Name change costs vary by state, but most people pay between $150 and $500 in court fees
The cost to change your name depends on where you live. Some states charge as little as $100 to $200, while others charge $400 to $500 or more. You will also pay for certified copies of the court order, which typically cost $5 to $25 each. If you hire a lawyer, expect to add $500 to $1,500 in legal fees, though many people handle the paperwork themselves and pay only the court filing fee.
The largest expense is almost always the court filing fee itself. This is what you pay to submit your petition to the court. Some counties within the same state charge different amounts, so calling your local courthouse or checking their website will give you the exact number for your location. A few states offer fee waivers if you cannot afford to pay, though you will need to show proof of low income.
After the court approves your name change, you will need certified copies of the order. Most people order between three and five copies to use when updating their Social Security card, driver's license, and bank accounts. Each copy costs money, and you may need to order them from the courthouse or a document service.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees range from $100 to $500 depending on your state and county, and this is the main cost you will face.
- Certified copies of your name change order cost $5 to $25 each, and you will need at least three to update your identification and financial accounts.
- You can file the paperwork yourself to avoid lawyer fees, though some people pay $500 to $1,500 to have an attorney handle it.
- Some states and counties offer fee waivers for people with low income, but you must request one and provide proof when you file.
How court filing fees break down by state
Filing fees are set by each state's court system and vary widely. California charges around $435, while Texas charges roughly $300 to $400 depending on the county. New York charges between $210 and $335. Florida charges around $200 to $300. These amounts change periodically, so you should contact your county courthouse directly or visit their website to confirm the current fee before you file.
Some states have lower fees. Illinois charges approximately $150 to $200, and Ohio charges around $200. A few states charge less than $150, though this is less common. The fee covers the cost of the court processing your petition, reviewing it, and issuing the order.
County-level variation matters. Even within states that set a statewide fee, individual counties sometimes add their own charges. For example, some counties charge an additional processing or administrative fee on top of the base filing fee. Always call the courthouse in the county where you will file to get the exact total you will owe.
What certified copies cost and why you need them
Once the court approves your name change, you receive an order. You will need certified copies of this order to prove the change is legal. Certified copies are official documents stamped and signed by the court clerk. They cost between $5 and $25 per copy, depending on your state and county.
Most people order three to five copies. You will need one for your Social Security card process, one for your driver's license or state ID, and one for your bank. If you have other accounts—insurance, employment records, utilities—you may need additional copies. Some organizations accept a photocopy, but government agencies and financial institutions almost always require a certified copy.
You can order certified copies at the same time you file your petition, or you can order them later after the court approves your change. Ordering them at the same time is often faster. Some courthouses allow you to order copies by mail or online, while others require you to visit in person or use a document service that charges a small fee to retrieve them for you.
Whether hiring a lawyer makes financial sense
You do not need a lawyer to change your name. The process involves filling out a petition form, filing it with the court, and attending a brief hearing in many states. If you are comfortable with paperwork and following instructions, you can do this yourself and pay only the court fee and certified copy costs.
A lawyer will charge between $500 and $1,500 to handle the entire process, depending on where you live and how complex your situation is. If your case is straightforward—you have no criminal history, no outstanding debts, and no custody disputes—a lawyer is usually unnecessary. However, if you have legal complications, such as an active custody case or concerns about creditors, a lawyer can help you navigate those issues and protect your interests.
Many legal aid organizations offer low-cost or free consultations. If you are unsure whether you need a lawyer, you can call a local legal aid office or bar association to discuss your specific situation before deciding to hire one.
Fee waivers and payment plans for people with low income
Most states allow you to request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the court filing fee. To may have access to, you typically must show that your income is at or below a certain percentage of the federal poverty line. The exact threshold varies by state, but generally you must demonstrate financial hardship.
To request a waiver, you file a separate form—often called a "Motion to Waive Court Fees" or "Affidavit of Indigency"—along with your name change petition. You will need to provide proof of your income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from a benefits program. The judge reviews your request and decides whether to grant it. If approved, you pay nothing for the filing fee.
Some courts offer payment plans instead of waivers, allowing you to pay the fee in installments over several months. Ask the courthouse clerk whether your county offers this option. Even if a waiver is denied, you can ask about a payment plan as an alternative.
Additional costs you may encounter
Beyond the court fee and certified copies, you may have other expenses. If you need to publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper—required in some states—this typically costs $50 to $200 depending on the publication. Not all states require publication, so check your state's rules before assuming you need to pay for this.
If you use an online legal document service to prepare your forms, you may pay $50 to $300 for the service. These services are optional; you can obtain the forms free from your courthouse or state court website. However, some people find them helpful if they are unsure how to fill out the paperwork correctly.
You will also need to budget for updating your identification documents. Getting a new Social Security card is free, but a replacement driver's license or state ID typically costs $15 to $50 depending on your state. These costs come after the name change is approved, not before.
How to find the exact cost in your area
The most reliable way to learn the exact cost is to contact your county courthouse directly. Call the civil court clerk's office and ask for the current filing fee for a name change petition. Provide your county name so they give you the correct amount, since fees vary by location.
You can also visit your state court system's website, which usually lists filing fees by case type. Search for "name change filing fee" plus your state name. Many county courthouses now post their fees online, and some allow you to view sample forms and instructions as well.
If you are considering a lawyer, call your state bar association or local legal aid office to ask about typical costs in your area. They can also tell you whether fee waivers are available and how to request one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name without going to court?
In most states, you must file a petition with the court and attend a hearing. A few states allow administrative name changes through the vital records office for certain situations, such as after marriage or divorce, but these are exceptions. For a general name change, court involvement is required in nearly all states.
What if I cannot afford the court filing fee?
You can request a fee waiver by filing a motion showing your income is below the poverty threshold. You will need to provide proof such as pay stubs or benefit letters. If the judge approves, you pay nothing. Some courts also offer payment plans if a waiver is denied.
Do I need to pay for certified copies all at once?
No. You can order certified copies when you need them. Many people order a few copies right after the court approves the change, then order more later if they discover they need them for additional accounts or organizations.
How long does it take to get certified copies after the court approves my name change?
This varies by courthouse. Some provide copies within a few days, while others take one to two weeks. Ask the clerk how long the wait is in your county and whether you can order copies by mail or online to avoid visiting in person.
Will I have to pay court fees again if I change my name back later?
Yes. Changing your name back requires a separate petition and filing fee, just like the original change. The cost will be the same as what you paid the first time.