Changing your legal name can be an important way to make sure your official records match who you are. For many LGBTQ+ Iowans, especially those who are transgender, nonbinary, or intersex, this step can make daily life easier and provide a sense of safety and affirmation. This guide will show you how to legally change your name with confidence.
Birth Certificate
First, obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you were born in Iowa, visit https://www.iowa.gov/how-do-i-get-marriage-birth-and-death-records for ordering and fee information.
If you were born outside Iowa, request a certified copy of your birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the appropriate issuing authority. For more information, visit Advocates for Trans Equality.
Petition for Change of Name
Next, you’ll need to complete a Petition for Change of Name. A sample Petition is available on the Iowa Judicial Branch’s website.
Court Filing
Your Petition and birth certificate must be filed with the court in the county where you reside using Iowa’s Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). Create an account following these instructions, then upload both documents and pay the filing fee. If you are married or are age 18 or younger, additional documents may need to be filed (see Additional Documents below).
Fees and Timing
The filing fee is $195. If you cannot prepay, you may request a fee deferral; this postpones payment but does not waive the amount.
Courts will enter a Decree of Name Change granting the name change no sooner than 30 days after the date when the birth certificate and Petition were filed. You will receive an email notifying you when the court has entered the Decree. After the court issues the Decree, call the clerk of court’s office to order a certified copy of the Decree, or two certified copies if you can afford it. A fee (currently $31.50) applies for each certified copy of the Decree you order.
Additional Documents
If you are married, you must also file proof that you gave legal notice to your spouse. For minors under age 18, additional rules apply: children 14 or older need to file their written consent, and parental consents are required unless the court finds that specific legal grounds are met (e.g., abandonment, failure to provide support without good cause, or no objection after proper notice). These Notice and Consent forms are available on the Iowa Judicial Branch’s website. All documents must be filed using EDMS.
After the Decree
After the court grants your Decree, if you were born in Iowa, the clerk will send an abstract to the state vital records office to update your birth record. If born outside Iowa, you must send a certified abstract to your birth state’s vital records office yourself. Then, use your certified Decree to update records such as Social Security, driver’s license/state ID, banking, employment, and tax documents, ensuring everything matches your new legal name. For more information about updating your state, federal, and financial documents, visit Advocates for Trans Equality.
Important Note on Gender Markers
Under Iowa law, changing the sex designation on Iowa birth certificates is no longer permitted. Federal policies have also changed; gender marker changes and “X” markers are no longer allowed for U.S. passports and certain other federal identity documents.
Taking these steps to change your legal name can be vital for ensuring all your official records reflect your authentic identity.
