Requires criminal background check for name change; prohibits persons convicted of violent crime or domestic violence offense from changing name.

This bill requires a criminal background check for anyone seeking to legally change their name in New Jersey. It prohibits individuals convicted of violent crimes (like assault, murder, or sexual assault) or domestic violence offenses from changing their name, unless the request is for religious reasons. The court must notify victims or their immediate family members if an applicant has such convictions. The background check, paid for by the applicant, involves fingerprinting and cross-referencing state and federal criminal records.