The cost to change your name in Georgia is $250 to $350 total, split between court filing fees and publication costs

Georgia charges a filing fee of $250 to $300 when you submit your name change petition to the Superior Court in your county. On top of that, you must publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks, which typically costs $50 to $100 depending on the publication. Some counties charge slightly different fees, so calling your local Superior Court clerk before you file will give you the exact amount for your location.

You cannot avoid the publication requirement. Georgia law requires the notice to run in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where you live, and the court will not finalize your name change until you provide proof that all four weeks have run. A few newspapers offer reduced rates for legal notices, so comparing rates between local papers can save you $20 to $30.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's Superior Court charges a filing fee between $250 and $300, which varies by county.
  • You must publish a notice in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks at a cost of $50 to $100.
  • The total out-of-pocket cost ranges from $300 to $400 before any attorney fees.
  • You can file the petition yourself without hiring a lawyer, which saves you hundreds in legal fees.
  • The court will not grant your name change until you submit proof that the newspaper notice ran for all four weeks.

Filing fees by county and how to find your exact cost

The $250 to $300 filing fee is set by each county's Superior Court, so the exact amount depends on where you live. Fulton County (Atlanta), DeKalb County, and Gwinnett County all charge within this range, but a rural county may charge slightly less. The clerk's office will tell you the precise fee when you call or visit in person.

You can look up your county's Superior Court contact information through the Georgia Court System website or by searching "[your county name] Superior Court clerk." Call and ask for the current name change filing fee. Some courts allow you to pay by check, credit card, or cash, and a few accept payment by mail if you file by mail rather than in person.

Newspaper publication costs and how to keep them low

Georgia requires the notice to appear in a newspaper of general circulation in your county for four consecutive weeks. The newspaper sets the rate, not the court, so costs vary widely. A small-town weekly paper might charge $40 to $60 for the four-week run, while a larger daily newspaper in an urban area might charge $80 to $150.

Before you file your petition, call three or four newspapers in your county and ask for their legal notice rates. Some papers offer a discount if you pay upfront for all four weeks. Once you choose a paper, the newspaper will handle placing the notice and will send you an affidavit of publication when the four weeks are complete. You must file this affidavit with the court before the judge will sign your final order.

Whether you need a lawyer and what one costs

You do not need a lawyer to change your name in Georgia. The petition form is straightforward, and the court clerk can answer questions about how to fill it out. If you file without a lawyer, you save $500 to $1,500 in legal fees.

Some people hire a lawyer anyway because they are unfamiliar with court procedures 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 record and worry the judge will deny the petition. A lawyer in Georgia typically charges $500 to $1,500 for a straightforward name change, depending on the county and the lawyer's experience. If you decide to hire one, ask whether the fee includes the filing fee and publication costs or whether those are separate.

What happens after you file and how long it takes

After you submit your petition and pay the filing fee, the court will schedule a hearing, usually within 4 to 8 weeks. You must attend the hearing in person. At the hearing, the judge will ask why you want to change your name and whether you have any criminal intent. For most people, the judge approves the petition on the spot.

Once the judge approves your petition, you still cannot use your new name legally until you submit proof that the newspaper notice ran for all four weeks. The newspaper will send you the affidavit of publication automatically, and you file it with the court. After the court receives it, the judge signs the final order, and your name change is official. The entire process from filing to final order usually takes 2 to 3 months.

Fees for certified copies of your name change order

After your name change is final, you will need certified copies of the court order to update your driver's license, Social Security record, and other documents. The Superior Court clerk charges $1 to $3 per certified copy, depending on the county. Most people order 5 to 10 copies to have on hand for banks, employers, and other institutions.

You can order certified copies in person at the clerk's office, by mail, or sometimes online through the court's website. Ask the clerk how many copies you will likely need before you order, because ordering a few extra now is cheaper than coming back later.

Refunds and fee waivers if you cannot afford the cost

If you cannot afford the $250 to $300 filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it. You will need to fill out a form called an Affidavit of Indigency and submit it with your petition. The judge will review your income and expenses and decide whether to waive the fee. There is no charge to file the affidavit.

The newspaper publication requirement cannot be waived, but some newspapers will negotiate a lower rate if you explain your financial situation. A few legal aid organizations in Georgia also help people with name changes at no cost, though they usually prioritize cases involving domestic violence or child custody. Search for "[your county name] legal aid" to find organizations in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name by mail instead of going to court in person?

You can file your petition by mail, but you must attend the hearing in person. Georgia law requires you to appear before the judge. If you live far from the courthouse, you may be able to ask the judge to hold the hearing by phone or video, but you will need to request this in advance and the judge must agree.

Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper, or can I post it online instead?

Georgia law requires publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Online-only publications do not meet this requirement. You must use a print newspaper or a newspaper that publishes both in print and online.

What if I want to change my child's name instead of my own?

The filing fee and publication costs are the same for a child's name change. If both parents agree, the process is straightforward. If one parent objects, the court may require a hearing where both parents present their reasons, which can add time and cost.

How long does the newspaper notice have to run before I can go to court?

The notice must run for four consecutive weeks before your hearing. Plan your timeline so the fourth week of publication ends at least a few days before your scheduled court date. The newspaper will send you proof of publication, which you bring to the hearing.

Will the court deny my name change if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. The judge will consider whether you are changing your name to avoid legal obligations or to commit fraud. If you are changing your name for a legitimate reason — like escaping an abusive situation or straightforward preferring a different name — the judge will likely approve it even if you have a record.