Essex, CT · Middlesex County
Certificate of Change of Name
This certificate records a property owner's name change in Essex land records; the property owner completes it and submits it to the Town Clerk for recording.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
This certificate records a property owner's change of name in the Essex land records, showing the former and new names and the reason for the change, such as marriage, divorce, or adoption. Essex instructs the property owner to complete the form, sign it before a notary and a witness, then return it to the Town Clerk for recording; the form lists a $70 recording charge for a single-page document.
Who needs it
A property owner whose name has changed and whose property is listed in Essex land records completes this certificate to have the change recorded.
Why it needs a notary
The form carries an oath-and-acknowledgment jurat stating the signer appeared before the notary, swore to the statement, and acknowledged it; the property owner signs before a notary and witness.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Certificate
Get the Certificate of Change of Name from the Essex website.
- 2
Fill In the Details
Enter the property owner's former and new names, the reason for the change, and the requested land-record information.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Book a commissioned online notary and arrange for the witness required by the form.
- 4
Sign on Video
Sign before the notary during the online session and have the witness present as required.
- 5
Submit to the Town
Return the completed certificate to the Essex Town Clerk for recording.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Essex. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I complete and file the certificate?
- Complete the certificate with the old and new names and change reason, sign it before a notary and witness, then return it to the Essex Town Clerk for recording.
- Do I need a witness as well as a notary?
- Yes. The form instructions require the property owner to sign in the presence of both a notary and a witness.
- Can I use online notarization for this form?
- Connecticut authorizes remote online notarization by its notaries under Public Act 23-28, codified at Conn. Gen. Stat. §3-95b. A commissioned online notary can notarize eligible documents; arrange for the required witness too.
- Where do I return the completed certificate, and what is the fee?
- The instructions say to return the certificate to the Town Clerk for recording and list a $70 charge for a single-page document. Confirm with the town clerk if unsure.
Certificate of Change of Name in other Connecticut cities
Each city publishes its own version of this form. Pick the city where you’re filing.