Name change costs range from $150 to $500 in most states, but the exact amount depends on which court handles your case and whether you need to publish a notice in a newspaper
The filing fee itself — what you pay the court to process your petition — typically runs $200 to $300. However, many states add publication costs, which can be $50 to $200 or more if the court requires you to print a legal notice in a local newspaper. Some states let you skip publication if you meet certain conditions, like changing your name after marriage or adoption. A few states charge less than $150 total; others charge more than $500 when all fees are combined.
The total you pay depends on three things: your state, the type of court (district, circuit, or family court), and whether publication is required or waived. If you hire an attorney to file the petition for you, add $300 to $1,000 in legal fees, though many people file without one.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees range from $150 to $400 depending on your state and court type, and you pay this directly to the clerk when you submit your petition.
- Publication fees — the cost to print a legal notice in a newspaper — can add $50 to $200 or more, but many states waive this requirement for name changes after marriage, divorce, or adoption.
- Some states offer fee waivers if your household income is below a certain level; ask the court clerk whether you may have access to before paying.
- Filing without an attorney saves $300 to $1,000, and most courts provide free forms and instructions to help you do it yourself.
How court filing fees break down by state
Filing fees vary widely because each state sets its own court costs. States in the lower range — like Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico — charge around $150 to $200 for the petition itself. Mid-range states like California, Florida, and Texas charge $250 to $350. Higher-cost states like New York and Illinois can reach $400 or more just for the filing fee.
The fee you pay covers the clerk's work processing your petition, the judge's time reviewing it, and the court's administrative costs. You typically pay this fee when you submit your petition to the court clerk, either in person or by mail. Some courts accept checks, money orders, or credit cards; a few accept cash. Ask your local court clerk which payment methods they take before you go.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver by filling out an income affidavit. Courts in most states are required to consider these requests. The clerk's office has the form, and you do not need an attorney to file it. If approved, you pay nothing; if denied, you can appeal the decision or ask the court to let you pay in installments.
Publication costs and when they explore
Many states require you to publish a legal notice of your name change in a newspaper — usually a local paper in the county where you live or where the court is located. This notice tells the public that you are changing your name and gives anyone who objects a chance to say so in court. The newspaper charges you for this publication, typically $50 to $150 for a single notice, though some papers charge more.
You do not always have to pay for publication. Most states waive the requirement if you are changing your name because of marriage, divorce, or adoption. Some states skip publication for minors or for people changing their name for religious reasons. A few states — like California and some others — do not require publication at all. Check your state's rules or ask the court clerk whether publication applies to your situation.
If publication is required, the court usually tells you which newspaper to use. You contact the paper directly, provide them with the notice text (the court supplies this), and pay their fee. The paper then publishes the notice on a set date, and you bring proof of publication to your court hearing or submit it to the clerk afterward.
Attorney fees if you hire a lawyer
Many people file for a name change without a lawyer because the process is straightforward and courts provide free forms. However, if you hire an attorney, expect to pay $300 to $1,000 depending on your location and the attorney's experience. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for a name change; others charge hourly rates of $150 to $300 per hour.
An attorney's job is to fill out the petition, file it with the court, handle any objections, and represent you at the hearing. If your case is straightforward — no one is objecting and you meet all the requirements — an attorney may not be necessary. If there are complications, such as a creditor objecting or a question about your intent, an attorney can be helpful.
To find an affordable attorney, contact your local bar association or legal aid office. Some offer reduced-fee consultations or can refer you to attorneys who handle name changes at a lower cost. Many legal aid organizations help people with name changes for free if your income is below a certain level.
Fee waivers and payment plans
If you cannot afford the court filing fee, you have options. Every state court system allows you to request a fee waiver by submitting an affidavit of indigency or income affidavit. This form asks about your household income, expenses, and assets. If the court finds that paying the fee would cause you hardship, it waives the fee entirely.
The income limits vary by state and family size. Generally, if your household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, you have a strong case for a waiver. You do not need a lawyer to file this request — the court clerk can give you the form and help you fill it out.
If your waiver is denied, you can ask the court to let you pay the fee in installments over a few months. Some courts also reduce fees rather than waiving them entirely. Ask the clerk what options are available in your court.
Additional costs you might encounter
Beyond the filing and publication fees, a few other costs may come up. If you need certified copies of your name change order — to update your driver's license, passport, or Social Security record — the court charges a small fee per copy, usually $1 to $5. Most people order 5 to 10 copies.
If you need to update your name with government agencies, some charge small fees. The Social Security Administration does not charge to update your name, but your state's motor vehicle department may charge a small fee to reissue your driver's license. These are separate from court costs.
If you object to publication or believe publication would put you in danger — for example, if you are fleeing domestic violence — you can ask the court to seal the record or waive publication. This request is free, but you may need to provide evidence of the danger. Talk to the court clerk or an attorney about whether this applies to your situation.
How to find your state's exact fees
The fastest way to learn what you will pay is to contact your local court clerk. Call the family court, district court, or circuit court in the county where you live and ask for the name change filing fee and any publication requirements. The clerk can tell you the exact amount, what forms you need, and whether fee waivers are available.
You can also search your state's court website, which usually lists fees for common filings. Many states post their name change forms and fee schedules online. If you cannot find the information, the clerk's office will answer your questions by phone or email at no cost.
Before you pay anything, confirm whether publication is required in your situation. This single question can save you $50 to $200. The clerk can answer it in one call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name without going to court?
In most states, you must file a petition with a court and attend a hearing. However, some states let you change your name administratively — without a court hearing — if you are changing it because of marriage or divorce. Check with your state's vital records office or court clerk to see if your situation qualifies.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper?
It depends on your state and the reason for the change. Most states waive publication if you are changing your name because of marriage, divorce, or adoption. Some states do not require publication at all. Ask your court clerk whether it applies to you before you budget for it.
What if I cannot afford the filing fee?
You can request a fee waiver by submitting an income affidavit to the court. If your household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, you likely may have access to. The court clerk has the form and can help you fill it out. There is no cost to request a waiver.
How long does a name change take?
The timeline varies by state and court workload, but most name changes are approved within 4 to 12 weeks from the date you file. Some courts are faster; others take longer. The clerk can tell you the typical wait time in your court.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name?
No. Most name changes are straightforward, and courts provide free forms and instructions. You can file without a lawyer and save $300 to $1,000. An attorney is most helpful if someone objects to your name change or if your case has complications.