Hawaii Name Change Application Instructions - Online Filing & Required Documents

Sep 19, 2026

Instructions for completing a Hawaii name change application, including when a name change is not necessary, non-refundable filing and service fees, and potential correction steps that require re-opening an application rather than submitting a new one. Details required evidence and documents, such as certified birth certificates, naturalization materials, and translations into English. Explains notarization requirements, submission timelines, how to use the online portal, application session time-out, payment, document download and printing, plus contact options for technical help and procedure questions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Key eligibility and exceptions

Fees and non-refundable costs

Corrections after submission

Required certified documents

Notarization and submission timeline

Online steps, payment, and downloading forms

PLEASE NOTE: A name change is NOT necessary if: • You are a Hawaii resident who was married in the State of Hawaii and declared on your Marriage Certificate that you will be taking your spouse’s name. • You are divorced and your Divorce Decree stipulates resumption of a maiden name or previous name. Please read the following instructions before starting your application. • Non-refundable Filing Fees. There is a non-refundable $50.00 filing fee, $1.00 archive fee and $5.00 service fee for Name Change applications submitted online. Additional fees apply. All fees are non-refundable. • Additional Fees. Additional costs include: cost to publish Notice of Name Change (for rates contact the Star Advertiser at [legals@staradvertiser.com](legals@staradvertiser.com)); and Recording fee $41.00 to file the Order with the Bureau of Conveyances. All fees are non-refundable. • Corrections to your Name Change application. If corrections to your application are needed, you must first contact the Office of the Lt. Governor to re-open your application. Do not start a new application. • Certified Copy of Birth Certificate. If you were born in the United States, you must submit a newly-issued birth certificate that is no older than 90 days. If the name change is for a minor child, the birth certificate for the child must be no older than 90 days. Parents petitioning for a child must also submit birth certificates, but these may be photocopies of original documents. To obtain a certified copy of a Hawaii birth certificate, [please visit vitrec.ehawaii.gov](please visit vitrec.ehawaii.gov). For applicants who were not born in the United States, the following is required: o Original Certificate of Naturalization; or o If the applicant is not a U.S. Citizen: • A copy of passport and birth certificate (translated into English if applicable) OR • A copy of passport and family register OR • A copy of passport and alien registration card (green card) For United States citizens who were not born in the United States and do not have a certificate of Naturalization, please contact our office [at LTgov.help@hawaii.gov](at LTgov.help@hawaii.gov). Notarizing your Name Change Petition. Petition must be notarized by a Notary Public commissioned in the State of Hawaii and submitted within 30 days of notarization. • Online Help. For technical assistance please contact Technical Support at (808) 695-4620, Mon-Fri excluding holidays, 7:45am-4:30pm. • Name Change Procedure Questions. Please contact the Office of the Lieutenant [Governor at](Governor at LTgov.help@hawaii.gov. The Office of )[ LTgov.help@hawaii.gov](Governor at LTgov.help@hawaii.gov. The Office of )[. The Office of ](Governor at LTgov.help@hawaii.gov. The Office of )the Lieutenant Governor cannot render legal advice regarding name changes. If you have legal questions, you should contact an attorney. THE APPLICATION PROCESS 1. Log into [namechange.ehawaii.gov](namechange.ehawaii.gov) with your [ehawaii.gov](ehawaii.gov) username and password. If you do not have an account, create a free account by clicking on 'Create Free Account' on the log in page. 2. Complete your name change application. After logging in, select your application type (i.e., individual, couple, minor) and proceed to fill out your application. Your session will time-out after 120 minutes and your application will not be saved until a payment is made. Note: If you are filling out the application as a parent for a minor child, you are the Applicant (Petitioner) . Before starting your online application, be prepared to enter the following information: Legal Names • Applicant’s name (this is your current full legal name). Include any diacritical marks in your name, such as ʻokina. • Applicant’s mother’s maiden name • Applicant’s father’s name Other Names • Applicant’s name on Birth Certificate o Birth Certificate date (original date of issue) o Birth Certificate number •

FAQs

When is a Hawaii name change not necessary?

A name change is not necessary if the applicant is a Hawaii resident who married in Hawaii and declared the spouse’s name on the marriage certificate, or if a divorce decree requires resumption of a maiden name or previous name.

What fees apply to an online name change application?

Online filings include a non-refundable $50.00 filing fee, $1.00 archive fee, and $5.00 service fee. Additional costs may include publishing a notice and a recording fee, and all fees are non-refundable.

What is required for notarizing and submitting the petition?

The petition must be notarized by a Notary Public commissioned in the State of Hawaii and submitted within 30 days of notarization. For a minor, all parents on the child’s birth certificate must sign and notarize the petition or consent form.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Olivia Brown