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Name Change
Name changes are governed by state laws (735 ILCS 5/21-101 et seq). There are many reasons why people seek a name change. Some examples may include being born with a surname which, for various reasons, has caused a problem, a divorced spouse who failed to have his or her maiden name restored at the time of a divorce, or an adopted child who now wants to take on the name of their adoptive parents.
Name Change by Marriage
If you change your name after your marriage, a certified copy of your marriage license will be required. Please visit the Marriage License page or contact the Lake County Clerk's office for more information.
Lake County Clerk | 18 N County Street, Room 101 | Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-377-2400 | Fax: 847-360-3608
Name Change by Legal Proceedings
If you are going through divorce proceedings, you can request the name change on your Judgment of Dissolution. If you are going through an adoption case, you can request to change the child's name on the Judgment Order for Adoption.
If you wish to change your name for other reasons than through marriage, adoption, or divorce proceedings, see the information on this website as well as the forms for adult and minor name changes available on the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s website.