are otherwise unable to pay, complete a fee waiver form. You will need to file a fee waiver form alongside your other forms when you submit to the court.

Additional Resources:

open_in_new Ash Tifa's Guide open_in_new Form NAM101 open_in_new MN Volunteer Lawyer Network

3.) File your forms with the court

You can file in person, by mail, or online. This guide will only cover how to use the eFile system to file online. Make sure you have completed all your forms before starting this process. If you would like to file in person or by mail, see Ash Tifa's guide and Form NAM101. If you need additional help, you can call or email the eFS support center.

Setup Your Account

  1. Register for an account here. You can use your new name here as long as you use your legal name when filing below.
  2. Click "Actions", then "Payment Account". Add a payment method.
eFile system home page

The eFile system home page where you'll register your account

Create a new case envelope

  1. Click "Start a New Case"
  2. Enter your County. Select "Civil" and "Change of Name"
  3. Enter your current legal name and address as the Petitioner
eFile case setup with name fields

Enter your current legal name when creating the case

Upload your Documents (1/3)

  1. Now we can upload our documents. Under Filing Code, enter "Application for Name Change"
  2. Under Filing Description, enter "NAM102 Application for Name Change or Other Relief"
  3. Client Reference Number can be any number. Just enter 0.
  4. Comments to Court must say "Public"
  5. Enter your email under Courtesy Copies
  6. Upload the completed document "NAM102 Application for Name Change or Other Relief" as a .PDF
  7. Add "Civil Filing Fee". This is about $300.
  8. Save your changes
eFile document upload interface

The document upload interface in the eFile system

Upload your Documents (2/3)

  1. There should now be a button that says "Add Another Filing", click it.
  2. Now we can add the next document. Use Filing Code "Consent to Criminal Background Check".
  3. Description: "NAM103 Criminal History Check Release".
  4. Reference Number: 1.
  5. Comments: Public.
  6. Courtesy Copies: enter your email again.
  7. Upload the completed document "NAM103 Criminal History Check Release" as a .PDF.
  8. Do not add any Services and Fees.
  9. Save.

Upload your Documents (3/3)

  1. Add another Filing.
  2. Filing Code: Proposed Order or Document.
  3. Description: "NAM107 Proposed Order Granting Name Change".
  4. Reference Number: 2.
  5. Comments: Public.
  6. Courtesy Copies: enter your email again.
  7. Upload the completed document "NAM107 Proposed Order Granting Name Change" as a .PDF.
  8. Do not add any Services and Fees.
  9. Click save.

Finish Filing

  1. Ignore the "Service Contracts" section.
  2. Select your payment account and save.
  3. Click "Summary" at the bottom.
  4. Double check your information and click "Submit".

Note: This will place a hold on your selected payment method. It will only go through once your files are accepted. If there are any problems, you will have to resubmit, and another hold will be placed on your card. Holds are returned after about two weeks.

eFile showing all documents uploaded

All three documents uploaded and ready for submission

Important: This is just filing the paperwork, this IS NOT committing to changing your name. If you have doubts, you can simply choose to not schedule the hearing or cancel it after this point.

4.) Wait for your filing to be accepted

If Your Filing is Rejected

If you receive an email titled "REJECTED EFILING Case 00000000", read the comments given, make the changes, and resubmit. This will place another hold on your card, but you will eventually get the original charge back.

If Your Filing is Accepted

If all went well, you should receive an email in a few days titled "EFILING ACCEPTED Case [00-AB-00-00000] , In the Matter of the Application of [Deadname] for a Change of Name" or "COURTESY NOTIFICATION OF FILING FOR Case [00-AB-00-00000], In the Matter of the Application of [Deadname] for a Change of Name".

This means you filed everything right and the court is ready to proceed when you are. Some counties may automatically schedule a hearing for you, others will wait for you to email and schedule one. Write down your case number. You'll need it to look up your case online.

5.) Look up your case online

  1. You can do this using the Minnesota Court Records Online website
  2. Click search by "Case Number" at the top.
  3. Enter your case number as provided in the email.
  4. Search
  5. Your case should be listed as "Open" and a judge should be assigned. If there is not a judge assigned, there should be one assigned within two weeks of your filing being accepted. Check back later.
  6. There should be a document titled "Notice of Case Assignment", download and open it. This document will tell you how to contact the judge's chambers, whether the hearing will be in person or online, and any additional instructions you may need to follow.
  7. Save the judge's chambers contact information for when you schedule your hearing.
  8. Take note of any additional background check or physicians note requirements.

6.) Complete a background check

Important Notes

Each county seems to have their own requirements that change over time. You may need a certified copy of the background check, you may not. You may need the BCA to send a form to the court, or they might be fine with a simple image via email. The exact requirements should be in the "Notice of Case Assignment" document from when you looked up your case online. You can ask the judge's chambers for more information.

If you've lived in another state as an adult, this process will be different. Contact the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for more information.

You can complete the background check with a 10 minute walk in at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in St. Paul or you can mail in your form and wait about two weeks. Either way it will cost ~$15.

To complete your background check in person:

  1. Print a physical copy of NAM103 - Criminal History Check Release
    • You can print this form at your local library for ~$0.10/page
    • Hennepin county offers $5 of printing credit with a free library card
  2. Sign the copy if it has been digitally signed already
    • The BCA requires physical signatures rather than electronic or typed ones.
  3. Go the the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
    • The BCA is located at 1430 Maryland Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106
    • Parking is free.
    • Make sure to bring photo ID
    • Go up to the desk and give them your form. This should take less than 10 minutes.
    • Follow any specific instructions the court may have given you. They may want the BCA to send over the form themselves or they may be alright with you providing a copy.
    • You should get a letter back stating that you have no criminal history.

To complete your background check via mail:

See Ash Tifa's guide or NAM101 - Instructions - Name Change Applicants

7.) Email the Judge's chambers to set up a hearing

Using the contact information from the "Notice of Case Assignment" letter you downloaded earlier, send the judge's chambers (office) a message asking for a hearing to be scheduled. Make sure to include your case number. Complete your background check.

Email Template

To the chambers of [District Court Judge Jane Doe], Hello. I'm seeking to change my legal name and gender marker. I have filed the appropriate paperwork and have been assigned case number [#AB-123-456]. I'd like to schedule a hearing as soon as possible. What, if any, upcoming dates do you have available? I appreciate your time, Jane Doe youremail@example.com 123.456.7890

8.) Go to the hearing

Before the Hearing

  • Be better than on time, BE EARLY
  • Dress as nicely as you can.

What to Bring

  • TWO WITNESSES who can confirm your identity
  • PHOTO ID for yourself and your two witnesses. This can be a driver's license, passport, etc
  • PROOF OF RESIDENCE in Minnesota for 6+ months. This can be any two bills, rent receipts, or mortgage statements. I didn't have to prove any of this so your experience may vary. Be over prepared.
  • PHYSICIANS LETTER attesting that you have received "appropriate medical care for gender transition". The judge may want this for a court order, they may not. You can change your gender marker with the Office of Vital Records using this letter alone, however your previous name and gender will not be made private as it will with a court order. More information can be found on the Minnesota Dept. of Health - Office of Vital Records website. I also didn't have to prove this so your experience may vary. Be over prepared.

During the Hearing

  • Address the Judge as "Your Honor". Be polite and friendly.
  • The Judge will likely refer to you by your new name and will ask for your preferred honorific (Mrs., Mr., none, etc)
  • The judge will swear you in and ask a list of routine questions to make sure you aren't committing fraud or trying to escape a debt.
  • Most importantly, the judge will ask you why you're changing your name and gender marker
    • I said "I'm transgender and [Deadname] is a lame name for a woman" which seemed to suffice. You may want to prepare a brief 1-2 sentence explanation.
    • This is mostly to fulfill the "exceptional circumstances" provision required for changing your birth records.

After the Hearing

  • If all goes well, the judge will grant your name change. Congratulations!
  • The judge will let you know what, if any, next steps there are.
  • Take a beat to celebrate the fact that the state government now recognizes your identity! 🎉
  • Your next step will be to get certified copies of the court order.
🎉 Celebrate! 🎉
more confetti?

9.) Get certified copies of the order

After the hearing, the judge will sign the order. You can get a certified copy of this order from the court for a small fee (~$14). This is a physical copy, stamped with an embossed seal, that can be used for official purposes. You will need this to change your name on your birth certificate, social security card, and driver's license.

You can request certified copies of the order by mail, in person, or online.

Requesting In Person

  1. Find where your county records office is.
    • Check the Copy Request County List for county specific information.
    • Search your county's page for information on where the County Records Office is.
    • For Hennepin county, the Records Office is located in the Hennepin County Government Center at 300 South 6th Street room A250. Go past the security check and continue straight forwards to the Records Office.
  2. Show up
    • Bring your case number
    • Bring cash to pay the fees, in case credit cards are not accepted (Hennepin county is able to accept debit and credit cards and there is an ATM in the US Bank building across the skyway should you need it.)
    • Bring Photo ID, in case it is required
    • If you want to expedite the process, bring a printed version of the Copy Request Form
  3. Tell the clerk you are looking for certified copies
    • If you filled out the Copy Request Form, present it now to expedite the process.
    • They will ask for the name of the Petitioner (the name you originally filed with, your deadname)
    • They will ask for your case number and potentially the date of the order
    • They will ask how many copies you want
    • They will ask for payment of ~$14 per certified copy

Requesting Online (to receive copies via mail)

  1. Fill out the Statewide Copy Request Form or find your county specific one here
    • Use your previous legal name (deadname) under "Plaintiff/Petitioner"
  2. Log into the eFile system
  3. Under the header "My Filing Activity", click "Accepted"
  4. Find your case, it's probably the only one listed.
  5. Click Actions > File into Case
  6. To avoid confusion, do not change the party information to your new name.
  7. Under filings, fill out the following:
    • Filing Code: "Copy Request"
    • Description: "Copy Request Form"
    • Client Reference Number: 4
    • Comments to Court: "Public"
    • Courtesy Copies: enter your email address
    • Upload the completed copy request form as a PDF
    • Optional Services and Fees: add as many certified copies as you need.
  8. Select a payment account
  9. Click Summary to move to the next step
  10. Submit your filing
eFile certified copy request form

Requesting certified copies through the eFile system

Requesting via Mail

Find more information on requesting copies via mail here.

What's Next?

Once you have your certified copies, you can use them to update your name with:

Important: Update your Social Security information first, as many other agencies will verify your name change through SSA records.

10.) Update the Social Security Administration

Important: Until you-know-who dies, you are unable to change your gender marker with the Social Security Administration. (?)

In his first day of office, in an attempt to lower the price of eggs, Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating discrimination against transgender people. This executive order prevents the Social Security Administration from changing your sex marker and thus prevents you from having an accurate passport. The ACLU, in a lawsuit, alleges that this policy is "arbitrary and capricious, violates the right to travel and right to privacy under the Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution, violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and compels speech from transgender, nonbinary, and intersex passport holders in violation of their First Amendment rights". You can read more on the ACLU website.

In order to update the name on your drivers license or passport, you must first update it with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can only do this process in person at a Social Security Administration Card Center. You'll need certified copies of the court order from your hearing.

Make an Appointment

  1. Find your nearest SSA Card Center
    • Most SSA offices are by appointment only now.
    • Make sure you go to a card center.
  2. Make an appointment online
    • Answer a few initial questions
    • If your requirements are simple, you should be directed to make an appointment online. Click "Start Application" once done with the questionnaire.
    • Follow the prompts to complete your appointment request.

Prepare your documents

  1. Proof of Identity: Common options will be your unexpired drivers license or passport, although there are many options you can choose from.
  2. Proof of Name Change: Certified copy of court order

Go to your appointment

  1. Bring your ID and certified copy of the court order
  2. You'll receive an email within 60 minutes of your appointment. This email has a barcode you can scan at the Self Help Kiosk to check in and get a ticket with a number.
  3. Wait for your number to be called and present your documents to the SSA representative
  4. They will update your name in their system and issue you a new Social Security card in the mail.

Wait

Your name change should be reflected in their system after about 24 hours while your new card will arrive in the mail within 7-10 business days of them processing the request. If you really care, you can use the mySocialSecurity system to check when the system has been updated, but it's really more trouble than it's worth.

open_in_new SSA: Check Application Status open_in_new SSA: mySocialSecurity login
open_in_new SSA: How do I change my name on my Social Security number card? open_in_new SSA: Change Your Name

11.) Update the Department of Vehicle Services

In order to update your name and (self designated) gender marker on your driver's license, you'll need to visit a DVS (DMV) office and provide the necessary documentation. You must have already updated your name with the Social Security Administration AND WAITED FOR IT TO PROCESS (24+ HRS) before proceeding.

Find Your Nearest DVS Office

  1. Find your nearest DVS office
  2. Check office hours and any specific requirements

Pre-Apply Online (Optional)

  1. Pre-apply online to save time at the office
  2. Print or save the confirmation page to bring with you

Note: If you do not pre-apply online, you will need to fill out a form at the DVS office.

Prepare Your Documents

For sex marker changes: Alongside your eye color, height, and weight-- sex is a self designated descriptor. This means you can simply provide your self-identified sex without needing additional documentation.

open_in_new DVS: Self-designated Descriptors

Visit the DVS Office

  1. Bring all required documents and payment
  2. Show the clerk your documents to verify you have everything and then wait to be called
  3. Present your documents to the DVS representative
  4. Complete any additional paperwork as needed
  5. Pay the applicable fees. ~$26 for a reissue, ~$46 for a renewal.
  6. Take a new photo

Processing time: As of (7/18/25), the processing time for updated licenses is approximately 3-4 months due to the new REALID requirements causing everybody to get new ID's all at once.

A word of warning

Despite being indicated on my application, the DVS representative chose NOT to change my sex marker until asked directly. They'll have you verify a printout of your information before they enter it into the system. Make sure this is accurate before signing.

open_in_new DVS: FAQ - Renew Your DL/ID Card open_in_new DVS: Change your name on your driver's license or ID card
construction

What's Next for This Guide

This guide currently covers the core name change process, but there's more to come! Future updates will include:

badge Updating your birth certificate with the Office of Vital Records
credit_card Changing your name with Social Security Administration
drive_file_rename_outline Updating your driver's license and state ID
account_balance Updating records with banks, employers, schools, and other institutions
local_hospital Updating insurance, doctors/clinics, and pharmacies.
flight Updating passport

Support This Project

Thanks for reading! If you found this guide to changing your name in Minnesota helpful, please consider:

volunteer_activism

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Help offset the ~$200/year it takes to run this site. I am very broke idk why I committed to this. Anything helps.

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Contribute

Help improve this guide by contributing to the open source repository if you are able.

  • Update outdated information
  • Add county-specific details
  • Improve accessibility
  • Translate content
code View on GitHub bug_report Report Issues

I'd like to keep this project alive for as long as possible.

Dedicated to Sara Millerey González, whose life and death calls us to justice. 🧱
I'm not a lawyer, and this isn't legal advice. This guide is based on my own experience and research — double-check everything with official sources or get legal help from the MN Volunteer Lawyer Network if you need it.
View source on GitHub. Trans Name Change Guide MN © 2025 by Emma Zimbinski is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike