Name change costs range from $0 to $500 depending on your state and whether you hire a lawyer
The cost to change your name legally breaks down into court filing fees, publication costs in some states, and optional lawyer fees. Court filing fees alone run from $0 in a handful of states to $300 or more in others. If your state requires you to publish the name change in a newspaper — roughly half do — add $50 to $200. A lawyer typically charges $300 to $1,500 to handle the paperwork and court appearance, though many people file without one and pay only the court fee.
The single biggest variable is your state. California charges $435 for the court filing. New York charges $65. Some states charge nothing at all for the filing itself but require newspaper publication instead. A few states let you skip publication if you meet certain conditions — usually age or prior residence. Your county may also matter: some counties charge more than the state minimum.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees range from $0 to $300+ and vary by state; check your specific state court website for the exact amount.
- About half of all states require you to publish your name change in a newspaper, which costs $50 to $200 and is often the largest expense.
- You can file the paperwork yourself and pay only court and publication fees, or hire a lawyer for $300 to $1,500 to handle everything.
- Some states waive publication requirements if you are over 18 and have lived in the state for a set period, which can cut your total cost significantly.
Court filing fees by state range widely
Every state requires you to file a petition with the court, and every court charges a filing fee for that petition. The fee is set by state law and does not change based on your reason for the change or your income. States with the highest fees include California ($435), New Jersey ($300), and Illinois ($300). States with lower fees include New York ($65), Texas ($100 to $150), and Florida ($100 to $200).
A handful of states — including Vermont and some others — charge no court filing fee at all. However, these states often require newspaper publication instead, which shifts the cost rather than eliminating it. To find your state's exact fee, search "[your state] name change court filing fee" or call your county clerk's office. The fee is the same whether you file in person or by mail.
Newspaper publication costs in roughly half of all states
About 25 states require you to publish your name change in a newspaper of general circulation in your county. This is meant to give the public notice of the change. The newspaper charges a fee to run the notice, typically once per week for two to four weeks. Most newspapers charge $50 to $200 total for this notice, though some charge more.
You do not choose the newspaper — the court usually specifies which one qualifies as a newspaper of general circulation in your county. Call that newspaper's legal notices department and ask for the cost to publish a name change notice. Some newspapers offer a flat rate; others charge per line or per insertion. A few states let you skip publication if you meet conditions like being over 18 and having lived in the state for at least one year, so check your state's rules before assuming you must pay.
Lawyer fees add $300 to $1,500 if you hire one
You do not need a lawyer to change your name in most states. The paperwork is straightforward, and courts handle hundreds of these cases. However, some people hire a lawyer for peace of mind or because their situation is complicated — for example, if they are changing a child's name and the other parent objects, or if they have a criminal history and worry the court will deny the petition.
A lawyer who handles name changes typically charges a flat fee of $300 to $1,500, depending on the state and the complexity of your case. Some charge hourly rates instead, usually $150 to $300 per hour. If you hire a lawyer, they usually handle filing the petition, paying the court fee, arranging publication if needed, and appearing in court on your behalf. Ask the lawyer upfront whether their fee includes all of these or whether court and publication costs are separate.
Filing without a lawyer saves the most money
Most people file for a name change without a lawyer and pay only the court filing fee plus publication costs if required. The process is the same in every state: fill out a petition form (available free from your county clerk or online), file it with the court, pay the fee, and attend a brief hearing. The hearing usually takes five minutes and the judge almost always approves the petition unless you are trying to change your name to commit fraud or evade a court order.
Your county clerk's office can tell you exactly which forms to fill out, where to file them, and what the fee is. Many clerk offices have a name change packet with instructions and blank forms. Some states post the forms online. If you file without a lawyer, your total cost is the court fee plus publication costs — typically $50 to $500 depending on your state.
Additional costs to budget for after the name change
Once the court approves your name change, you will need to update your name on other documents. Getting a new Social Security card costs nothing but requires a trip to a Social Security office. A new driver's license or state ID costs $15 to $50 depending on your state. A new passport costs $130 to $165 if you renew it at the same time as the name change, or $110 to $130 if you are just updating the name on an existing passport.
You will also need certified copies of the court order approving your name change. The court charges $1 to $5 per copy, and you typically need three to five copies to send to banks, employers, insurance companies, and other institutions. Budget $10 to $25 for certified copies. These costs come after the name change is final and are separate from the court filing fee.
How to find the exact cost for your state
The fastest way to learn what you will pay is to call your county clerk's office and ask: "What is the court filing fee for a name change petition, and does my county require newspaper publication?" The clerk can tell you both numbers in one call. If publication is required, ask which newspaper qualifies and call that newspaper's legal notices department for the publication cost.
You can also search your state court website for "name change filing fee" or "petition for name change." Most states post the fee and the required forms online. If you are considering hiring a lawyer, call your county bar association and ask for referrals to lawyers who handle name changes, then ask each one for their flat fee or hourly rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name for free?
In a few states, the court filing fee is $0, but you may still pay for newspaper publication if your state requires it. In most states, you will pay at least the court filing fee. If you cannot afford the fee, some courts will waive it if you file a form stating you cannot pay — ask your county clerk whether your court allows fee waivers.
Do I have to publish my name change in the newspaper?
About half of all states require it. The other half do not. Some states let you skip publication if you meet conditions like being over 18 and having lived in the state for one year. Check your state's law or ask your county clerk whether publication is required in your situation.
How long does a name change take?
From filing to court approval usually takes four to eight weeks, depending on how busy the court is. Publication, if required, adds another two to four weeks. Once the judge approves your petition, the name change is final when ready, though getting new documents takes additional time.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer?
You do not need one. The petition form is straightforward and available free from your county clerk. You can file it yourself and pay only the court fee and publication costs. The court hearing is brief and informal, and judges approve most petitions without a lawyer present.
Will my name change be denied?
Courts almost never deny name change petitions. They may deny one if you are trying to change your name to commit fraud, evade a court order, or harm someone. If you have a criminal record or other concern, a lawyer can advise you on whether denial is likely in your case.