Court filing fees are the main cost, and they vary by state from roughly $150 to $500
A legal name change requires filing paperwork with your local court, and the court charges a filing fee. That fee is the largest expense you'll face. The amount depends entirely on which state you live in — there is no federal standard. Some states charge $150 to $200; others charge $300 to $500. A few states charge less than $150. Your county court clerk can tell you the exact fee for your location.
Beyond the filing fee, you may have other costs: serving notice to interested parties (usually $50 to $200 depending on how many people need notice and whether you do it yourself), publishing a legal notice in a newspaper if your state requires it (typically $100 to $300), and obtaining certified copies of the final court order (usually $5 to $25 per copy). If you hire an attorney, add $500 to $2,000 depending on your state and the complexity of your case.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees range from under $150 to $500 depending on your state; your county clerk can tell you the exact amount.
- You may also pay to serve notice to interested parties and to publish a legal notice in a newspaper, though some states do not require publication.
- Certified copies of your final court order cost $5 to $25 each and you will need several for banks, employers, and government agencies.
- Hiring an attorney costs $500 to $2,000 but is not required in most states — you can file the paperwork yourself.
- Some courts offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee; ask your county clerk whether you may have access to.
What the filing fee covers and does not cover
The court filing fee pays for the court to process your petition, schedule a hearing (if required), and issue a final order. It does not cover the cost of serving other people with notice of your petition, publishing a legal notice, or obtaining copies of the order afterward. Those are separate expenses you pay directly to the service provider or newspaper.
Some states require a hearing; others grant name changes on the paperwork alone if there is no objection. A hearing does not cost extra — it is included in the filing fee. However, if you hire an attorney to represent you at the hearing, that is an additional cost.
Service and publication costs
Most states require you to notify certain people — usually your spouse (if you are married), your parents (if you are a minor), or creditors — that you are petitioning for a name change. You must serve them with a copy of your petition. If you do this yourself by hand delivery or certified mail, the cost is minimal (postage or travel). If you hire a process server, expect $50 to $200 per person served.
Some states also require you to publish a legal notice in a newspaper of general circulation in your county. The newspaper charges for this publication, typically $100 to $300 depending on the size of the notice and the newspaper's rates. Not all states require publication — check with your county clerk or read your state's name change statute to know whether it applies to you.
Certified copies and why you need them
Once the court issues your name change order, you will need certified copies to show banks, employers, the Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, and other agencies. Each certified copy costs $5 to $25, depending on your state and county. Most people order 5 to 10 copies at the time of filing, which costs $25 to $250 total.
You can order additional copies later if you need them, but it is usually cheaper to order them all at once when you file. Ask the court clerk how many copies you should order for your situation.
When you can ask the court to waive the fee
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. This is called a motion to waive court costs or a request for indigent status, depending on your state. You fill out a form describing your income and expenses, and the judge decides whether to waive the fee. The form itself is free.
Not all courts grant waivers, and the rules vary by state. Some courts waive the full fee; others waive part of it. Contact your county court clerk and ask whether your court offers fee waivers and what form you need to file. There is no penalty for asking.
Hiring an attorney versus doing it yourself
You do not need an attorney to change your name in most states. The paperwork is straightforward, and courts expect people to file without lawyers. However, some situations are more complex — for example, if you have a criminal record, if you are changing a minor's name over a parent's objection, or if creditors object to your petition. In those cases, an attorney can be worth the cost.
If you hire an attorney, expect to pay $500 to $2,000 in total legal fees, depending on your state and how much work the case requires. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for a straightforward name change; others charge hourly rates. Ask for a written estimate before you hire anyone.
Comparing costs across different scenarios
| Scenario | Filing Fee | Service & Publication | Certified Copies | Attorney (if hired) | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| straightforward name change, no attorney, no publication required | $150–$500 | $0–$50 | $25–$250 | $0 | $175–$800 |
| Name change with publication required, no attorney | $150–$500 | $100–$300 | $25–$250 | $0 | $275–$1,050 |
| Name change with attorney representation | $150–$500 | $100–$300 | $25–$250 | $500–$2,000 | $775–$3,050 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my filing fee back if the court denies my petition?
No. The filing fee is non-refundable even if your petition is denied. However, denials are rare in straightforward cases. If you are concerned your petition might be denied, an attorney can review your situation beforehand and advise you on the likelihood of approval.
Do I have to pay for certified copies all at once, or can I order them later?
You can order them later, but it is usually cheaper to order them when you file because you pay the filing fee once. Ordering copies months or years later means paying a separate processing fee each time. Ask your clerk for the cost of ordering copies later so you can decide how many to get upfront.
What if I cannot afford any of the costs?
Ask your county court clerk about fee waivers for the filing fee. For service and publication costs, you can serve people yourself by mail or hand delivery instead of hiring a process server. Some states do not require publication, which saves $100 to $300. An attorney is optional and not required.
Does the cost change if I am changing my child's name?
The filing fee is the same, but service requirements may differ. You typically must notify both parents, which may increase service costs if you use a process server. If both parents agree, you can serve by mail yourself, keeping costs low. Check your state's rules for minor name changes.
Are there any hidden costs I should know about?
The main costs are the filing fee, service, publication (if required), and certified copies. One cost people sometimes overlook is updating documents after the name change — getting a new driver's license, passport, or Social Security card. Those agencies charge their own fees, but those are separate from the name change itself.