Name change costs vary by state, from under $100 to over $500
The cost to legally change your name depends almost entirely on where you live. Most states charge a filing fee that ranges from $50 to $300, but some add court costs, publication fees, or fingerprinting charges that push the total higher. A few states keep the cost under $100; others regularly exceed $400. The exact breakdown depends on your state's court system and whether you need to publish the name change in a newspaper.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it by filing a fee waiver request (sometimes called a "poverty affidavit" or "indigency form"). Courts are required to consider these requests, though approval is not automatic. Even if the fee is waived, you may still owe publication costs in some states.
Key Takeaways
- Filing fees for name changes range from $50 to $500 depending on your state, with most states charging between $150 and $300.
- Publication fees—the cost to print your name change in a newspaper—can add $50 to $200 or more to the total in states that require it.
- You can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the filing cost, though you may still owe publication fees even if the filing fee is waived.
- Some states allow you to skip newspaper publication if you meet certain conditions, such as changing your name for personal reasons rather than to evade debt or legal obligations.
Filing fees by state range widely
The court filing fee is the main cost in any name change. This is what you pay to submit your petition to the court. In states like California, the fee is around $435. In New York, it is roughly $210. In Texas, it is approximately $300. Some states like South Dakota and Wyoming charge closer to $100. A few states, including some that handle name changes through vital records offices rather than courts, charge even less.
The fee does not change based on your reason for the change—whether you are changing your name after marriage, divorce, or for personal reasons. The court charges the same amount regardless. However, some states offer a reduced fee if you are changing your name as part of a divorce case, since the filing is bundled with the divorce petition.
To find your state's exact fee, search "[your state] name change filing fee" or call your county courthouse directly. The clerk's office can tell you the current fee and whether it has changed recently, since some states adjust fees periodically.
Newspaper publication costs add significantly in many states
Many states require you to publish your name change in a newspaper as public notice. This is meant to give creditors and other parties a chance to object. The newspaper charges a publication fee, which is separate from the court filing fee. These fees typically range from $50 to $200, depending on the newspaper and how many times the notice must run. Some states require publication for a set number of days (often 4 to 6 weeks); others require it to appear a certain number of times.
Not all states require publication. Some states have eliminated the requirement entirely. Others allow you to skip it if you meet certain conditions—for example, if you are changing your name for personal reasons and not to evade creditors or legal obligations. A few states let you request a waiver of publication if you can show it would cause hardship or safety concerns.
Before you budget for publication, check whether your state requires it and whether you might may have access to for an exemption. The courthouse clerk can tell you which newspapers are approved for publication in your county and what their fees are.
Additional costs: fingerprinting, certified copies, and court appearances
Some states require fingerprinting as part of the name change process, usually for a background check. If your state requires this, you will pay a fingerprinting fee, typically $15 to $50. A few states charge this fee; most do not.
You will also need certified copies of your name change order once the court approves it. The court charges a per-copy fee, usually $5 to $15 per certified copy. Most people order at least 5 to 10 copies to use when updating their driver's license, Social Security card, bank accounts, and other records. Budget $25 to $150 for certified copies depending on how many you need.
In most states, you do not need to appear in court for a name change hearing. The judge reviews your petition on paper and issues an order. However, some states do require a court appearance, and if you need to hire an attorney to represent you, that cost is separate and can range from $300 to $1,500 or more depending on your location and the attorney's rates.
Fee waivers and how to request one
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can file a fee waiver request with the court. This form asks the court to waive the filing fee based on your income and expenses. Courts are required by law to consider these requests fairly. To may have access to, you typically need to show that you cannot afford the fee without hardship—for example, that paying it would prevent you from buying food or paying rent.
The form itself is free and available from your county courthouse or online through the court's website. You file it along with your name change petition. Some courts approve waivers quickly; others take a few weeks. If the court denies your waiver request, you can usually appeal the decision.
Important: a fee waiver typically covers only the court filing fee, not publication costs. If your state requires newspaper publication, you may still owe that fee even if the filing fee is waived. Some states allow you to request a publication waiver as well, but this is less common and usually requires showing that publication would create a safety risk.
How to find your state's exact costs
The fastest way to learn your state's costs is to call your county courthouse clerk's office. Tell them you want to change your name and ask for the filing fee, any publication requirements, and the names of approved newspapers if publication is required. They can also tell you whether your state allows fee waivers and where to find the waiver form.
You can also search your state court's website for "name change" or "petition for name change." Most states post their filing fees and procedural requirements online. Some states have a dedicated name change guide that lists all costs and steps.
If you are changing your name as part of a divorce, ask whether the fee is different or whether you can file the name change petition with the divorce petition to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name without going to court?
In most states, you must file a petition with the court. However, a few states allow name changes through the vital records office or the state health department without a court petition. These states typically charge lower fees—sometimes under $50. Check your state's vital records office website to see if this option is available where you live.
Do I have to pay for newspaper publication if I change my name after divorce?
It depends on your state. Some states waive publication if the name change is part of a divorce decree. Others require publication regardless. Ask the court clerk whether publication is required for your situation, and whether you can request a waiver based on the circumstances.
What if I cannot afford the publication fee?
Some states allow you to request a waiver of publication costs if you show financial hardship or safety concerns. Others do not. Contact your county courthouse to ask whether a publication waiver is available in your state and what you need to show to request one.
Will I need to hire a lawyer to change my name?
Most people do not need a lawyer for a straightforward name change. The process is usually straightforward enough to handle yourself. However, if your case is complicated—for example, if someone objects to the change or if you are changing a minor's name—an attorney can help. Legal aid organizations in your area may offer free or low-cost help if you cannot afford a private attorney.
How many certified copies should I order?
Order at least 5 to 10 certified copies. You will need them to update your driver's license, Social Security card, passport, bank accounts, employer records, and insurance policies. Having extra copies on hand saves you from ordering more later. Each copy costs $5 to $15, so ordering 10 copies typically costs $50 to $150.