Name change costs vary by state, but most people pay between $100 and $500

Yes, changing your name costs money. The exact amount depends on which state you live in and whether you go through the court system or use an alternative route. Most states charge a court filing fee that ranges from about $100 to $300, though some states charge more. You may also pay for certified copies of your court order, which typically cost $5 to $25 each, and you might need to pay for a background check or fingerprinting in some places.

The total cost is usually manageable, but it is not free. If money is tight, some courts offer fee waivers or reductions if you can show you cannot afford the filing fee. You can ask the court clerk about this when you file.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees for a name change range from roughly $100 to $300 in most states, with some states charging more.
  • Certified copies of your court order cost extra, usually $5 to $25 per copy, and you will need multiple copies for banks, employers, and government agencies.
  • Some states require a background check or fingerprinting, which adds $20 to $100 to the total cost.
  • If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver or reduction from the court by showing financial hardship.

What the court filing fee covers

The filing fee is what you pay the court to process your name change petition. This fee covers the cost of the court clerk reviewing your paperwork, entering the order into the system, and issuing your court order. The amount varies significantly by state. For example, some states charge around $150, while others charge $250 or more. A few states charge less than $100.

When you file, the clerk will tell you the exact fee for your county or district. You pay this fee when you submit your petition, usually by check, money order, or credit card. Some courts allow online payment.

Certified copies and why you need multiple ones

After the court approves your name change, you receive a certified copy of the court order. This is the official document that proves your name has legally changed. You will need to show this to banks, employers, the Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, and other agencies.

One certified copy is usually not enough. Most people need at least three to five copies to handle all the places that require proof. Each certified copy costs money—typically $5 to $25 per copy, depending on the state and court. Some courts charge a flat fee for multiple copies ordered at once, while others charge per copy. Ask the court clerk how many copies you should order and what the cost will be.

Background checks and fingerprinting costs

Some states require a background check or fingerprinting as part of the name change process. This is more common in certain states and less common in others. If your state requires it, you will pay a separate fee, usually between $20 and $100, depending on the type of check and who conducts it.

The court or clerk's office will tell you whether this is required in your state and where to go to have it done. Sometimes you can do it at the courthouse; other times you go to a separate agency. Ask about this when you file your petition so you know what to expect.

Fee waivers if you cannot afford the cost

If the filing fee is a hardship for you, you can ask the court for a fee waiver or reduction. To do this, you fill out a form—often called a "Petition to Waive Court Fees" or "process for Waiver of Court Fees"—and submit it with your name change petition. On this form, you describe your income, expenses, and assets to show that you cannot afford the fee.

The judge reviews your request and decides whether to waive or reduce the fee. Many courts grant these requests. You do not lose your right to change your name if you cannot pay; the court system is supposed to have a way for people with low income to access it. Ask the court clerk for the fee waiver form when you call or visit.

Additional costs you might encounter

Beyond the court fee and certified copies, you may have other small costs. If you need to publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper (required in some states), that typically costs $50 to $200. Some people also pay for a notary to certify documents, which costs $5 to $15 per document.

If you hire an attorney to help with the process, that is an additional cost—usually $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the attorney and your location. Many people do the process themselves without an attorney, which saves this cost. The court clerk can often answer basic questions for free.

How to find out the exact cost in your state

The best way to learn the exact cost is to contact your local court clerk's office. Call the district court or superior court in your county and ask for the name change filing fee. The clerk can also tell you whether your state requires a background check, how much certified copies cost, and whether a newspaper notice is required.

Many court websites also list fees online. Search "[your state] name change court fee" or "[your county] district court fees" to find this information. Some states have a single fee schedule; others vary by county, so you need to check your specific location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name without going to court?

In most states, you must go through the court system to legally change your name. A few states allow name changes through the vital records office or another government agency without a court hearing, but this is rare. Check with your state's vital records office or court system to see if this option exists where you live.

Do I have to pay the full filing fee upfront?

Yes, the filing fee is due when you submit your petition. You cannot file without paying it, unless the court grants you a fee waiver. Some courts may allow you to pay in installments if you ask, but this is not standard. Ask the clerk about payment options when you file.

How many certified copies should I order?

Most people order at least three to five certified copies. You will need them for your bank, employer, Social Security Administration, motor vehicle department, and possibly your passport office. It is cheaper to order multiple copies at once than to request them later, so order more than you think you need.

What if I lose my certified copy after I get it?

You can request a replacement certified copy from the court clerk. You will pay the same fee as you did for the original copy. This is why ordering extra copies upfront is a good idea—it saves you from having to pay again if one gets lost.

Is there a way to reduce the total cost?

Yes. Do the paperwork yourself instead of hiring an attorney, which saves several hundred dollars. Order multiple certified copies at once rather than one at a time. Ask about fee waivers if you have low income. And check whether your state requires a newspaper notice—some do, some do not, so you might be able to skip that cost.