Name Change (Adult or Minor) in Volusia County, Florida

A legal name change is a chancery case filed in the circuit court of the county where you live, governed by § 68.07, Florida Statutes, using the Supreme Court–approved family law forms (Form 12.982 series).

Where this case is heard in Volusia County

Court: Seventh Judicial Circuit Court · Seventh Judicial Circuit (Circuit 7)
Filing: e-file through the statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com or in person with the Volusia County Clerk of Court.
Local bench: 28 judges verified for Volusia County — check the assigned judge's practice preferences before any hearing.

The procedure, step by step

1. File a verified petition in your county's circuit court
The petition is filed in the circuit court of the county of residence and must state the facts § 68.07 requires — including prior names, residence history, occupation, and whether you have ever been adjudicated bankrupt or convicted of a crime (§ 68.07(3), Fla. Stat.).
2. Fingerprints and the state background check
Unless the petition only restores a former name, the petitioner must submit fingerprints for electronic processing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI before the hearing (§ 68.07(2), Fla. Stat.). Minor name changes are petitioned by parents or guardians under the same statute.
3. The final hearing and what comes after
The court holds a hearing and, on the statutory showing, enters a final judgment changing the name. Certified copies of the judgment are what the DHSMV, Social Security Administration, and passport agencies require to update records.

Common questions

Do I need fingerprints for a Florida name change?: Yes for most petitions — § 68.07(2), Fla. Stat. requires fingerprints submitted for FDLE/FBI processing before the hearing, unless the petition seeks only restoration of a former name.
I'm divorcing — do I need a separate name-change case?: No. Ask for restoration of your former name in the dissolution case itself; the final judgment of dissolution can restore it without a separate § 68.07 petition.

Governing authority

§ 68.07, Fla. Stat. (change of name)
Fla. Fam. L. R. P. Form 12.982 series (name-change forms)

Procedural information only — not legal advice and not a substitute for an attorney. Statewide rules are summarized with citations; local practice varies by division and judge, so verify deadlines with the Volusia County clerk and review the assigned judge's verified preferences on the Volusia County page.

Where this case is heard in Volusia County

Court: Seventh Judicial Circuit Court · Seventh Judicial Circuit (Circuit 7)

Filing: e-file through the statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com or in person with the Volusia County Clerk of Court.

Local bench: 28 judges verified for Volusia County — check the assigned judge's practice preferences before any hearing.

The procedure, step by step

1. File a verified petition in your county's circuit court

The petition is filed in the circuit court of the county of residence and must state the facts § 68.07 requires — including prior names, residence history, occupation, and whether you have ever been adjudicated bankrupt or convicted of a crime (§ 68.07(3), Fla. Stat.).

2. Fingerprints and the state background check

Unless the petition only restores a former name, the petitioner must submit fingerprints for electronic processing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI before the hearing (§ 68.07(2), Fla. Stat.). Minor name changes are petitioned by parents or guardians under the same statute.

3. The final hearing and what comes after

The court holds a hearing and, on the statutory showing, enters a final judgment changing the name. Certified copies of the judgment are what the DHSMV, Social Security Administration, and passport agencies require to update records.

Common questions

Do I need fingerprints for a Florida name change?

Yes for most petitions — § 68.07(2), Fla. Stat. requires fingerprints submitted for FDLE/FBI processing before the hearing, unless the petition seeks only restoration of a former name.

I'm divorcing — do I need a separate name-change case?

No. Ask for restoration of your former name in the dissolution case itself; the final judgment of dissolution can restore it without a separate § 68.07 petition.

Governing authority

§ 68.07, Fla. Stat. (change of name)

Fla. Fam. L. R. P. Form 12.982 series (name-change forms)