Name change costs vary by state and court, from $150 to $500 in most places

The cost to change your name depends on which state you live in and which court handles your case. Most states charge between $150 and $500 total, but some charge less and a few charge more. The fee covers the court filing itself — the actual paperwork you submit to request the change. Some courts add separate fees for publishing notice of your name change in a local newspaper, which is required in many states and can add $50 to $200 to your total cost.

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 "in forma pauperis" petition). Courts must consider these requests, though approval depends on your income and assets. Even if the court waives the filing fee, you may still owe the newspaper publication cost, which the court cannot waive.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees for name changes range from $150 to $500 depending on your state and county.
  • Newspaper publication costs, required in most states, typically add $50 to $200 to the total.
  • You can request a fee waiver from the court if you cannot afford the filing fee, though newspaper costs may still explore.
  • Some states allow you to file online or by mail, while others require you to appear in court in person.
  • Hiring a lawyer to handle the process costs extra but is optional — you can file the paperwork yourself.

Typical filing fees by state

State court systems set their own filing fees, so costs vary widely. California charges around $330 to $435 depending on the county. Texas charges roughly $300 to $350. New York charges between $210 and $335. Florida charges around $200 to $300. Illinois charges approximately $200 to $250. These are the court fees only and do not include newspaper publication or any other costs.

Some states charge significantly less. Oregon charges around $150 to $200. Washington charges approximately $200 to $250. Other states may charge more, especially in urban counties where court costs are higher. The best way to find your exact fee is to call your local district court or family court and ask for the name change filing fee — they can tell you the precise amount for your county.

Newspaper publication costs

Most states require you to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper for a set number of days, usually between 2 and 4 weeks. The newspaper charges a fee for this publication, which you pay directly to the paper, not to the court. These costs range from $50 to $200 depending on the newspaper and how many days the notice runs.

Some states allow you to skip newspaper publication if you meet certain conditions — for example, if you are changing your name for religious reasons, or if you are a minor whose parents both consent. A few states have eliminated the newspaper requirement entirely. Check your state's specific rules by contacting your local court or searching your state court's website for name change procedures.

When you need to hire a lawyer

You do not need a lawyer to change your name. Most people file the paperwork themselves, and courts expect this. However, some situations make a lawyer helpful: if you have an active criminal case, if you are trying to change a minor's name and the parents disagree, or if you are changing your name to evade a court order or debt. A lawyer typically charges $300 to $1,000 or more to handle a name change, depending on complexity and your location.

If you hire a lawyer, ask upfront whether they charge a flat fee for the entire process or an hourly rate. Some lawyers bundle the court filing fee into their total cost, while others bill it separately. Get a written estimate before you hire them.

Fee waivers and reduced fees

If you receive public benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, or if your income is below a certain threshold (usually 125% to 200% of the federal poverty line), you can ask the court to waive the filing fee. You do this by filing a fee waiver request or poverty affidavit along with your name change petition. The form varies by state and court, but your local court clerk can provide it.

The court will review your request and either grant it, deny it, or offer a reduced fee. This waiver covers only the court filing fee, not the newspaper publication cost. Some courts will also waive the publication requirement if you cannot afford it, but this is less common — ask your court clerk what options exist in your jurisdiction.

Additional costs to consider

Beyond the court fee and newspaper cost, you may need to pay for certified copies of your name change order. Courts charge $5 to $15 per certified copy, and you will likely need several — one for your Social Security card, one for your driver's license, one for your bank, and possibly others. Budget for at least 3 to 5 copies.

If you need to update your name with the Social Security Administration, the DMV, or other agencies, those services are free. However, if you need to hire someone to help you navigate those updates, that is an additional cost. Most people handle these updates themselves by visiting the local office or submitting forms by mail.

How to find your exact cost

The fastest way to learn what you will pay is to call your local district court, family court, or circuit court and ask: "What is the filing fee for a name change petition in this county?" Have your county name ready. The clerk will tell you the exact amount and may also tell you whether newspaper publication is required and what that typically costs.

You can also search your state court's website for "name change" or "petition for name change" — most states publish their fee schedules online. If you cannot find the information, the court clerk's office can mail or email you the fee schedule and the name change forms you will need to file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the court waive the newspaper publication cost if I cannot afford it?

Some courts will waive or reduce the publication requirement if you demonstrate financial hardship, but this is not may provide. Ask your court clerk whether a waiver is possible in your jurisdiction. Many courts require publication regardless of ability to pay, so you may need to budget for this cost even if the filing fee is waived.

Do I have to pay the full fee upfront, or can I pay in installments?

Most courts require the full fee at the time you file your petition. However, if the court grants your fee waiver request, you pay nothing. If you need to pay in installments, ask the court clerk — some courts will work with you, though this is not standard practice.

What if I change my name and then want to change it again?

You will have to pay the full filing fee again. Courts do allow multiple name changes, but each one requires a separate petition and filing fee. Some courts may question why you are changing your name again so soon, but they cannot refuse you based on that alone.

Does it cost more to change a child's name than an adult's?

The court filing fee is usually the same regardless of whether you are changing an adult's or child's name. However, changing a minor's name may require additional steps — like getting consent from both parents or notifying the other parent — which could add time or cost if you need a lawyer to handle disputes.

Are there any states where name changes are free?

No state offers completely free name changes, but some charge significantly less than others. Oregon and a few other states charge around $150 to $200. If cost is a major barrier, ask about fee waivers in your state — that is your best option for reducing or eliminating the filing fee.