Fingerprints For Name Change in Florida

Beginning last October 1, 2009, all persons filing forthen be sent to clerk of the court in the county
a legal name change in Florida are required towhere you have filed your name change request
have their fingerprints taken electronically for aand the court will review the report to determine
state and national criminal history records check.whether or not you qualify under state rules/laws
This new rule does not apply to a legal nameto have your name changed. This new rule also
change for a woman wanting to change her nameapplies to parents who are filing a legal name
back to her previous maiden/married name.change for their child(ren). The only exemption is
You can have your fingerprints taken at almost allfor women who are changing their name back to
of the 67 county sheriffs' offices locatedtheir maiden name after a divorce.
throughout the state for a fee of around $48.00After your name change has been granted by
and they will submit them electronically to thethe court, the clerk of the court will then send a
appropriate agencies including the FBI. The clerk ofreport of the court order changing your name to
the court will give you the location of the localthe department of law enforcement and the
sheriffs' office or a service provider that isdepartment of highway safety and motor
authorized to submit fingerprints electronically invehicles.
your area. Your criminal history report/record will