Name change costs vary by state, but most people pay between $150 and $500 in court fees alone
The cost to change your name legally depends on where you live. Some states charge as little as $100 to file the petition; others charge $300 or more. You may also pay for document copies, certified copies of the court order, and new identification — those add another $50 to $200 depending on what you need. A few states offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee, though the process to request one varies.
If you hire a lawyer, expect to pay $500 to $2,000 on top of court fees. Many people handle the paperwork themselves and pay only the court costs. The actual dollar amount depends on your state's fee schedule, whether you need certified copies, and whether you use an attorney.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees range from about $100 to $350 depending on your state, and this is the largest single cost.
- Certified copies of your name change order cost $5 to $25 per copy, and you will need several for banks, employers, and ID agencies.
- New driver's licenses, passports, and Social Security cards each have their own replacement fees, typically $15 to $130 each.
- Many states allow you to request a fee waiver if you cannot pay the court filing fee, though approval is not may provide.
- Hiring an attorney adds $500 to $2,000 but is optional — you can file the petition yourself in most states.
Court filing fees by state
Your state's court system sets the filing fee, and it is the largest cost you will face. Most states charge between $150 and $300. Some states are lower: New Mexico charges around $100, while California charges $435. A few states charge less than $100, and a few charge more than $400. You pay this fee when you file your petition with the court.
The fee covers the court's cost to process your petition, hold a hearing if one is required, and issue the court order. Some states require a hearing; others grant name changes on the paperwork alone if there is no objection. The filing fee is the same either way.
To find your state's exact fee, search "[your state] name change court fee" or call your county courthouse. The clerk's office can tell you the fee, what forms to file, and whether your state requires a hearing. This is a free call and usually takes five minutes.
Certified copies and certified mail costs
Once the court approves your name change, you will need certified copies of the order. A certified copy is an official photocopy stamped by the court clerk. Each copy costs $5 to $25 depending on your state and county. Most people order 5 to 10 copies because you will need them to update your Social Security record, driver's license, passport, bank accounts, and employer records.
You can pick up certified copies in person at the courthouse, or request them by mail. If you mail your request, you may pay for certified mail ($8 to $15 per envelope) to send the request and receive the copies back. Some courthouses offer online ordering with delivery by mail, which may cost a small processing fee.
Plan to order more copies than you think you need. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies sometimes keep a copy, and you may need extras if you change your mind about where to update your records. It is cheaper to order 10 copies at once than to order 3 now and 7 later.
Identification and document replacement fees
After the court approves your name change, you will need to update your identification. Each document has its own fee:
- Driver's license or state ID: $15 to $50 for a replacement, depending on your state. Some states waive the fee if you are changing your name.
- Social Security card: Free to replace. You go to your local Social Security office with your court order and current ID.
- U.S. passport: $130 to $165 for a replacement, plus $35 for expedited processing if you need it quickly. You need your court order and current passport.
- Birth certificate: $10 to $50 for a certified copy with your new name. You request this from your state's vital records office, not the court.
You do not have to update everything at once. Start with your Social Security card and driver's license, since those are what most employers and banks ask for. Update your passport only if you travel internationally. Update your birth certificate only if you need it for a specific purpose, like explore for a passport or enrolling a child in school.
Hiring a lawyer versus doing it yourself
You can file a name change petition yourself in every state. The forms are available from your county courthouse website or in person at the clerk's office. If you are comfortable filling out legal forms and following instructions, you can save $500 to $2,000 by doing it yourself.
A lawyer charges $500 to $2,000 on top of court fees. They handle the paperwork, file it with the court, and represent you at any hearing. Hiring a lawyer makes sense if your situation is complicated — for example, if you are changing a child's name and the other parent objects, or if you have a criminal record and are worried about the court's decision.
Most straightforward name changes do not need a lawyer. The forms are straightforward, the process is routine, and the court approves most petitions without a hearing. If you are unsure whether you need a lawyer, call your county courthouse and ask. The clerk can tell you whether your situation is straightforward or whether you should consult an attorney.
Fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee
Most states allow you to request a fee waiver if you cannot pay the court filing fee. You fill out a form (usually called an "process to Proceed In Forma Pauperis" or "Affidavit of Indigency") that describes your income and expenses. You submit it to the court along with your name change petition.
The judge reviews your form and decides whether to waive the fee. Approval is not may provide — the judge looks at whether you truly cannot afford the fee, not whether you would prefer not to pay it. If approved, you pay nothing. If denied, you can still proceed by paying the fee, or you can ask the judge to reconsider.
To request a fee waiver, ask the courthouse clerk for the form. The clerk can also tell you what income level qualifies in your state. Some states have income thresholds (for example, 200% of the federal poverty line); others leave it to the judge's discretion.
Total cost breakdown example
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $150–$350 |
| Certified copies (5–10 copies at $5–$25 each) | $25–$250 |
| Driver's license replacement | $15–$50 |
| Passport replacement | $130–$165 (optional) |
| Birth certificate certified copy | $10–$50 (optional) |
| Total without lawyer or optional items | $190–$650 |
| Total with lawyer | $690–$2,650 |
Most people spend $200 to $400 total if they do the paperwork themselves and only update their driver's license and Social Security card. If you need a passport or hire a lawyer, the cost rises significantly.
The breakdown above shows the range you are likely to encounter. Your actual cost depends on how many certified copies you order, which documents you update, and whether you hire an attorney. Starting with just the court filing fee and certified copies gives you a realistic baseline for a basic name change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name for free?
No. Every state charges a court filing fee, which is the unavoidable cost. Some states waive the fee if you cannot afford it, but you must request a waiver and the court must approve it. The Social Security card replacement is free, but the court filing fee itself is not.
Do I have to pay for certified copies, or can I just use the original court order?
You can use the original for some purposes, but most organizations ask for certified copies. Banks, employers, and government agencies often keep the copy you give them. Order at least 5 to 10 certified copies when you request them from the court, because ordering more later costs extra.
What if I cannot afford the filing fee?
Request a fee waiver by filling out an process (usually called an "Affidavit of Indigency") and submitting it with your petition. The judge decides whether to waive the fee based on your income and expenses. If approved, you pay nothing. If denied, you can still pay the fee later or ask the judge to reconsider.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name?
No. Most name changes are straightforward and you can file the paperwork yourself. A lawyer is helpful if your situation is complicated — for example, if someone objects to the change or if you have a criminal record. Otherwise, you can save $500 to $2,000 by doing it yourself.
How long does it take from filing to getting the court order?
Most states take 4 to 12 weeks from filing to final approval. Some states are faster if there is no hearing required. Once you have the court order, you can request certified copies when ready. The total time from filing to having certified copies in hand is usually 6 to 16 weeks.