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 clean slate, changing your legal name is a powerful, personal decision. And in Nebraska, the process is often more straightforward than people expect—though it does involve a few formal steps that are good to know ahead of time.

In Nebraska, adult name changes are handled by the District Court in the county where you legally reside. You’ll start by filing a Petition for Name Change, which is a formal request asking the court to approve your new legal name. There’s a filing fee (usually between $100 and $150, depending on the county), and you’ll also need to submit a proposed order and possibly an affidavit, depending on what your local court requires. While you’re not required to have a lawyer, having someone walk you through the paperwork and the process can take a lot of pressure off—especially if you’re navigating this alongside things like a gender marker update, family law matters, or immigration-related filings.

Once your petition is filed, most courts will require you to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. That’s still standard practice in Nebraska—though, yes, it feels outdated. The purpose is to give notice to the public in case someone wants to object (which is rare). But if publishing your name could put your safety at risk—say, due to domestic violence, gender transition, or another deeply personal reason—you can request that the court waive the publication requirement. That usually involves a short hearing and supporting documentation, like a protective order or affidavit. It’s not automatic, but judges do make exceptions when there’s a clear reason.

After the publication (or waiver), you’ll attend a brief hearing where the judge reviews your petition. If approved, you’ll be issued a certified court order that makes your name change official. From there, you’ll use that order to update your name on all your legal records. It’s usually recommended to start with your Social Security record, then move on to your driver’s license or state ID, and finally your passport, bank accounts, insurance, professional licenses, and any other documents tied to your identity.

If you’re changing your name as part of a gender transition, please know this: you’re not alone in this. I work with trans, nonbinary, and queer Nebraskans who are simply trying to show up in the world as who they truly are. This process can feel overwhelming—not because it’s impossible, but because the system wasn’t built with your experience in mind. That’s why having someone in your corner matters.

Whether this name change is something you’ve been waiting years to do or a decision you just made recently, you deserve to be legally recognized in a way that matches who you are. If you’re ready to move forward—or if you’re just not sure where to begin—I’m here to help.

As your attorney, I can prepare and file your court documents, help you navigate the publication waiver process if needed, represent you at your hearing, and walk you through the steps to update your name across your personal and legal records. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Reach out if you’re ready—or even if you’re just exploring your options. I’ll meet you where you are and help you take the next step, with clarity and compassion. Contact me at 402-259-0059 or zach@zandersonlaw.com.