An Act amending Title 54 (Names) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name and for change by order of court, providing for change by administrative application and further providing for effect on children.

SB 448 creates a new administrative process for adults in Pennsylvania to change their legal name through the Department of Health, alongside the existing court-based process. It requires applicants to submit forms online, at driver's license centers, or at health department locations, and to provide background checks (via county search certificates) and proof of identity. Minors seeking name changes must have parental consent or demonstrate they made reasonable efforts to obtain it, with the Department of Health holding a conference before approving the change. The bill also preserves the option for adults to use a name consistently without legal change, as long as it's nonfraudulent. This applies directly to individuals seeking name changes, with the Department of Health handling approvals instead of courts for most adult cases.