The cost to change your name legally ranges from $0 to $500 depending on where you live and what route you take, but most people pay between $150 and $300.
The largest expense is the court filing fee, which varies by state and county. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on the type of petition you file. A few states and counties offer fee waivers if you cannot afford to pay. The second cost is serving notice to other parties (usually your spouse or creditors), which can be done by mail for the cost of postage or by a process server for $50 to $200. You may also need certified copies of the court order, which typically cost $5 to $15 per copy.
If you hire a lawyer to handle the petition, expect to pay $300 to $1,000 in attorney fees on top of court costs. Many people file the petition themselves and save that expense. The actual paperwork—forms, printing, and notarization—usually costs under $50.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees are the largest single cost and range from $100 to $400 depending on your state and county.
- You can file the petition yourself without a lawyer and save $300 to $1,000 in attorney fees.
- Some states and counties waive fees for people who cannot afford them; ask the court clerk about fee waiver forms.
- Certified copies of your court order cost $5 to $15 each and you may need several for banks, employers, and government agencies.
- The total out-of-pocket cost for a DIY filing is usually $150 to $300; with a lawyer it rises to $500 to $1,300.
Court filing fees by state
Filing fees are set by each state and sometimes vary by county. States with lower fees include New York ($65 to $210), California ($435 to $500), and Texas ($100 to $300). States with higher fees include Florida ($400 to $500), Pennsylvania ($300 to $400), and Illinois ($300 to $400). Some counties within a state charge more than others, so call your local district court or family court to confirm the exact fee for your location.
A few states charge different fees depending on whether you are changing your name after a divorce, due to a gender transition, or for a general reason. Ask the court clerk which form you need and what the fee is for that specific form. The clerk can also tell you whether your county offers fee waivers.
Fee waivers if you cannot afford the cost
Most states allow you to request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the court filing fee. You typically file a separate form—often called a "Petition to Waive Court Fees" or "process for Waiver of Fees"—along with your name change petition. The form asks about your income, household size, and expenses. Courts use this information to decide whether to waive the fee partially or completely.
To request a waiver, contact your local district court or family court and ask for the fee waiver form. You can also read it from your state court's website. File it at the same time you file your name change petition. The court will notify you whether the waiver was granted before your hearing date. If the waiver is denied and you still cannot pay, ask the clerk about payment plans—some courts allow you to pay the fee in installments.
Costs for serving notice and publishing
After you file your petition, you must notify certain people—usually your spouse, ex-spouse, or creditors, depending on your state and reason for the change. The cheapest method is certified mail with return receipt, which costs about $10 to $15 per person. Some states require you to publish notice in a local newspaper, which costs $50 to $200 depending on the publication and how many times you must run the notice.
If you cannot locate someone you are required to serve, you may need to hire a process server to find them and deliver notice in person. Process servers charge $50 to $200 per person. Ask the court clerk whether your state allows you to skip service if you can show you made a good-faith effort to locate the person.
Certified copies and ongoing costs
Once the court grants your name change, you receive an official court order. You will need certified copies to update your name with banks, employers, the Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, and other agencies. Each certified copy costs $5 to $15, and you may need 5 to 10 copies depending on how many accounts and documents you need to update.
Some agencies require the certified copy to be issued within a certain time frame—usually 6 months to a year. If you wait longer, you may need to request a new certified copy. Keep at least one original certified copy in a safe place and use photocopies for most requests; many agencies will accept a photocopy as long as you show them the original to verify it is genuine.
When hiring a lawyer makes sense
You do not need a lawyer to change your name. The petition forms are straightforward and available free from your court's website or clerk's office. However, a lawyer can be helpful if your situation is complicated—for example, if you are changing a minor child's name and the other parent objects, if you have an outstanding warrant or criminal record, or if you are unsure whether you meet your state's residency requirements.
If you hire a lawyer, expect to pay $300 to $1,000 in fees depending on your location and the complexity of your case. Some legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost help to people with low incomes. Search for "legal aid" plus your state name to find organizations in your area.
Breakdown of typical total costs
| Item | Low Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $65 | $500 |
| Service of notice (certified mail) | $10 | $50 |
| Newspaper publication (if required) | $0 | $200 |
| Certified copies (5 copies) | $25 | $75 |
| Lawyer fees (optional) | $0 | $1,000 |
| Total without lawyer | $100 | $825 |
| Total with lawyer | $400 | $1,825 |
Most people who file without a lawyer spend $150 to $300 total. The exact amount depends on your state's filing fee, whether your state requires newspaper publication, and how many certified copies you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my filing fee back if the court denies my petition?
No. Court filing fees are non-refundable even if your petition is denied. However, denials are rare if you meet your state's basic requirements—usually residency and a legitimate reason for the change. If your petition is denied, you can file again, but you will have to pay the filing fee a second time.
Do I need to pay for a background check?
Most states do not require a background check for a name change petition. Some states check court records to see if you have an outstanding warrant or active criminal case, but they do this at no cost to you. If your state does require a background check, the court will tell you how to obtain it and what it costs—usually $20 to $50.
What if I change my name and then want to change it back?
You can file another name change petition to revert to your previous name. You will have to pay the court filing fee again. Some states allow you to change your name back within a certain time frame (often one year) for a reduced fee or no fee, so ask the court clerk about this option.
Are there any hidden costs I should know about?
The main hidden cost is certified copies. Many people underestimate how many they will need. Budget for at least 5 to 10 copies at $5 to $15 each. You may also need to pay small fees to update your name with individual agencies—for example, your state's motor vehicle department charges $10 to $30 to reissue your driver's license with your new name.
Can I change my child's name for free?
The court filing fee applies to minors' name changes just as it does to adults. However, if you cannot afford the fee, you can request a fee waiver using the same process. If the other parent objects to the change, the case becomes more complex and a lawyer may be necessary, which will increase your total cost.