LIAM’s Name Change Project now offers free clinics for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals, instead of one-on-one appointments.
We assist these individuals in navigating the complex legal process of changing names in Illinois*. For many in the transgender community, obtaining a legal name change is a crucial step toward aligning their legal identity with their authentic selves. Lack of appropriate identity documents can create barriers to employment, education, and access to public services, often leading to discrimination.
*While this service is available to all Illinois residents, we can only provide financial assistance (outside of fee waivers), transportation, and specific fee information for Winnebago and Boone counties. If you have any questions, please bring them up at the clinic or contact us by email when we reach out to you.
How Our Process Works
Step 1: Complete the Name Change Registration Form
All initial requests for name change assistance must be submitted through our online registration form below.
Step 2: LIAM Determines Your Eligibility for Assistance
Once we have evaluated your initial intake form, we may respond in one of three ways:
- Information Request
Sometimes, we may need to complete a phone intake to gather additional information or to prepare you for the required documentation. These phone intakes typically take 5-10 minutes, are conducted by LIAM staff members, and are confidential. - Clinic Assignment
Occasionally, clinics can be assigned without any additional information requests nor an intake call. However, we will still contact you to sign a Participant Agreement, which outlines critical aspects of our program, before you begin working with a volunteer at our clinics. - Decline
Unfortunately, we are unable to assist anyone outside of our service area. If you are not eligible due to your location, we will inform you via email, and we will provide self-help resources and/or referrals to other organizations whenever possible.
Step 3: Attend a Name Change Clinic
If eligible, you will be scheduled for a name change clinic after the Participant Agreement is signed.
Please contact us with any questions.
Note: LIAM does not directly represent individuals seeking legal name changes. Instead, LIAM aids participants in the Name Change Project with filing pro se—everyone has the right to file an action on their own. However, remember that as a pro se litigant, you are representing yourself.
Tell Us About Yourself
Disclosure: Collection of Demographic Information
At The LIAM Foundation, we collect demographic information to better understand and serve the diverse needs of our community. Demographic data includes but is not limited to age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
The information collected helps us: Ensure Inclusivity, Identify Disparities, Measure Impact, Advocate for Funding & Comply with Legal Requirements.
At The LIAM Foundation, protecting the privacy and confidentiality of individuals’ demographic information is paramount. Thank you for helping us gather this valuable information to better serve you and our community.