Name Change

Adult Name Change

You may file this type of case when an adult wants the court to change his or her name. This is not to be used in connection with a marriage, dissolution of marriage or for the adoption of child(ren). If you want a change of name because of a dissolution of marriage or adoption of child(ren) that is not yet final, the change of name should be requested as part of that case.

Minor Name Change

You may file this type of case when parents want the court to change the name of their minor child(ren). For the purposes of this proceeding, a person under the age of 18 is a minor. This is not to be used in connection with an adoption, dissolution of marriage, or paternity action. If you want a change of name for your child(ren) because of an adoption or paternity action that is not yet final, the change of name should be requested as part of that case.

Family Name Change

You may file this type of case when a family wants the court to change its name. This is not to be used in connection with a dissolution of marriage, paternity, or adoption action. If you want a change of name because of a dissolution of marriage, paternity, or adoption action that is not yet final, the change of name should be requested as part of that case.

Location

Name change services are available at our Bartow or Northeast offices only.

Forms & Resources

Checklist

The 10th Judicial Circuit Court website provides a checklist that may be helpful for self-represented litigants. This resource is free. The checklist identifies the forms that may be needed. Download the checklist then visit the resources below to find the needed forms.

Forms

The Florida Court's Self-Help Center provides a variety of forms that may be needed. There is no cost to access these forms.

The 10th Judicial Circuit Court website provides a few local forms that may also be needed.

The Applicant Waiver Agreement and Statement form from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement may also be needed.

Electronic Fingerprint Instructions

File your name change action with the Clerk's office prior to being fingerprinted. Follow these steps to obtain the necessary fingerprints required for a name change, except where a former name is being restored:

You must be fingerprinted by an approved provider using code ORI FL924040z. See listing below.
The provider will submit your electronic fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to obtain a criminal records check.
You are responsible for payment of all fees. Contact the provider for fees.
The results will be returned to the Clerk’s office where the information is held in a secure area and not subject to public record disclosure.
Please allow two weeks after fingerprinting for the results to be filed.

Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights

Approved Providers

Please contact the agency of your choice for their location, hours of service and fees. Important: You must provide the agency with the following ORI number for the results to be remitted to the Polk County Clerk of Courts: FL924040Z

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides a list of approved providers.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office also provides services at the following locations:

Main Sheriff’s Office
863-298-6242
1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880
(Behind County Utilities Off Hwy 540/Winterlake Rd)

N.W. District
863-577-1600
1045 Wedgewood Estates Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33809
(Next To The Best Buy Plaza Across From The Lakeland Mall)

N.E. District
863-236-3900
1100 Dunson Rd, Davenport, FL 33896
(North Of The Cracker Barrel)

S.E. District
863-678-4115/678-4170
4011 Sgt. Mary Campbell Way, Lake Wales, FL 33859
(Behind the Walgreens Across From the Lake Wales Mall)

S.W. District
863-499-2400
4120 U.S. Hwy 98 S, Lakeland, FL 33812
(In Front of Polk State College)