AR HB1473

Name change petitions must be submitted as verified petitions in writing that embody the reasons for the application.

Court orders for name changes must include the petitioner's prior name, birth date, identifying information (such as social security number or driver's license number as deemed appropriate), and new name.

Petitioners must omit or redact all confidential information from case records submitted to the court, and the clerk must ensure all identifying information within the case other than the new and prior names is properly redacted.

The clerk must deliver unredacted orders to the Arkansas Crime Information Center, Arkansas Driver Control, and the Division of Vital Records if requested by the petitioner.

Courts may order name change case files sealed upon clear and convincing evidence presented by the petitioner that the petitioner would otherwise be endangered.