How Do I Change the Name on My Birth Certificate in Arkansas?
Full Question:
Answer:
You may request a court ordered name change, which can be used to change your birth certificate. You may also want to have the court include in its order of name change an order for your birth certificate to be amended.
The process for obtaining a name change in the State of Arkansas begins with the filing of a Petition for Change of Name with the Chancery or Circuit Court in the jurisdiction in which Petitioner resides. The Petition informs the Court of the Petitioner’s name, the name the Petitioner wishes to adopt, and the reasons for the requested name change.
After the Petition is filed and the required fee is paid, the Court may or may not set the Petition for a hearing. If a Hearing is scheduled, the Court may inquire into the circumstances surrounding the Petition and the reasons for the name change request. If, from the Petition, with or without a hearing, it appears to the court that the Petitioner is entitled to the requested relief, the court will issue an Order allowing the requested name change. Thereafter the Petitioner is entitled to use the new name.
For specific procedures on amending the birth certificate, you may contact the Vital Records Department at the following:
Arkansas Department of Health
4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
1-501-661-2000 or 1-800-462-0599