Name change costs vary by state, from under $100 to over $500
The cost to change your name legally depends entirely on which state you live in. Most states charge a filing fee that ranges from $50 to $300, but some add court costs, publication fees, or processing charges that push the total higher. A few states charge under $100; others regularly exceed $400. You will also pay extra if you need certified copies of the court order, which most people do.
The filing fee itself is set by your state court system and does not change based on your reason for changing your name. Whether you are changing it after marriage, divorce, or personal choice, you pay the same court fee. What changes is whether your state requires you to publish the name change in a newspaper — that can add $75 to $200 depending on your county.
If you hire a lawyer to handle the paperwork, expect to add $300 to $1,000 in legal fees on top of court costs. Many people file without a lawyer and save that expense, since the process is straightforward in most states.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees range from $50 to $300 depending on your state, and this is the main cost you cannot avoid.
- Some states require you to publish your name change in a newspaper, which adds $75 to $200 to your total cost.
- Certified copies of the court order cost $5 to $25 each, and you will likely need multiple copies for banks, employers, and government agencies.
- You can file the paperwork yourself in most states and skip lawyer fees, though some people choose to hire an attorney for $300 to $1,000.
- A few states offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee; ask the court clerk whether your state has this option.
Filing fees by state range widely
Your state's court system sets the filing fee, and it is the largest single cost you will face. States on the lower end charge $50 to $100 — this includes states like New York, California, and Texas. States in the middle range charge $150 to $250. A handful of states charge $300 or more, including some in the Northeast and Midwest.
The fee does not depend on your reason for the name change or your income. You pay the same amount whether you are changing your name after a divorce or for any other reason. Some states do offer fee waivers for people with very low income; you will need to ask the court clerk or check your state court's website to see if this applies to you.
The filing fee covers the court's processing of your petition and the judge's review. It does not include certified copies, publication costs, or any other add-ons.
Newspaper publication costs in some states
About half of all states require you to publish your name change in a newspaper before the court will approve it. This is meant to give the public notice of the change. The newspaper charges a fee to run the notice, typically once a week for one to four weeks depending on your state's rules.
Publication costs range from $75 to $200, depending on which newspaper you use and how many weeks the notice must run. Some states let you choose any newspaper in your county; others require you to use a specific publication. After the newspaper runs the notice, they give you a proof of publication, which you file with the court as proof you completed this step.
If your state does not require publication, you skip this cost entirely. Check your state court's website or call the clerk's office to find out whether publication is required where you live.
Certified copy fees add up quickly
Once the court approves your name change, you will need certified copies of the court order. These are official copies stamped and signed by the court clerk. You will use them to update your driver's license, Social Security record, bank accounts, passport, and employer records.
Each certified copy costs $5 to $25 depending on your state. Most people order 5 to 10 copies to cover all the places that will ask for proof. That means certified copies alone can cost $25 to $250. Some courts let you order copies in bulk when you file, which is usually cheaper than ordering them later.
You cannot use a photocopy or a digital scan for most official purposes — banks, government agencies, and employers typically require the certified original or a certified copy. Order more copies than you think you need; it is cheaper to buy extras upfront than to order them one at a time later.
Lawyer fees if you hire an attorney
You do not need a lawyer to change your name in most states. The process involves filling out a petition form, filing it with the court, and attending a brief hearing. Many people do this themselves and save the legal fee.
If you do hire a lawyer, expect to pay $300 to $1,000 in legal fees, depending on your location and the lawyer's experience. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for a name change; others charge hourly rates. A lawyer's main value is handling the paperwork correctly and making sure you meet all your state's requirements, but the paperwork is usually straightforward enough that you can do it yourself.
If you are changing your name as part of a divorce or custody case, a lawyer may already be handling your case and can add the name change to their work for a smaller additional fee.
Total cost breakdown for a typical name change
A name change without a lawyer and without publication typically costs $50 to $300 in court fees plus $25 to $250 for certified copies, for a total of $75 to $550. If your state requires newspaper publication, add $75 to $200. If you hire a lawyer, add $300 to $1,000.
The most common scenario — filing without a lawyer in a state that does not require publication — costs between $100 and $400 total. This covers the court filing fee and a reasonable number of certified copies.
A few states offer fee waivers for people with income below a certain threshold. If you cannot afford the filing fee, contact your county court clerk and ask whether a fee waiver is available. You will usually need to fill out a form stating your income and expenses.
How to find your state's exact costs
Your state court's website lists the filing fee and tells you whether publication is required. Search for "[your state] name change filing fee" or "[your state] court name change requirements." The clerk's office in your county can also answer questions about cost and process.
Some states have a unified court website with all fees listed; others require you to call the individual county court. If you cannot find the information online, call the civil court clerk in your county courthouse and ask for the filing fee, whether publication is required, and the cost of certified copies.
Once you know your state's requirements, you can calculate your total cost: filing fee plus publication (if required) plus certified copies. If you plan to hire a lawyer, ask for a quote before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the filing fee waived if I cannot afford it?
Some states offer fee waivers for people with very low income. You will need to ask your county court clerk or check your state court's website. If your state offers a waiver, you typically fill out a form showing your income and expenses, and the judge decides whether to grant it.
Do I need certified copies for everything, or just some places?
Banks, government agencies, employers, and schools usually require certified copies. Your driver's license renewal may accept a court order copy. Call ahead to ask what each place needs before you order copies. It is cheaper to order extras upfront than to request them later.
What if I change my name and then move to a different state?
Your name change is valid in all states once a court approves it. You do not need to change your name again. You will need to update your driver's license, Social Security record, and other documents in your new state, but the court order from your original state is proof of the legal change.
Is it cheaper to change my name during a divorce?
Many courts let you request a name change as part of a divorce petition, which may save you a separate filing fee. If you are already paying a lawyer for the divorce, adding a name change is usually a small additional cost. Ask your lawyer whether combining the requests saves money in your state.
How long does it take from filing to getting the court order?
Most states take two to eight weeks from filing to final approval, depending on court backlog. Some states are faster. Once you have the court order, you can order certified copies when ready. The entire process from filing to having certified copies in hand usually takes one to three months.