To obtain a legal name change in Minnesota, an applicant must submit a petition to the court and bring two witnesses to the court as proof of identity. There is no general publication requirement for adults, but there are publication requirements if the applicant has interest in land or is a minor. The order is filed in a judgment book and auditor’s records, however the court records can be sealed if the applicant is in the witness and victim protection program. Applicants with a felony conviction may request a name change only once. Upon petition approval, applicants with a criminal history must report the name change to Bureau of Apprehension within ten days or will be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. (Minn. Stat. Ann. §§ 259.10-259.13).
For instructions on legal name changes for minors under 18 in Minnesota, see NCTE's Name Changes for Minors in Minnesota resource.