Nebraska Legal Name Changes: Your Guide to the Process

Whether you’re affirming your gender identity, aligning your name with your true self, or simply ready for a fresh start, changing your legal name is a powerful and personal step. And in Nebraska, the process is often more straightforward than people think—though there are a few formalities to know ahead of time.

The Basics: How Legal Name Changes Work in Nebraska

In Nebraska, adult name changes are handled through the District Court in the county where you live. The process begins by filing a Petition for Name Change, a formal request asking the court to approve your new legal name.

You’ll need to:

• Pay a filing fee (usually between $100–$150, depending on the county)

• Submit a proposed order for the judge to sign

• Possibly include an affidavit, depending on your county’s specific requirements

You’re not required to hire a lawyer, but many people find it helpful—especially if they’re navigating a gender marker update, family law matters, or immigration paperwork alongside the name change. Having someone in your corner can make the process feel less overwhelming.

Nebraska Still Requires Name Change Publication—But There Are Exceptions

Once your petition is filed, most Nebraska courts still require you to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. Yes, it feels outdated—but the idea is to give the public a chance to object (which rarely happens).

However, if publishing your name could put you at risk—because of domestic violence, gender transition, or another deeply personal reason—you can request a waiver of publication. This involves a short hearing and supporting documentation, such as:

• A protection order

• A letter from a therapist or healthcare provider

• A personal affidavit explaining the risk to your safety or privacy

It’s not guaranteed, but courts in Nebraska do make exceptions when there’s a clear and compelling reason to waive this step.

The Hearing: Making It Official

After the publication (or waiver) period, you’ll attend a brief hearing in front of a judge. If your petition is approved, the court will issue a certified order confirming your name change.

You’ll use this court order to update your name on:

• Social Security records

• Nebraska driver’s license or state ID

• Passport

• Bank accounts

• Insurance policies

• Professional licenses

• Any other documents tied to your identity

Most people start with Social Security, then move on to state ID and other records.

If You’re Changing Your Name as Part of a Gender Transition

You are not alone in this.

I work with trans, nonbinary, and queer Nebraskans who are navigating the legal name change process while affirming their identity. This system wasn’t built with your experience in mind, and that can make something that should be simple feel deeply exhausting.

But here’s the truth: you deserve to be legally recognized in a way that matches who you are. Whether this is a step you’ve been waiting years to take or something that’s come into focus more recently, you have options—and support.

How I Can Help

At Zachary W. Anderson Law, I provide legal support that’s affirming, practical, and tailored to your needs. I can:

• Prepare and file your name change petition

• Help you request a publication waiver if your safety or privacy is at risk

• Represent you at your court hearing

• Guide you through updating your records after the name change is approved

You don’t have to navigate this process alone.

Ready to Begin—or Just Exploring Your Options?

Whether you’re fully ready to move forward or just want to understand what’s involved, I’m here to help. I’ll meet you where you are—with clarity, compassion, and no judgment.

Contact Zachary W. Anderson Law at 402-259-0059 or email zach@zandersonlaw.com.

Let’s take this step together.