The cost to change your name depends on where you live and whether you go through the court system or use an alternative route

Court filing fees are the main cost, and they range from roughly $150 to $500 in most states. Some counties charge less; others charge more. You may also pay for certified copies of the court order, which typically cost $5 to $25 per copy. If you hire a lawyer, expect to add $500 to $1,500 or more to the total, though many people handle the paperwork themselves. A few states offer reduced or waived fees if you meet income requirements.

The exact amount depends on your state, your county within that state, and whether you need certified copies for multiple agencies. Before you file, contact your local courthouse to ask for the current filing fee and the cost of certified copies in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees typically range from $150 to $500, and this is the main cost you will encounter.
  • Certified copies of your name change order cost $5 to $25 each, and you will likely need several for banks, employers, and government agencies.
  • Hiring a lawyer adds $500 to $1,500 or more, but many people file the paperwork themselves to avoid this expense.
  • Some states reduce or waive fees for people with low income; ask your courthouse whether you may have access to.
  • The total cost varies significantly by state and county, so call your local courthouse for exact figures before you file.

Court filing fees by state and county

Filing fees are set by individual counties, not by the state as a whole, so two counties in the same state can charge different amounts. California counties, for example, range from about $200 to $435. Texas counties typically charge $100 to $300. New York City charges around $210, while upstate counties may be lower or higher. The only way to know the exact fee for your location is to contact the courthouse in the county where you will file.

Some counties bundle the name change filing with other court costs, so the fee you see listed may include clerk fees, judge fees, or publication costs. Ask the courthouse clerk to break down what the total fee covers so you know whether you need to budget for additional expenses.

Certified copies and how many you need

After the court approves your name change, you receive an order. You will need certified copies of this order 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 $25, depending on the county.

Most people need at least 5 to 10 certified copies to cover Social Security, a driver's license or state ID, a bank account, an employer's records, and any professional licenses. If you have multiple bank accounts, credit cards, or professional credentials, you may need more. Order extra copies when you first receive the order, because getting them later costs the same per copy but requires another trip to the courthouse or a mailed request.

When you can reduce or waive the filing fee

Many states allow you to request a fee waiver or reduction if your income is below a certain threshold. The income limit varies by state and county. To request a waiver, you typically fill out a form called a "Petition to Waive Court Fees" or "process for Waiver of Court Fees" and submit it with your name change petition. You may need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of benefits like food information or Medicaid.

Some counties grant the waiver automatically if you show proof of low income. Others require you to appear in court or submit additional documentation. Contact your courthouse clerk to ask whether fee waivers are available in your county and what documents you need to submit.

Whether hiring a lawyer is worth the cost

A lawyer can handle the entire name change process for you, from filing the petition to obtaining certified copies. Lawyer fees typically range from $500 to $1,500, though some charge flat rates and others charge hourly. In states that require a court hearing or publication in a newspaper, a lawyer may save you time and confusion, but the process is straightforward enough that many people file without one.

If you have a criminal record, a history of domestic violence, or other complications, a lawyer can help you understand how those factors affect your petition. If your case is straightforward — you have no criminal history, no outstanding debts, and no one is contesting the change — you can usually handle the filing yourself and save the lawyer fee.

Additional costs you may encounter

Some states require you to publish notice of your name change in a newspaper. Publication costs range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the newspaper and the number of times the notice must run. A few states have eliminated this requirement, but others still enforce it. Ask your courthouse whether publication is required in your state.

You may also need to pay for a background check or fingerprinting if your state requires it as part of the name change process. These costs are usually small — $10 to $50 — but they add up. Some courthouses offer these services on-site for a fee; others direct you to a third-party vendor. Again, ask the courthouse clerk what your state requires.

How to find the exact cost for your location

The fastest way to learn the exact cost is to call the courthouse in the county where you plan to file. Ask for the name change filing fee, the cost of certified copies, whether publication is required and what it costs, and whether fee waivers are available. Write down the name of the person you speak with and the date, in case you need to call back with follow-up questions.

Many courthouses also post fee schedules on their websites. Search "[your county name] courthouse name change fee" or "[your state] name change cost" to find this information online. If the website does not list the fee, the courthouse phone number is usually there, and calling is faster than trying to find the answer through email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name without going to court?

In most states, you must file a petition with the court. A few states allow name changes through the vital records office or the motor vehicle department without a court order, but this is rare. Check your state's vital records office or courthouse website to see whether your state offers this option.

Do I have to pay the filing fee upfront?

Yes, the filing fee is due when you submit your petition. If you cannot afford it, you can request a fee waiver at the same time you file. The court will decide whether to grant the waiver before your case moves forward.

What if I need certified copies years after my name change?

You can order additional certified copies from the courthouse at any time. The cost per copy is the same whether you order them when ready or years later. You do not need to file a new petition or pay a new filing fee.

Does the cost change if I want to change my child's name?

Filing fees for a minor's name change are usually the same as for an adult, though some counties charge slightly less. You will need consent from both parents or a court order if one parent objects. The process is similar, but the paperwork may differ slightly.

Will I get a refund if my name change petition is denied?

No. The filing fee is non-refundable, even if the court denies your petition. However, denials are uncommon if you meet your state's basic requirements, which usually include being a state resident and having no intent to defraud or evade the law.