Name change costs vary by state, but most people pay between $150 and $500 total

The cost of a legal name change depends on where you live. Most states charge a court filing fee that ranges from $150 to $300, plus the cost of publishing a notice in a local newspaper if your state requires it—which can add $50 to $200 more. A few states charge less; a few charge more. Some courts waive or reduce fees if you show you cannot afford them.

The biggest variable is whether your state requires you to publish your name change in a newspaper. About half of all states do. If you live in one that does, you will pay the newspaper directly, not the court. Newspaper publication costs vary widely depending on the publication and how many times you have to run the notice—typically once or twice.

If you hire a lawyer to handle the paperwork, add $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on your area and the lawyer's rates. Many people file the paperwork themselves and save that cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees for a name change range from $150 to $300 in most states, with some states charging less and a few charging more.
  • About half of all states require you to publish your name change in a newspaper, which costs $50 to $200 depending on the publication.
  • You can file the paperwork yourself in most states and avoid lawyer fees, though some people hire an attorney for $300 to $1,000 or more.
  • Many courts will reduce or waive fees if you show financial hardship, so ask the court clerk about fee waivers before you file.
  • Some states charge extra fees for certified copies of your name change order, which you will need to update your ID and other documents.

How court filing fees break down by state

Court filing fees are set by each state and sometimes vary between counties within the same state. States with lower fees include New York (around $65 to $210 depending on the county), California (around $435 for the filing fee alone), and Texas (around $300 to $400). States with higher fees include Florida (around $400 to $500) and some counties in other states that charge $500 or more.

The best way to find the exact fee for your county is to call the district court clerk's office in the county where you live or plan to file. They can tell you the filing fee, whether your state requires newspaper publication, and whether they offer fee waivers. Many courts now list filing fees on their websites as well.

Some states charge an additional fee for certified copies of your name change order. You will need these certified copies to update your driver's license, Social Security card, and other documents. Certified copy fees typically range from $5 to $25 per copy, and you may want to order several.

Newspaper publication costs when required

If your state requires publication, you do not pay the court for this—you pay the newspaper directly. The newspaper publishes a notice of your name change, usually once or twice, depending on state law. The cost depends on the newspaper's rates and the size of the notice.

Small-town newspapers may charge $50 to $100 for publication. Larger newspapers in cities may charge $150 to $300 or more. Some states allow you to choose which newspaper to use, as long as it is a legal publication in your county. Choosing a smaller local paper can save money compared to a major daily.

Before you file with the court, contact the newspaper to ask about their rates and how many times the notice must run. Some courts have a list of approved newspapers, and the clerk can tell you which ones are cheapest.

Filing the paperwork yourself versus hiring a lawyer

You can file a name change petition yourself in every state. The paperwork is straightforward—you fill out a form, pay the filing fee, and submit it to the court. Many courts provide blank forms on their websites or at the courthouse. If your state requires it, you arrange publication with the newspaper yourself.

Filing yourself saves $300 to $1,000 or more in lawyer fees. The tradeoff is that you spend time learning the process and making sure you fill out the forms correctly. For most people, the process takes a few hours spread over a few weeks.

Some people hire a lawyer because they are unsure about the paperwork, want someone else to handle it, or live in a state with a more complex process. Lawyer fees vary by location and the lawyer's experience. If you decide to hire someone, ask for a flat fee quote upfront rather than an hourly rate, so you know the total cost before you start.

Fee waivers and reduced fees for financial hardship

If you cannot afford the court filing fee, most courts will waive it or reduce it if you show financial hardship. You typically fill out a form called a "Motion to Waive Court Fees" or "Affidavit of Indigency" and submit it to the court along with your name change petition. The form asks about your income and expenses.

Courts approve most fee waiver requests. Call the court clerk's office and ask how to request a waiver in your county. They can send you the form or tell you where to find it online. You do not need a lawyer to request a fee waiver.

A fee waiver covers the court filing fee but not newspaper publication costs, if your state requires them. You will still need to pay the newspaper directly, unless your state has a separate waiver process for publication costs.

Additional costs after your name change is approved

Once the court approves your name change, you will need certified copies of the order to update your identification and other documents. Certified copies cost $5 to $25 each from the court. Order several copies at once—you will need them for your driver's license, Social Security card, passport, bank accounts, and employer records.

Updating your identification documents may have its own fees. A new driver's license typically costs $15 to $50 depending on your state. A new passport costs $130 to $165 for a replacement. A new Social Security card is free. These are separate from the name change court costs.

Some people also hire a notary to certify documents or help with paperwork after the name change is approved. A notary typically charges $5 to $15 per signature. This is optional and not required by law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my court filing fee back if I change my mind?

No. Once you pay the filing fee and submit your petition, the fee is not refunded, even if you withdraw your petition before the court approves it. If you are unsure about changing your name, think it through before you file and pay the fee.

Do I have to pay the newspaper if I do not want to publish my name change?

If your state requires publication, you must publish. You cannot skip it to save money. If your state does not require publication, you do not have to pay a newspaper at all. Call your court clerk to find out whether publication is required in your state.

What if I cannot afford the newspaper publication cost?

Some states allow you to request a waiver of publication costs if you show financial hardship, though this is less common than court fee waivers. Ask the court clerk whether your state or county offers this option. If not, you may need to save up for the publication cost or wait until you can afford it.

How much does it cost to change my child's name?

The court filing fee is usually the same as for an adult name change. If both parents agree, the process is simpler and faster. If only one parent is filing or the parents disagree, the process may be more complex and could require a lawyer, which adds cost.

Do I need to pay anything to update my Social Security card after my name changes?

No. A new Social Security card is free. You will need to bring your certified name change order and a photo ID to your local Social Security office, but there is no fee for the card itself.