Skip to content
LitigationForms
JDF432

Guide to Adult Name Changes

Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective March 1, 2026

This guide explains the steps for an adult to legally change their name through the court system. It outlines required paperwork, background checks, and publication steps needed to get the name change officially recorded.

Open the official PDFfrom Colorado Judicial Branch

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This guide is used by someone who needs to change their legal name as an adult. It details the process from filing the initial paperwork to getting the final court order.

Either party may file.

Common questions

Do I always have to publish my name change?
Unless the Court waives it, you will need to publish a notice of the name change before the order can be issued.
What do I need to attach when I start the case?
You must attach fingerprint-based criminal history checks and any certified copies of criminal dispositions not shown on the reports.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect March 1, 2026.

Related forms

  • JDF 385

    Guide to Name Changes (Prior Felons)

    This guide provides instructions for people who have a felony conviction or juvenile delinquency record and need to legally change their name to get a driver's license or ID card in Colorado. It outlines several steps, including getting background checks and filing specific forms with the court.

  • JDF426

    Order for Publication for Change of Name

    This form is an order from the court that allows a person or parent to officially change a name. It states that the court has reviewed the request and found that the name change is proper.

    Fillable PDFWord
  • JDF427

    Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

    This form is a public announcement that a request has been filed with the court to change someone's name. It states the person's current name and the name they are asking to change it to.

    Fillable PDF
  • JDF 433

    Petition for Change of Name - Adult

    This form is a request to the court to legally change a person's name. It asks the court to approve the change and requires the person to provide details about their current name, the new name, and why they are requesting the change.

    Word
  • JDF 448

    Name Change Decree

    This form is a Name Change Decree that the court uses to officially approve a change of name. It records the old name and the new name that the court has approved.

    Fillable PDFWord
  • JDF 386

    Petition for Name Change (prior felon)

    This form is a request to the court to legally change a person's name, specifically for someone who has been convicted of a felony. It asks the filer to provide current and desired names, and to answer questions about their criminal history and the reason for the change.

    Fillable PDF
  • JDF 387

    Final Decree for Change of Name to Obtain Identity Related Documents

    This form is a final court order that officially changes a person's name. It is used when the court agrees that the name change is proper and allows the person to use the new name for official documents.

    Word
  • JDF 388

    Instructions for Filing a Change of Name for an Individual 70 Years of Age or Older

    These instructions explain the process for filing a request to change a name for a person who is 70 years old or older. The instructions detail required forms, necessary background checks, and the steps needed to file the case with the court.

    Word