New Illinois law effective this year will streamline process for changing names

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — A new law going into effect in March will make it easier for people living in Illinois to change their names.

House Bill 5164 goes into effect March 1 and was signed by Governor JB Pritzker late last week.

It repeals the requirement to publish a public name change notice.

“When someone is seeking a name change, whether it is to protect themselves from domestic violence or to affirm one’s identity, everyone deserves the right to do so without the burden of the cumbersome and expensive publication process,” State Senator Ram Villivalam said. “Additionally, by requiring residents to publish their name change, it relinquishes the privacy of such individuals and can be harmful to their safety or well-being.”

The new law also quickens the process to allow people living in Illinois to change their names. Previously, individuals had to be a resident of the state for six months. Now, the person looking to change their name must have lived in Illinois for three months.

Also beginning March 1, a person looking to change their name may file a motion to have the court file impounded.

This motion would include a statement that the person believes public disclosure would be a “hardship” or would have a negative impact on the person’s health or safety. This includes, but is not limited to, if the person is transgender, adopted, a survivor of domestic violence or a refugee.

If a court grants a motion to impound the file, the name change would still be reported to the Illinois State Police. And, State Police would be required to update any criminal history, if applicable, to include the name change, as well as the individual’s former name.

You can read more about the new law here.