The Filing Fee and Court Costs
The court filing fee to change your name in California is $435 in most counties, though some counties charge slightly different amounts—check your specific county court's website to confirm the exact fee. This covers the petition filing itself. You will also pay a small fee to have the court clerk issue the certified copy of your name change order, which typically costs $5 to $10 per copy.
If you cannot afford the $435 fee, you can ask the court to waive it by filing a request for fee waiver at the same time you file your petition. The court will ask about your income and household size. If approved, you pay nothing. If denied, you can still proceed and pay the full amount later, though the court may require payment before issuing your order.
Key Takeaways
- The court filing fee is $435 in most California counties, plus $5 to $10 per certified copy of your name change order.
- You can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the filing fee by submitting a form at the time you file your petition.
- If you publish a notice in a newspaper (required in some counties), that adds $50 to $150 depending on the publication.
- Serving the district attorney costs nothing if you do it by mail yourself, but hiring a process server runs $50 to $150.
- The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from filing to receiving your certified order.
Newspaper Publication Costs
Some California counties require you to publish a notice of your name change petition in a local newspaper. This requirement varies by county—some require it, others do not. If your county requires it, you must publish the notice once a week for four consecutive weeks. A newspaper will charge you for this service, typically $50 to $150 total depending on the publication and county.
You do not choose the newspaper yourself. The court clerk will tell you which newspapers are approved for legal notices in your county. Call the court clerk's office or check the court's website to find out whether publication is required in your county and which newspapers accept these notices.
Service and Process Server Fees
You must serve a copy of your petition on the district attorney's office in your county. If you mail it yourself, this costs only the price of postage—under $2. However, if you hire a process server to deliver it in person, you will pay $50 to $150 depending on the server and location.
Most people mail the petition to the district attorney, which is allowed and costs almost nothing. A process server is necessary only if the court orders it or if you want to may support proof of delivery. Ask the court clerk whether mailing is acceptable in your county before you hire anyone.
Attorney Fees (If You Hire One)
You do not need an attorney to change your name in California. The process is straightforward enough that most people file the petition themselves. However, if you choose to hire an attorney, expect to pay $300 to $800 for the entire process, depending on the attorney's hourly rate and your county.
Some legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost help with name changes if you meet income requirements. Contact your county bar association or search for "legal aid" plus your county name to find organizations near you.
Total Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $435 (or waived) | Varies slightly by county; can be waived if you cannot afford it |
| Certified copies of order | $5–$10 each | You will likely need 2–5 copies for banks, ID agencies, employers |
| Newspaper publication | $0–$150 | Required in some counties only |
| Mailing to district attorney | Under $2 | Process server costs $50–$150 if you hire one (usually not necessary) |
| Attorney (optional) | $0–$800 | Not required; legal aid may be free |
| Minimum total | $440–$460 | Filing fee plus one or two certified copies, no publication, no attorney |
| Maximum total | $1,500+ | With publication, multiple copies, process server, and attorney |
How to Find Your County's Exact Fees
Call your county superior court's civil division or visit the court's website and search for "name change" or "petition for change of name." The court clerk's office can tell you the exact filing fee for your county, whether publication is required, and which newspapers are approved. This takes five minutes and saves you from guessing.
You can also read the petition form from the court's website, which usually lists the fee on the form itself. The California Courts website has links to every county court's self-help center, where you can find local rules and fee schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my filing fee back after the name change is approved?
No. The filing fee is not refundable once you submit your petition, even if the court approves your name change. The fee covers the court's processing and administrative costs. If the court denies your petition (which is rare), you do not get the fee back.
Do I need to pay the filing fee upfront or can I pay it later?
You must pay the filing fee when you file your petition with the court. If you cannot afford it, submit a fee waiver request at the same time. The court will review your income and decide whether to waive the fee before you proceed.
How many certified copies of my name change order should I get?
Most people order 3 to 5 copies. You will need one for your Social Security card, one for your driver's license or ID, one for your bank, and possibly one for your employer or school. It is cheaper to order extra copies when you first request them than to go back to the court later.
What if my county requires newspaper publication but I cannot afford it?
Contact the court clerk and ask whether the publication fee can be waived along with the filing fee. Some courts will waive both if you demonstrate financial hardship. If not, you may need to save for the publication cost or seek help from a legal aid organization.
Is there a cheaper way to change my name in California?
The court process is the only legal way to change your name in California. There are no shortcuts or cheaper alternatives. However, you can save money by filing the petition yourself instead of hiring an attorney, and by mailing the district attorney's copy instead of hiring a process server.