Name change costs range from $150 to $500 in most states, depending on court filing fees and whether you hire an attorney
The cost to change your name legally comes down to two things: what your state's court charges to file the petition, and whether you pay a lawyer to handle it. Court filing fees alone typically run $150 to $300. If you do the paperwork yourself, that is usually your only cost. If you hire an attorney, add $500 to $1,500 depending on how straightforward your case is and what the lawyer charges per hour.
Some states charge less than others. New York charges around $210 to file. California charges $435. Texas charges $300 to $350. A few states like Vermont charge under $100. The fee covers the court clerk processing your petition and, in most cases, a judge reviewing it. You will also need to pay for certified copies of the court order once it is issued — usually $5 to $15 per copy, and you will want at least two or three.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it by filing a separate form stating your income and expenses. Courts grant these requests regularly, though approval is not may provide and depends on your financial situation.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees for a name change petition range from under $100 to $435 depending on your state, and this is the main cost if you file the paperwork yourself.
- Hiring an attorney adds $500 to $1,500 to the total cost, though many name changes do not require legal help if you follow your state's forms and procedures.
- You will need to pay for certified copies of the final court order, usually $5 to $15 per copy, and most people need at least two or three.
- If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver by submitting a form to the court explaining your financial situation.
- Some states allow you to change your name through vital records offices or the DMV for a lower fee, though a court petition is the most common route.
What the court filing fee covers
The filing fee is what you pay the court clerk when you submit your petition. This fee covers the cost of processing your paperwork, storing it in the court system, and having a judge or clerk review it. In most states, the judge does not hold a hearing — they straightforward review the petition on paper and sign an order if everything is in order.
The fee varies by state and sometimes by county within a state. Some courts charge a flat rate; others charge based on the type of petition or whether you are changing your name as part of another case, like a divorce. If you are changing your name during a divorce, adoption, or other family court case, the name change fee may be bundled into the overall case fee or waived entirely.
When you need to hire an attorney
You do not need a lawyer for a straightforward name change. Most states provide free forms on their court websites, and the process is designed for people to handle it themselves. You fill out the petition, file it with the court, pay the fee, and wait for the judge to sign the order.
You may want to hire an attorney if your case is complicated — for example, if you have a criminal record and are worried the judge will deny the petition, if you are changing a child's name and the other parent objects, or if you are not sure whether your state requires a hearing or publication in a newspaper. An attorney can also help if you are changing your name as part of a larger family law case.
If you do hire an attorney, ask upfront whether they charge a flat fee for a name change or an hourly rate. Flat fees for uncontested name changes typically range from $500 to $1,000. Hourly rates vary widely by location and attorney experience, but expect $150 to $300 per hour in most areas.
Certified copies and what they cost
Once the judge signs your name change order, you will need certified copies to update your records with the Social Security Administration, your state's vital records office, the DMV, your bank, and your employer. A certified copy is an official photocopy of the court order, stamped and signed by the court clerk.
The court clerk charges a per-page fee for certified copies, usually $5 to $15 per copy depending on the state. Since the order is typically one or two pages, each copy costs $5 to $30. You should order at least two or three copies — one for your records, one for Social Security, and one for the DMV. Some agencies ask for the original or a certified copy; others accept photocopies. Check with each agency before you order to avoid buying more copies than you need.
Some courts allow you to order certified copies by mail or online after the order is signed. Others require you to go in person or use a service like LegacyLocker or CourtRecords.com, which charge a markup on top of the court fee.
State-by-state filing fee examples
Filing fees differ significantly across states. Here are examples from a few states to give you a sense of the range:
| State | Typical Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Vermont | $75 to $100 |
| New York | $210 to $250 |
| Texas | $300 to $350 |
| California | $435 |
| Florida | $250 to $300 |
| Illinois | $200 to $250 |
To find your state's exact fee, search "[your state] name change filing fee" or call your county court clerk. Fees can vary by county, and some courts have increased fees in recent years, so the amount you see online may not be current.
Fee waivers if you cannot afford the cost
If the filing fee is a hardship, you can ask the court to waive it. You do this by filing a separate form — usually called a "Motion to Waive Filing Fees" or "Affidavit of Indigency" — along with your name change petition. The form asks you to list your income, expenses, and assets so the judge can decide whether you can afford the fee.
Courts are required by law to consider these requests, and many grant them. There is no penalty for asking. If the judge denies the waiver, you can still proceed by paying the fee, or you can ask for a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay the fee in installments over a few months.
The fee waiver form is usually available on your court's website or from the clerk's office. Fill it out honestly and file it at the same time as your petition. The judge will review both documents together.
Other costs to consider
Beyond the court fee and attorney cost, you may have small expenses when updating your records. The Social Security Administration does not charge to update your name, but you will need to go to a local office in person or mail in your court order and a completed form. The DMV charges a fee to update your driver's license or state ID — usually $15 to $50 depending on the state — though some states waive the fee if you are changing your name.
If you need to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, or passport, these organizations do not charge a fee. You straightforward provide them with a copy of your court order. Some may ask for a certified copy; others accept a photocopy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name without going to court?
In most states, you must go through court. However, a few states allow name changes through the vital records office or DMV for a lower fee — usually $25 to $100. Check your state's vital records office website to see if this option is available. Even if it is, you will still need to update your Social Security record and driver's license afterward.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper?
Some states require you to publish a notice of your name change petition in a local newspaper. This costs $50 to $200 depending on the publication. Other states do not require publication, or only require it in certain situations. Check your state's court rules or call the clerk's office to find out whether publication is mandatory in your case.
How long does it take to get the court order after I file?
In most states, the judge reviews your petition within two to four weeks and signs the order if everything is correct. You can then request certified copies from the clerk. The entire process from filing to receiving certified copies usually takes four to eight weeks, though it can be faster in some courts.
What if the judge denies my petition?
Judges rarely deny straightforward name change petitions. If yours is denied, the judge will explain why in writing. Common reasons include incomplete paperwork, failure to publish notice if required, or concerns about fraud. You can usually file again with corrections, or you can ask an attorney to review the denial and advise you on next steps.
Can I change my child's name without the other parent's consent?
If both parents agree, the process is straightforward and costs the same as an adult name change. If one parent objects, you will likely need to go to a hearing, and an attorney becomes much more valuable. The court will consider what is in the child's best interest. Expect the process to take longer and cost more if there is disagreement.