Steps for Changing Legal Documents

Pinellas County Services (Administrative Offices)

32513rdAvenue North, Suite 125
St. Petersburg, FL 33713-7602
Phone(727) 321-3854
Fax(727) 327-7670

Hillsborough County Services

1315 East 7th Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605-3607
Phone(813) 232-3808
Fax(813) 234-3075

Pasco/Hernando County Services

4747 US Highway 19

New Port Richey, FL 34652
Phone(727) 494-7625
Fax(727) 494-7629

Name Change:

  • Fill out Petition for Legal Name Change (can also be done online)
  • Petition must be notarized
  • Form to waive court fee- Indigent Application (if you qualify)
  • Fingerprints/Background Check
  • Get fingerprinted for Legal Name Change
  • Pinellas: Clearwater Sherriff’s Department
  • Hillsborough: Tampa Police Department
  • Print proof of payment page when completed
  • Bring completed documents to courthouse
  • File all of the following (if you have them): Petition for Legal Name Change, Receipt/payment proof for Fingerprints, Birth Certificate (copy), Driver’s license (copy), Social Security Card (copy), Indigent Application (if you qualify for cost assistance), and anything else you think they might need
  • You will most likely hear back with your court date (or receive your official court order in mail) within about 1 to 3 months
  • Day of hearing (may not apply if you receive court order in mail)
  • Dress nice and bring your driver’s license
  • If the judge asks you why you wish to change your name, simply state “this better suits me” or something similar/vague
  • Once the judge officially signs your court order, make sure to purchase certified copies

Social Security:

  • You may change your name with Social Security as soon as you have your official court order signed by the judge
  • You may change your gender with Social Security if you have an HRT letter from your physician

Driver’s License:

  • You must wait 48 hours to change your name at the DMV
  • Bring an official copy of your court order signed by the judge
  • You may change your gender marker (if you wish) at any time if you have an HRT letter from your physician
  • Passport can be updated used in lieu of birth certificate to match D.L. or with certified court order and notarized letter from physician.

If you have any questions, please contact Lucas at