The cost to change your name varies by state, but typically ranges from $150 to $500 in court fees alone
The largest expense is the court filing fee, which your state's district or circuit court charges to process your petition. This fee covers the administrative cost of reviewing your request and issuing the court order. Some states charge a flat rate; others charge based on the county where you file. A few states offer reduced or waived fees if you demonstrate financial hardship, though you'll need to file a separate form requesting this.
Beyond the court fee, you may pay for document copies, publication costs if your state requires it, and name change certificates. If you hire an attorney, legal fees can add $300 to $1,500 depending on complexity and your location. Many people handle the paperwork themselves and pay only the court fee and document costs.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees range from $150 to $500 and are the main cost; your state court website lists the exact amount for your county.
- Some states require you to publish your name change in a local newspaper, which costs $50 to $200 depending on the publication.
- Certified copies of your name change order cost $5 to $25 each, and you'll need multiple copies for banks, employers, and government agencies.
- You can file the petition yourself without an attorney and save $300 to $1,500 in legal fees if you follow your state's forms and procedures.
- A few states offer fee waivers or reductions for people with low income; ask the court clerk whether your state has this option.
Court filing fees by state
Court fees are set by each state and sometimes vary by county. The following ranges reflect typical costs, but you should confirm the exact amount with your local district or circuit court before filing:
| State | Typical Filing Fee Range |
|---|---|
| California | $200–$435 |
| Texas | $150–$300 |
| Florida | $200–$400 |
| New York | $210–$325 |
| Illinois | $200–$350 |
| Ohio | $150–$250 |
| Pennsylvania | $200–$300 |
| Georgia | $200–$350 |
To find your exact fee, visit your county court's website or call the clerk's office. Many courts now list fees online under "civil filing fees" or "name change petition." If your county court website doesn't show it, the clerk can tell you over the phone.
Publication costs in states that require them
About half of U.S. states require you to publish your name change in a local newspaper as notice to the public. This is meant to prevent fraud and give creditors or other interested parties a chance to object. The newspaper charges a publication fee, typically $50 to $200 depending on the paper's circulation and how many times the notice must run.
States that require publication include Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
States that do not require publication include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maine, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, and Utah. Check your state court's website or call the clerk to confirm whether publication is required in your jurisdiction.
Certified copies and document fees
Once the court issues your name change order, you'll need certified copies to show banks, employers, the Social Security Administration, and your state's motor vehicle department. Each certified copy costs $5 to $25, depending on your state court. Most people order 5 to 10 copies upfront to avoid returning to the court multiple times.
You can request copies when you file your petition or after the court approves your name change. Some courts allow you to order copies by mail or online; others require you to visit in person. Ask the clerk how many copies you'll need for your specific situation—the number depends on whether you have a driver's license, bank accounts, employer records, and other documents that need updating.
Whether to hire an attorney
A name change petition is straightforward enough that many people file without legal help. You fill out a form, pay the court fee, and submit it to your local court. If your state requires publication, you contact a newspaper. The court then schedules a brief hearing or approves the petition on paper.
You should consider hiring an attorney if your situation is complicated—for example, if you're changing a minor's name and the other parent objects, if you have a criminal record and worry about disclosure requirements, or if you're unfamiliar with court procedures. Attorney fees for a straightforward name change typically run $300 to $1,500, depending on your location and the attorney's hourly rate.
If cost is a barrier, ask the court clerk whether your state offers a fee waiver or reduction based on income. Some states have forms you can file alongside your petition to request this relief.
How to minimize costs
File the petition yourself rather than hiring an attorney. Your state court website provides the form and instructions at no charge. Many courts also offer free help from court staff or legal aid organizations if you have questions about filling out the form.
Order certified copies in bulk when you first receive your name change order. Buying 5 to 10 copies at once is cheaper per copy than ordering them one at a time later. Keep the originals in a safe place and use copies for official updates.
If your state requires newspaper publication, call local papers and ask for their publication rates before filing. Smaller community papers often charge less than large dailies. Some courts maintain a list of approved publications with their fees.
What happens after the court approves your name change
Once you have your certified name change order, you'll use it to update your records with the Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, banks, employers, and insurance companies. These agencies do not charge you to update your name on file—the certified copy is your proof of the legal change.
Start with the Social Security Administration, because your Social Security card is the foundation for updating most other documents. Visit your local Social Security office with your certified name change order and a photo ID. The SSA will issue you a new Social Security card at no charge.
Next, update your driver's license or state ID at your motor vehicle department. You'll pay a small fee (usually $10 to $30) to replace your license, but this is separate from the name change cost itself. After that, contact your bank, employer, insurance company, and any other organization that has your name on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name without going to court?
No. A legal name change requires a court order in all 50 states. Some states allow you to change your name on your birth certificate through the vital records office, but this is a separate process and still requires court approval or a certified name change order from another state.
Do I have to publish my name change in the newspaper?
Only if your state requires it. About half of U.S. states mandate newspaper publication; the other half do not. Check your state court's website or call the clerk to find out whether publication is required where you live.
What if I can't afford the court fee?
Ask the court clerk whether your state offers a fee waiver or reduction for people with low income. Many states have a form you can file with your petition to request this relief. The court will review your financial situation and may waive or reduce the fee.
How long does a name change take?
Most name changes are approved within two to eight weeks, depending on your state and whether the court requires a hearing. Some courts approve petitions on paper without a hearing, which is faster. Call your court clerk to ask about the typical timeline in your county.
Do I need to tell my landlord or employer about my name change?
Yes. Once your name change is official, notify your employer's human resources department and your landlord so they can update their records. You'll also need to update your name with your bank, insurance company, and any government agencies that have your information on file.