To obtain a legal name change in Maryland, an applicant must submit a petition to the court. The court will issue a docket notice and deadline for objections. The applicant must publish notice of the petition once in a county newspaper at least fifteen days before the objections deadline unless the court grants the petitioner’s motion to waive the publication requirement. (MD R SPEC P Rule 15-901).
For instructions on legal name changes for minors under 18 in Maryland, see NCTE's Name Changes for Minors in Maryland resource.