Name change costs vary by state, from under $100 to over $500

The cost to change your name depends entirely on where you live. Most states charge a filing fee that ranges from $50 to $300, but some charge significantly more. A few states charge under $100; others charge $400 or higher. Court costs, publication fees (required in some states), and attorney fees if you hire one can add to the total.

You do not need a lawyer to change your name in most places — you can file the paperwork yourself and pay only the court fee. However, some people hire an attorney anyway, which typically adds $300 to $1,000 or more to the total cost depending on your location and the complexity of your case.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees range from under $100 in some states to $400 or more in others, and this is the main cost you cannot avoid.
  • Some states require you to publish your name change in a newspaper, which can cost $50 to $200 depending on the publication and how many times you must run it.
  • You can file the paperwork yourself without a lawyer in all 50 states, which saves you $300 to $1,000 in attorney fees.
  • After the court approves your name change, you will need to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents, which involves separate small fees.

Filing fees by state and region

States in the Northeast and Midwest tend to charge lower filing fees. New York charges around $65, Massachusetts around $100, and Ohio around $85. Southern and Western states vary more widely. Texas charges roughly $300 to $350, California around $435, and Florida around $400. Some states like Wyoming and South Dakota charge under $100.

The best way to find your state's exact fee is to contact your county clerk's office or district court directly. Court websites often list the fee in their name change instructions, but fees can change and may differ between counties within the same state. Call ahead rather than showing up with cash and finding the amount is different.

Publication costs in states that require them

About half the states require you to publish your name change in a local newspaper for a set number of weeks, usually two to four. This is meant to give the public notice of the change. The newspaper charges a fee for this publication, which typically runs $50 to $200 depending on the paper and how many insertions you need.

Some states let you choose which newspaper to use, which means you can sometimes pick a smaller or less expensive publication. Other states specify that you must use a newspaper of general circulation in your county, which limits your options. A few states have waived publication requirements in recent years, so check your state's current rules before budgeting for this cost.

Attorney fees if you hire a lawyer

You do not need an attorney to change your name — the process is designed for people to handle on their own. However, some people hire one anyway, particularly if their case is contested (for example, if a creditor or ex-partner objects) or if they have a criminal record and worry about how the court will view the request.

If you do hire an attorney, expect to pay $300 to $1,000 or more depending on where you live and how much work the case requires. A straightforward, uncontested name change might cost $300 to $500. A contested case or one involving a name change for a minor can cost significantly more. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for a straightforward name change; others charge hourly rates.

Costs after the court approves your name change

Once the court issues your name change order, you will need to update your name with the Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, and any other agencies or institutions that have your records. Each of these has its own small fees or no fee at all.

Updating your Social Security card is free. A replacement driver's license or state ID typically costs $15 to $50 depending on your state. A new passport costs $130 to $165 for a replacement. Bank accounts, employer records, insurance policies, and utility companies usually update your name for free once you show them your court order. Budget an extra $100 to $300 for all these updates combined, though you may not need to do all of them.

How to keep costs as low as possible

File the paperwork yourself rather than hiring an attorney. Most states provide free templates or instructions on the court website, and the process is straightforward for an uncontested name change. You will pay only the court filing fee and any publication costs your state requires.

Contact your county clerk or district court before you file to confirm the exact fee, whether publication is required, which newspaper to use if you have a choice, and what documents you need to bring. Some courts accept online filing, which can speed up the process. Doing this homework upfront prevents wasted trips and surprises at the courthouse.

Name changes for minors and special circumstances

Changing a minor's name usually costs the same as changing an adult's name, but the process may require consent from both parents or a court finding that the change is in the child's best interest. Some states charge the same fee; others charge slightly less for minors.

If you have a criminal record, the court may require additional paperwork or a hearing, which can increase costs and complexity. Some states allow people with criminal records to change their names; others restrict it or require a waiting period. Check your state's rules before filing, because a rejected petition means you lose the filing fee and may have to wait before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name without going to court?

No. All 50 states require a court order to legally change your name. Some states allow you to file the paperwork by mail or online, but you must go through the court system. Private name change services that claim to change your name without court involvement are scams.

Do I have to publish my name change in the newspaper?

It depends on your state. About 25 states require publication; others do not. A few states allow you to request a waiver of publication if you can show good cause, such as safety concerns. Check your state's rules or ask the court clerk whether publication is required in your case.

How long does a name change take?

Most uncontested name changes are approved within two to eight weeks from the time you file. Some courts process them faster. Publication requirements, if your state has them, add time because you must wait for the publication period to end before the judge can sign the order.

What if the court denies my name change request?

Courts rarely deny straightforward name change requests. If yours is denied, the court will explain why in writing. You can usually file again after addressing the court's concerns, but you will have to pay the filing fee a second time. Hiring an attorney to review the denial before you refile can help you avoid another rejection.

Do I need to change my name with Social Security and the DMV right away?

You do not have to do it when ready, but it is a good idea to update these within a few weeks. Until you do, your ID will not match your legal name, which can cause problems when you travel, open a bank account, or explore for a job. Start with Social Security, then update your driver's license, because many states use your Social Security number to issue the new ID.