Name change costs vary by state and court, but typically range from $150 to $500

The cost to change your name depends on where you live and which court handles your case. Most states charge a filing fee to submit your petition, and some add fees for publishing notice in a newspaper or for certified copies of the court order. A few states offer reduced or waived fees if you cannot afford them. The total you pay covers the court's processing, not a service that changes your name for you — the court order itself is what makes the change official.

Filing fees alone usually fall between $150 and $300. If your state requires you to publish notice of your name change in a newspaper (many do), that adds $50 to $200 depending on the publication. If you need certified copies of the final order to show banks, employers, or the DMV, each copy costs $5 to $25. Some courts bundle these costs; others bill them separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Filing fees for a name change petition range from $150 to $300 in most states, and you pay this to the court clerk when you submit your paperwork.
  • Newspaper publication, required in many states to notify the public, typically costs $50 to $200 and is a separate expense from the filing fee.
  • Certified copies of your final court order cost $5 to $25 each and you will need them to update your name with the DMV, Social Security, banks, and employers.
  • Some states and counties offer fee reductions or waivers if you demonstrate financial hardship, usually through a form you file with your petition.
  • The total cost is usually between $200 and $500, but can be lower in states that do not require newspaper publication or higher if you need many certified copies.

Filing fees charged by the court

When you file your name change petition with the court clerk, you pay a filing fee. This fee goes to the court to cover processing and record-keeping. In most states, this is the largest single cost — typically $150 to $300. Some courts charge less (as low as $100 in a few places) and some charge more (up to $400 in high-cost areas). The clerk's office can tell you the exact amount for your county when you call or visit.

You usually pay this fee when you hand in your petition, either in person or by mail. Some courts accept checks or money orders; others require cash or card payment. A few courts now accept payment online if you file electronically. If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask the court to reduce or waive it by filing a separate form — often called a "motion to waive fees" or "affidavit of indigency" — that shows your income and expenses. The judge decides whether to grant it, and many do.

Newspaper publication costs

Many states require you to publish notice of your name change in a newspaper so the public knows about it. This is a legal requirement, not optional, and you have to pay the newspaper to run the notice. The cost depends on which newspaper you use and how many times it must appear. Most states require one or two publications, usually in a local paper. A single publication typically costs $50 to $150; two publications cost $100 to $200.

The newspaper will give you a printed proof that the notice ran, and you file this proof with the court as part of your final paperwork. Some states let you choose any newspaper; others require a specific one (usually the county's official legal newspaper, which may cost more). A few states have moved away from newspaper publication and now allow online notice instead, which can be cheaper or free. Check your state's court website or call the clerk to find out what your state requires and which publications are approved.

Certified copies of your court order

Once the judge signs your name change order, you will need certified copies to show to the DMV, Social Security Administration, your bank, your employer, and other organizations. A certified copy is an official photocopy stamped and signed by the court clerk. Each copy costs $5 to $25 depending on your state and county — some charge a flat rate per copy, others charge per page. You can order as many as you need, but most people order 5 to 10 to cover all the places they need to update their name.

You can request certified copies when you file your petition (and pay for them upfront), or you can order them after the judge signs the order. Ordering them later gives you time to see how many you actually need. Some courts mail copies to you; others require you to pick them up in person. A few courts now offer online ordering. Budget $25 to $100 for certified copies if you order 5 to 10.

Fee reductions and waivers

If you cannot afford the filing fee, most courts will reduce it or waive it entirely. You do this by filing a motion or affidavit with the court — the form has different names in different states, but it asks you to list your income, expenses, and assets. You file this form along with your name change petition. The judge reviews it and decides whether to grant the reduction or waiver. Many judges do, especially if your income is below the federal poverty line or you receive public benefits.

Fee waivers usually cover only the court's filing fee, not newspaper publication or certified copies. Some counties have programs that help pay for newspaper publication if you cannot afford it, but these are less common. Call the court clerk or your local legal aid office to ask whether your county has such a program. If you may have access to for a fee waiver, you still have to file the motion — the court will not automatically reduce your fee just because you are low-income.

Additional costs you might encounter

Beyond the main costs, a few other expenses can add up. If you hire a lawyer to help with your petition, expect to pay $300 to $1,500 depending on how much work is involved — though many name changes are straightforward enough to do without a lawyer. If you need to travel to the courthouse multiple times, factor in gas, parking, or public transit. Some courts charge extra fees for expedited processing if you need the order quickly, though this is rare for name changes.

If you change your name and later need to update it again (for example, if you made a mistake on the petition), you may have to file a new petition and pay another filing fee. This is uncommon but possible. Some courts also charge a fee to search their records if you need to prove your old name for any reason after the change is complete.

How costs differ by state

Filing fees vary widely. California charges around $435, New York around $210, Texas around $300, and Florida around $250. Some states charge much less — Wyoming charges around $100. These amounts change over time and vary by county, so the best way to find your exact cost is to call the court clerk in the county where you will file. They can give you a complete breakdown of all fees you will owe.

Newspaper publication requirements also differ. Some states (like California and Texas) require it; others (like Florida and New York) do not. A few states allow you to skip publication if you can show good cause — for example, if you are changing your name to escape domestic violence. Check your state's court website or call the clerk to find out what applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name without paying the filing fee?

You can ask the court to waive the fee by filing a motion that shows your income and expenses. Many courts grant waivers to people with low income or who receive public benefits. You still have to file the motion, but if approved, you will not owe the filing fee.

Do I have to pay for newspaper publication?

It depends on your state. Many states require it, but some do not. A few states allow you to skip it if you have a safety concern. Call your county court clerk to find out whether publication is required where you live and what it will cost.

How many certified copies should I order?

Most people order 5 to 10 copies to cover the DMV, Social Security, banks, employers, and insurance companies. You can always order more later if you need them. Order at least one extra in case you lose one or need it for something unexpected.

What if I cannot afford all the costs together?

You can ask for a fee waiver on the filing fee. For newspaper publication, call your county court or legal aid office to ask whether they have programs to help. You can also order certified copies later, after you have the court order, so you do not have to pay for everything at once.

Will the cost be the same if I use a lawyer?

The court fees stay the same regardless of whether you use a lawyer. A lawyer will charge you separately for their time, typically $300 to $1,500 depending on how much work is involved. Many name changes are straightforward enough to do without a lawyer, which saves you that cost.