Amends GS 101-5 to require additional information be submitted to the clerk of court from a person desiring a name change, including information from the person’s birth certificate, certified results of an official state and national criminal history record check, and a sworn statement concerning the person’s residence, involvement with bankruptcy proceedings, and outstanding tax or child support obligations. Requires clerk to forward an order granting a name change to the Division of Criminal Information at the State Bureau of Investigation. Creates process for the issuance of a denial of the requested name change by the clerk and for the appeal of such a denial by the applicant to the chief resident superior court judge within 30 days of the denial. Mandates that applicants who unsuccessfully appeal a denial must wait at least 12 months before submitting a new application.