The cost of a legal name change ranges from $150 to $500 in most states, but varies by where you live and whether you hire a lawyer
The largest expense is the court filing fee, which your state or county sets. This fee covers the cost of processing your petition and recording the name change in court records. Filing fees typically run $200 to $300, though some counties charge as little as $100 and others charge $400 or more. You will also pay for certified copies of your court order—usually $10 to $25 per copy—and you will need several of these to update your ID, Social Security record, and other documents.
If you hire a lawyer to handle the petition, expect to pay $300 to $1,000 in attorney fees on top of court costs. Many people file the petition themselves and save that expense. The total out-of-pocket cost for a do-it-yourself name change is usually $200 to $400.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees are set by your county and typically cost $150 to $300, with some variation by state.
- You will need multiple certified copies of your court order to update government IDs and records, costing $10 to $25 each.
- Hiring a lawyer adds $300 to $1,000 but is not required—you can file the petition yourself using your court's forms.
- Some counties offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing cost; ask the court clerk about income-based waivers.
- After the court approves your name change, you must pay separate fees to update your Social Security record, driver's license, and passport.
Breaking down the court filing fee
The court filing fee is the single largest cost and is non-refundable. This fee goes to your county or state court system and covers the administrative work of processing your petition, scheduling a hearing if one is required, and recording the name change order. You pay this fee when you submit your petition to the court clerk.
The amount varies significantly by location. Some rural counties charge $100 to $150, while urban counties and states like California, New York, and Florida often charge $250 to $400. Call your county court clerk's office or check the court's website to find the exact fee for your location. Many courts now list filing fees online, organized by case type.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver by submitting a form to the court. The form asks about your income and household size. Courts must consider your request, though approval depends on your financial situation and your state's rules. Some courts grant waivers automatically; others require you to appear before a judge to explain your circumstances.
Certified copies and what they cost
Once the court approves your name change, you will receive a certified copy of the court order. This is an official document stamped and signed by the court clerk, proving your name change is legal. You will need to show this order to government agencies and private companies to update your records.
Most people need at least three to five certified copies. You will use one for your Social Security record, one for your driver's license or state ID, one for your passport, and extras for banks, insurance companies, or employers. Each certified copy costs $10 to $25, depending on your county. Some courts charge a flat rate per copy; others charge per page. Order extra copies when you pick up your first one—it is cheaper than returning to the court later.
Whether to hire a lawyer
You do not need a lawyer to change your name. The petition form is straightforward, and court staff can answer basic questions about how to fill it out. If you are comfortable reading forms and following instructions, you can file the petition yourself and save $300 to $1,000.
Hire a lawyer if your situation is complicated—for example, if you are changing a child's name and the other parent objects, if you have a criminal record and worry the court will deny your petition, or if you are changing your name as part of a divorce or custody case. A lawyer can also help if you are unsure whether your state requires a hearing or what documents you need to bring. Many lawyers offer a free initial consultation, so you can ask whether they think you need representation before you commit to paying.
Some legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost name change help to people with low incomes. Search "legal aid [your state]" online or call 211 to find a local organization.
Updating your ID, Social Security, and other records
After the court approves your name change, you must update your records with government agencies and private companies. Each update may have its own fee.
Social Security: There is no fee to update your Social Security record. You will need your certified court order, a photo ID, and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). Visit your local Social Security office or mail your documents to the address on the Social Security website.
Driver's license or state ID: Most states charge $15 to $50 to replace your license with your new name. You will need your certified court order and current ID. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person; most states do not allow name changes by mail.
Passport: The State Department charges $130 to $165 to update a passport with your new name, depending on whether you renew by mail or in person. You will need your certified court order and current passport.
Banks, insurance, and employers: These organizations do not charge a fee to update your name. Contact them directly with your certified court order and ask what documents they need.
Variation by state and county
Name change costs differ widely because each state and county sets its own filing fees. The table below shows typical ranges, but call your local court to confirm the exact amount for your location.
Your county court clerk can tell you the exact filing fee for your area in one phone call. This is the fastest way to get an accurate number, since fees change and vary even within the same state. The clerk can also tell you whether your county requires a hearing and what forms to use.
| Cost Category | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $100–$400 | Set by your county; call the court clerk to confirm |
| Certified copies (per copy) | $10–$25 | Order 3–5 copies when you pick up your first one |
| Lawyer (optional) | $300–$1,000 | Not required unless your case is contested or complex |
| Driver's license replacement | $15–$50 | Varies by state; required in person |
| Passport update | $130–$165 | State Department fee; mail-in or in-person options |
How to find your county's exact filing fee
The fastest way to learn your court's filing fee is to call the county court clerk's office. Have your county name ready and ask for the filing fee for a name change petition. The clerk can also tell you whether your county requires a hearing, what forms to use, and whether fee waivers are available.
Many counties now post filing fees on their court websites. Search "[your county] court clerk name change fee" or visit your county's official court website and look for a fee schedule. Some courts organize fees by case type; name changes are usually listed under "civil" or "family law" cases. If you cannot find the information online, the clerk's office is your next step—they answer these questions every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the court filing fee waived if I cannot afford it?
Yes. You can request a fee waiver by submitting a form to the court that shows your income and household size. Courts must consider your request, though approval depends on your financial situation and state rules. Some courts grant waivers automatically; others require you to explain your circumstances to a judge. Ask the court clerk for the fee waiver form when you file your petition.
Do I need certified copies if I am changing my name for marriage or divorce?
If you are changing your name as part of a divorce decree or marriage license, you may not need a separate court order. Your divorce papers or marriage license may serve as proof of your name change. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and Social Security office about what documents they accept, as rules vary by state.
What if I lose my certified copies after I get them?
You can order replacement certified copies from the court clerk for the same per-copy fee. It is cheaper to order extra copies when you first pick them up than to return to the court later. Most courts recommend ordering at least five copies.
Does changing my name cost more if I have a criminal record?
The court filing fee is the same regardless of your record. However, some states allow courts to deny name change petitions if the person has a criminal history and the court believes the name change would harm public safety or obstruct justice. If you have a record, a lawyer can help you understand whether your state's courts typically grant or deny petitions in your situation.
How long does it take after I pay the filing fee?
After you pay and submit your petition, the court typically schedules a hearing within two to eight weeks, depending on the court's workload. Some courts grant name changes without a hearing if no one objects. Once the judge approves your petition, you can pick up your certified copies when ready or within a few days.