Changing an Adult’s Name
Changing an adult’s name in a divorce
As part of a divorce, you can file a petition to change your name back to either the name on your birth certificate or the name you had immediately before the marriage. You should include your request to change your name as part of the petition for the divorce or answer to the divorce papers. The court will include the name change in the final decree. See Iowa Code section 598.37 for details.
For more information on divorce, visit our section on Divorce.
Changing an adult’s name outside of a divorce
To change your name, but not as part of a divorce, you must electronically file the Petition for Change of Name (Adult—no dissolution of marriage) and pay a filing fee.
You will provide the following information on the form: 
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your current name
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the county where you currently live
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your height, weight, hair and eye color, race, sex, and place and date of birth
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your current address and addresses for places you have lived during the past five years
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the reason you are making the request
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a legal description of all real estate in Iowa that you either: (1) own or (2) have a legal interest in
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A “legal description” is more than just a street address. If you need a legal description of your property, visit the County Auditor, Assessor, or Recorder in the county where the property is located, or check their website for online access options. Clerks of court offices do not have legal description records.
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the new name you are requesting to take
You will also need to file a certified copy of your birth certificate or a different form of identification with an explanation for why you cannot supply your birth certificate.
If you are married, your spouse must be officially notified of your petition (“served”), which may cost an additional fee.
Iowa Laws
Forms
Petition for Change of Name (Adult—no dissolution of marriage)