Name change costs range from $150 to $500 in most states, depending on court fees, publication requirements, and whether you hire an attorney

The largest cost is the court filing fee, which varies by state and county. Most states charge between $150 and $300 just to file your petition. Some counties add publication fees — you may have to print your name change notice in a local newspaper, which can cost $50 to $200. A few states require fingerprinting or background checks, adding another $50 to $100. If you hire a lawyer instead of filing yourself, expect to pay $300 to $1,500 depending on complexity and your location.

The total you pay depends on three things: where you live, whether you publish the notice, and whether you use an attorney. A straightforward name change in a low-cost county with no publication requirement might cost $200. The same change in an urban county with mandatory publication and a lawyer could reach $800.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees alone typically run $150 to $300, and this is the unavoidable base cost in every state.
  • Publication in a newspaper, required in some states and counties, adds $50 to $200 to your total.
  • Hiring an attorney costs $300 to $1,500 but is optional — you can file the petition yourself and pay only court and publication fees.
  • Your county clerk's office can tell you the exact filing fee and whether publication is required in your jurisdiction.

Court filing fees by state

Every state charges a filing fee to submit your name change petition to the court. These fees are set by each state's judicial system and vary widely. States with lower costs include New Mexico ($25 to $50), Oklahoma ($50 to $100), and several others in the $100 to $150 range. States with higher fees include California ($435 in some counties), New York ($210 to $260), and Texas ($300 to $400). The fee does not change based on your reason for the change — it is the same whether you are changing your name after marriage, for personal reasons, or any other circumstance.

Your county clerk's office publishes the exact fee for your location. Call them or visit their website before you file, because fees can shift and some counties charge differently than others within the same state. You will pay this fee when you submit your petition, and it is non-refundable even if the court denies your request.

Publication costs in newspapers

About half of U.S. states require you to publish your name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in your county. This is meant to give the public a chance to object. The newspaper charges you for the publication, typically $50 to $200 depending on the paper's size and circulation. Some counties let you choose which paper; others specify an official county paper. A few states allow you to skip publication if you can show the court that it would cause hardship or safety risk, but this requires filing an additional motion and paying a separate fee.

If your state does not require publication, you save this cost entirely. Check your state's court rules or ask your county clerk whether publication is mandatory. If it is, the clerk can usually tell you which newspapers accept these notices and what they charge. You typically pay the newspaper directly, not the court.

Background checks and fingerprinting

A small number of states require fingerprinting or a background check as part of the name change process. These are usually optional rather than mandatory, but some courts order them if you have a criminal history or if the judge requests one. Fingerprinting through your state police or the FBI costs $15 to $50. A private background check costs $20 to $75. These fees are separate from court and publication costs and are paid directly to the agency running the check.

Ask your county clerk whether your state requires or allows background checks for name changes. If the court orders one after you file, you will receive notice and instructions on where to go and what to pay.

Attorney fees if you hire a lawyer

You do not have to hire an attorney to change your name — the process is straightforward enough that most people file the petition themselves. If you do hire one, expect to pay $300 to $1,500 depending on your location and the complexity of your case. A straightforward, uncontested name change in a rural area might cost $300 to $500. The same change in a major city could cost $800 to $1,500. If your case is complicated — for example, if you are changing a child's name and the other parent objects — costs can exceed $2,000.

Many attorneys charge a flat fee for a straightforward name change rather than hourly rates. Ask for a quote before you hire. Some legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost help if your income is below a certain threshold. Your county bar association can refer you to attorneys in your area and may have a legal aid hotline.

How to reduce your costs

File the petition yourself instead of hiring an attorney. Your county clerk's office provides the forms and instructions at no charge, and the process involves filling out a petition, filing it with the court, and attending a brief hearing. This saves you $300 to $1,500 in attorney fees and leaves you paying only court and publication costs.

Check whether your state requires publication. If it does not, you avoid that $50 to $200 expense. Some states allow you to request a waiver of publication if you can show hardship; ask your clerk whether this is an option. If your state requires fingerprinting but allows you to skip it, confirm with the court before you file.

Pay the court fee in full when you file. Some courts offer payment plans for large fees, but most require payment upfront. Ask your clerk whether a payment plan is available if cost is a barrier.

What happens after you pay

Once you pay the filing fee, the court schedules a hearing, usually within 4 to 8 weeks. You attend the hearing, answer a few questions from the judge, and the judge signs the order if everything is in order. The court then issues a certified copy of the name change order, which you use to update your identification, Social Security card, and other documents. Some courts charge a small fee ($5 to $15) for certified copies beyond the first one.

If you published the notice, you will need to bring proof of publication to the hearing — the newspaper provides this. If you did not publish, bring the original petition and any other documents the court requested. The hearing itself is free; you have already paid the filing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my filing fee back if the court denies my petition?

No. Court filing fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. However, courts rarely deny straightforward name change petitions. Denials usually happen only if you fail to meet residency requirements, do not show up to the hearing, or the judge believes the change is for fraud.

Do I have to pay the newspaper directly or does the court collect the publication fee?

You pay the newspaper directly. The court does not collect publication fees. Contact the newspaper listed in your state's rules, get a quote, and arrange payment with them. Bring proof of publication to your hearing.

What if I cannot afford the filing fee?

Ask your county clerk about fee waivers or payment plans. Many courts waive or reduce fees for people with low income. You will need to fill out a form stating your income and assets. Some legal aid organizations also cover filing fees for clients who meet their income limits.

Does the cost change if I am changing a child's name instead of my own?

The filing fee is the same. Publication requirements and court procedures are usually the same too. If the other parent objects, you may need an attorney, which increases your cost significantly. If both parents agree, the process is as straightforward as an adult name change.

Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

The main costs are filing fee, publication (if required), and attorney (if you hire one). Some courts charge small fees for certified copies of the final order beyond the first one, usually $5 to $15 each. A few states charge a small fee to update your driver's license or state ID after the name change, but this is typically $10 to $25 and is separate from the court process.