Special Instructions for Name Change - Persons Age 22 / Older

Under Michigan law, every person 22 years of age or older who is requesting a name change must have a complete set of fingerprints taken at a local police agency. Those fingerprints will be used by the Michigan State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation to check criminal records. The Michigan State Police will send a report to the court regarding any criminal records.

Every person 22 years of age or older whose name appears on the Petition for Name Change must follow these instructions before the Court can act on the petition:

• File Petition for Name Change with Probate Office and pay filing fee.
• Make 1 copy of the completed Petition for Name Change (Form PC 51).
• Go to your local police agency for the fingerprint card and to have your fingerprints taken. They will advise you of the appropriate fee. Take a copy of the Petition for Name Change with you.
• After you have had your fingerprints taken, mail or deliver the copy of the Petition for Name Change, the fingerprint card, and the appropriate fee to the Michigan State Police. The fee must be made payable to the State of Michigan. Mail or deliver to:
  
  Michigan State Police
  Criminal Justice Information Center
  P.O. Box 30266
  Lansing, MI 48909
• The Michigan State Police will review their criminal records and will forward the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Once the Federal Bureau of Investigation has reviewed their records and reported the information to the Michigan State Police, the Michigan State Police will send a report to the Court.
• After the court receives the required report from the Michigan State Police, the Court can schedule a hearing on your Petition for Name Change and will mail you a notice when the required report is received. This process may take eight weeks after you mail or deliver your fingerprint card to the Michigan State Police.