Name change costs vary by state, from $150 to $500 in most places
The cost to change your name depends entirely on which state you live in. Most states charge between $150 and $300 for the court filing fee alone, but some charge as little as $100 and others as much as $500. You may also pay extra for certified copies of the court order, fingerprinting, or publication fees if your state requires you to publish the name change in a newspaper.
The total you pay covers the court's processing of your petition and the official paperwork that proves your name has legally changed. Some courts allow you to request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the filing fee, though approval depends on your income and assets.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees range from $100 to $500 depending on your state, with most states charging $150 to $300.
- Certified copies of your court order cost $5 to $25 each and you will likely need multiple copies for banks, employers, and government agencies.
- Some states require you to publish your name change in a newspaper, adding $50 to $200 to your total cost.
- You can request a fee waiver from the court if you cannot afford the filing fee, though approval is based on your income.
- Fingerprinting and background check fees, when required, typically cost $20 to $50 additional.
Breaking down the filing fee by state
Your state's court system sets the filing fee, and it does not change based on your reason for the name change. The fee is the same whether you are changing your name after marriage, divorce, or for personal reasons. Here is what you can expect in different regions:
| State Range | Typical Filing Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low-cost states (CA, NY, TX, FL) | $150–$250 | Most populous states tend to have moderate fees |
| Mid-range states | $200–$350 | Majority of states fall in this range |
| High-cost states | $400–$500 | Less common; varies by county within state |
Some states charge different fees depending on whether you file in district court, family court, or probate court. A few states also charge extra if you are changing a minor's name rather than your own. Contact your county clerk's office or your state court website to find the exact fee for your location.
Certified copies and how many you need
Once the court approves your name change, you will receive an official order. You will then need certified copies of that order to show banks, employers, the Social Security Administration, and your state's motor vehicle department. Each certified copy costs $5 to $25, depending on your state and county.
Most people order between 5 and 10 certified copies upfront, which costs $25 to $250. You can always order more later if you need them, but buying several at once is usually cheaper per copy than ordering them one at a time. Ask the court clerk how many copies they recommend for your situation.
Newspaper publication fees in some states
About half of all states require you to publish your name change in a local newspaper as a matter of public record. This protects creditors and others from fraud. The newspaper charges a publication fee, typically $50 to $200, though some rural areas charge less and some urban papers charge more.
You do not get to choose which newspaper; the court usually directs you to a specific publication. After publication, the newspaper sends you a proof of publication, which you file with the court. This step can add two to four weeks to your timeline because newspapers have set publication schedules.
Fingerprinting and background check costs
A few states require fingerprinting as part of the name change process, particularly if you are changing a minor's name or if the court has concerns about fraud. Fingerprinting typically costs $20 to $50 and is done at a local police station or through a third-party service the court approves.
You will receive a background check result, usually within one to two weeks. This is a one-time fee and is separate from the court filing fee. If your state does not require fingerprinting, you will not pay this cost at all.
Fee waivers if you cannot afford the cost
Most courts allow you to request a fee waiver if your income is below a certain threshold. You typically fill out a form called a "Petition to Waive Court Fees" or "process for Fee Waiver" and submit it with your name change petition. The court reviews your household income, expenses, and assets to decide whether to waive the filing fee.
Approval is not may provide, and standards vary by state and county. Some courts waive the full fee, while others waive part of it. Even if your filing fee is waived, you may still have to pay for certified copies and newspaper publication. Contact your county clerk to ask about the waiver process in your area.
Additional costs you might encounter
Beyond the main filing fee, you may face smaller costs depending on your situation. If you need to update your name with the Social Security Administration, you will need to provide a certified copy of your court order, but there is no fee for the Social Security change itself. However, if you need a new Social Security card mailed to you, that is free.
Updating your driver's license or state ID usually costs $15 to $50 depending on your state, though some states waive the fee if you are updating due to a legal name change. Passport updates cost $130 for a replacement passport book. These are separate from the name change process itself, but you will need them to use your new name in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name without going to court?
No. Every state requires a court order to legally change your name. You cannot change your name straightforward by using a new name or by filing paperwork with the Social Security Administration. The court order is the only document that proves your name change is legal.
Do I have to pay the full fee upfront?
Yes, the filing fee must be paid when you submit your petition to the court. Some courts accept payment by check, credit card, or cash. If you cannot pay, you can submit a fee waiver request at the same time you file your petition.
What if I need certified copies years after my name change?
You can order additional certified copies from the court clerk at any time. They cost the same as when you first changed your name. It is usually cheaper to order several copies at once rather than ordering them individually later.
Does the cost change if I am changing my name after divorce?
No. The filing fee is the same regardless of your reason for the name change. However, if your divorce decree already includes a name change, you may not need to file a separate petition, which could save you the filing fee entirely. Check with your divorce attorney or court clerk.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
The main costs are the filing fee, certified copies, and newspaper publication if required. Some courts charge a small fee to file documents electronically or to have the clerk sign your order. Ask the court clerk for a complete list of all fees before you file.