Name Change Procedure For An Adult In Dane County (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Publication – Required in all Cases

State law (Wisconsin Statute § 786.37) requires publication of third class notice (i.e., printed once a week

for three weeks) using the Notice and Order for Name Change Hearing form in a local newspaper prior

to the hearing date. Take or send a copy of the Notice and Order for Name Change Hearing form to

Capital Newspapers, 1901 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison 53713 with a check for $85. They will send

you a "Proof of Publication" affidavit, which you will need to bring with you to the hearing. Contact

Capital Newspapers directly if you have questions about the fees at (608) 252-6200.

Hearing

Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your hearing at the assigned courtroom and inform the bailiff of your

presence. You must have the original or certified copy of your birth certificate for the judge's review. The

judge will ask you for the "Proof of Publication" affidavit. You will be placed under oath and questioned

about the information on the Petition. If your petition is granted, the judge will sign the Order for

Change of Name. If you are changing a WI birth certificate or other vital record, Form HCF

5021"Report of Legal Name Change" must be partially completed at the conclusion of the hearing and

taken to the Clerk of Courts Office. The judge’s clerk will return the file to the Clerk of Courts Office in

Room 1000.

Immediately after the hearing at the Clerk of Courts Office (Room 1000), you may request certified

copies of the Order for Change of Name for change of record(s) needs. Cost for each certification is $5

plus $1.25 per page.

To change your Wisconsin birth certificate:

Mail or take Form HCF 5021 “Report of Legal Name Change” to the Vital Records Office of the State

Dept. of Health & Family Services, Room 158, State Office Building, 1 W. Wilson St., Madison

53703 with appropriate payment so that they can change a Wisconsin birth certificate or other vital

record. Copies of the new birth certificate can be mailed to you upon request and appropriate payment.

See the Report of Legal Name Change for fee amounts or you can contact the State Vital Records

office directly at (608) 266-1374.

If you were born or married outside of Wisconsin: You will need to write to the other state's "vital records

office" and ask what it is they require to change your birth/marriage certificates. Addresses can be obtained

from your local library.

You may also want to take one certified copy to the Register of Deeds Office, Real Estate Recording Section,

Room 110 City County Building, and ask them to record it. This is important only if you own real estate in

Dane County. It will cost $30.

You may also want to take a certified copy of the name change order to the Social Security Administration

Last Updated: 8/5/11

Name Change Procedure For An Adult In Dane County Page 2