Name change costs vary by state and court, from $0 to $500

The cost to change your name depends on where you live and which court handles the petition. Most states charge between $150 and $300 in filing fees, though some charge less and a few charge more. A handful of states offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the cost. Some courts allow you to change your name for free or nearly free if you are changing it as part of another legal process — like a divorce or adoption — rather than filing a standalone petition.

The filing fee is usually the only cost you will face if you handle the petition yourself. If you hire a lawyer, you will pay their hourly rate or a flat fee on top of the court costs, which can range from $500 to $2,000 depending on your location and the lawyer's experience. Many people file without a lawyer because the process is straightforward in most states.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees for a name change petition range from $0 to $500 depending on your state and county, with most states charging $150 to $300.
  • You can file the petition yourself without a lawyer in most states, which saves you hundreds of dollars in legal fees.
  • Some states waive or reduce filing fees if you cannot afford them; ask the court clerk about fee waiver forms when you file.
  • If you are changing your name as part of a divorce, adoption, or other court case, the name change may be included in that filing fee instead of charged separately.
  • After the court approves your petition, you will need to pay small fees to get certified copies of the court order, usually $5 to $25 per copy.

Filing fees by state and county

Your state's court system sets the base filing fee, but individual counties sometimes add local fees on top. For example, California charges $435 statewide, but some counties add an additional $50 to $100. New York charges around $210 in most counties. Texas charges $300 to $350. Florida charges $150 to $200. Illinois charges $200 to $300. Check your county court's website or call the clerk's office to find the exact fee for your location, because even within the same state, the cost can differ by $50 or more.

A few states charge significantly less. Some counties in Georgia charge as little as $50 to $100. Parts of North Carolina charge around $100. If you live in a state or county with a low fee, you may be able to file for under $150 total. On the other hand, some urban counties in high-cost states charge $400 or more.

Fee waivers if you cannot afford the cost

Most states allow you to request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the filing fee. You will need to fill out a form — often called a "Petition to Waive Court Fees" or "Affidavit of Indigency" — that describes your income and expenses. The court will review it and decide whether to waive the fee, reduce it, or require you to pay in full.

To request a waiver, contact your county court clerk and ask for the fee waiver form. You can usually find it on the court's website or pick it up in person. Fill it out honestly and file it along with your name change petition. The court will make a decision within a few days to a few weeks. Even if the court denies the waiver, you can ask to pay the fee in installments instead of all at once.

Costs when a name change is part of another case

If you are changing your name during a divorce, the name change is usually included in the divorce filing fee rather than charged separately. The same applies if you are changing a child's name as part of an adoption or guardianship case. In these situations, you will not pay an additional fee for the name change itself — it is handled as part of the larger case.

This can save you $150 to $300 if you were planning to file a separate name change petition anyway. Ask your divorce attorney or the court clerk whether the name change will be included in your case or filed separately, because the answer affects your total cost.

Lawyer fees and when you might need one

If you hire a lawyer to file your name change petition, expect to pay $500 to $2,000 depending on where you live and the lawyer's hourly rate. In rural areas or states with lower costs of living, a lawyer might charge $300 to $800. In major cities, the same work might cost $1,500 to $3,000. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for a name change because it is straightforward work; others charge hourly.

Most people do not need a lawyer for a name change. The petition is straightforward, the forms are available free from the court, and the process is the same in nearly every state. You only need a lawyer if you have a complicating factor — for example, if you are changing a minor child's name and the other parent objects, or if you have a criminal record and are worried about how the court will view your petition. In those cases, a lawyer can be worth the cost.

Certified copy fees after approval

Once the court approves your name change, you will need certified copies of the court order to update your driver's license, Social Security record, passport, and bank accounts. The court clerk charges a fee for each certified copy, usually $5 to $25 per copy depending on your state and county. Most people order 5 to 10 copies to have on hand for different agencies.

Order certified copies from the court clerk at the same time you file your petition, or ask the clerk how to order them after the judge signs the order. Some courts let you order them online; others require you to visit in person or mail a request. Budget $50 to $150 for certified copies if you plan to update multiple documents.

How to find your county's exact filing fee

The fastest way to find your filing fee is to call your county court clerk's office and ask for the name change petition fee. Have your county name ready. The clerk can tell you the exact amount, whether the court accepts payment by card or check, and what forms you need to file.

You can also visit your county court's website and search for "name change" or "petition for change of name." Most courts post their fee schedules online. If you cannot find it, the clerk's office phone number is usually listed on the website. Many courts also offer free legal clinics where staff can answer questions about filing without charging you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name for free?

In most states, no — you will pay a filing fee of $150 to $300. However, you can request a fee waiver if your income is below a certain level. Some states and counties charge less than $100, and a few offer free name changes in specific situations, such as when the name change is part of a divorce or adoption case.

Do I have to pay the filing fee upfront?

Most courts require payment when you file the petition, but you can ask to pay in installments if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Some courts accept payment by card, check, or money order. Ask the clerk what payment methods they accept and whether installment plans are available.

What happens if I cannot afford a lawyer?

You do not need a lawyer for most name changes. You can file the petition yourself using free forms from the court. If you need legal help but cannot afford a lawyer, contact your local legal aid office — they sometimes handle name change cases for free or at a reduced cost.

Will I have to pay the filing fee again if the court denies my petition?

In most states, no — the fee is non-refundable even if the court denies your petition. However, you can file a new petition and pay the fee again if you want to try a second time. Ask the court why your petition was denied so you can address the issue in a new filing.

How much do certified copies cost after the name change is approved?

Certified copies usually cost $5 to $25 each depending on your county. Most people order 5 to 10 copies to update their driver's license, Social Security record, passport, and other documents. Budget $50 to $150 total for certified copies.