Name change costs vary by state and court, but typically range from $150 to $500

The price you pay to change your name depends on where you live and which court handles your case. Most states charge a filing fee when you submit your petition to the court — this is the main cost. Some courts add smaller fees for things like serving notice to other parties or getting certified copies of your new name order. A few states have reduced or waived fees for people with very low income, though you usually have to request this in writing.

The filing fee itself is set by each state's court system and does not change based on your reason for changing your name. Whether you are changing it for marriage, divorce, personal preference, or any other reason, you pay the same amount in your jurisdiction. Some courts let you pay in installments if you cannot afford the full amount upfront — ask the clerk's office directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Filing fees for a name change petition range from roughly $150 to $500 depending on your state and county court.
  • Additional costs may include service fees (notifying interested parties), certified copy fees, and publication fees in some states.
  • Some courts reduce or waive fees for people with documented low income if you request a fee waiver before filing.
  • You may need to pay a separate fee to update your name with the Social Security Administration and your state's vital records office after the court order is final.

Typical filing fees by region

States in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic tend to charge between $200 and $400 for a name change petition. New York courts charge around $210 to $260, while Pennsylvania courts charge roughly $300 to $350. Southern states vary more widely — some charge $150 to $200, while others charge $350 to $450. Western states generally fall in the $200 to $400 range, though California and Washington charge on the higher end.

County courts within the same state sometimes charge different amounts. For example, in Texas, some county courts charge $150 while others charge $300 or more. Call your local district court clerk's office or check their website to find the exact fee for your county. The clerk can also tell you whether your court accepts payment by check, credit card, or cash, and whether you can mail in your petition or must file in person.

Additional costs beyond the filing fee

After you file your petition, the court may require you to notify certain people — your spouse, former spouse, or creditors, depending on your situation. Some courts charge a service fee (typically $25 to $75) to have the court or a sheriff's deputy deliver these notices. Other courts let you serve notice yourself at no additional cost if you follow their rules.

Many states require you to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper. Publication costs vary widely but typically run $50 to $200 depending on the newspaper and how many times the notice must run. Some rural counties have lower publication costs, while urban areas are more expensive. A few states have waived publication requirements in recent years, so ask your court clerk whether your state still requires it.

Once the court grants your name change, you will need certified copies of the order. Courts usually charge $1 to $5 per certified copy. Most people order at least two or three copies to send to the Social Security Administration, their state's vital records office, and their bank or employer. You can order extra copies at the same time for a small additional fee rather than returning to the court later.

Costs to update your name with government agencies

Changing your name with the Social Security Administration is free, but you must submit your court order and a valid ID in person at your local Social Security office or by mail. There is no fee for this step. However, if you need a new Social Security card printed faster than the standard timeline, some offices may charge a small expedited fee — ask when you visit.

Your state's vital records office (usually part of the health department) charges a fee to update your birth certificate with your new name. This fee ranges from $10 to $30 in most states. You will need to submit a certified copy of your court order along with a completed process form. Some states let you order an updated birth certificate by mail, while others require you to visit in person.

Driver's license and state ID updates are usually free or cost $5 to $15, depending on your state. You will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles with your court order and current ID. Some states issue a new license when ready, while others mail it to you within a few weeks. Check your state's DMV website for the exact process and any fees before you go.

Fee waivers and payment plans

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver from the court. Most courts have a form called a "Petition for Waiver of Court Fees" or "process for In Forma Pauperis" that you fill out and submit along with your name change petition. You will need to describe your income, expenses, and assets to show the court that you cannot pay without hardship.

Courts approve or deny fee waivers based on your financial situation. Some courts grant full waivers (you pay nothing), while others grant partial waivers (you pay a reduced amount). There is no fee to request a waiver — the worst outcome is that the court denies it and you pay the full fee. If the court denies your waiver request, you can ask whether the court offers a payment plan to spread the cost over several months.

Private attorney costs if you hire one

You do not need a lawyer to change your name — you can file the petition yourself and represent yourself in court. However, some people hire an attorney to handle the paperwork and court appearance. Attorney fees for a name change typically range from $300 to $1,000 depending on your location and the complexity of your case. A straightforward, uncontested name change usually costs less than a case where someone objects to your petition.

If you hire an attorney, you still pay the court filing fee separately — the attorney fee is on top of that. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for a name change, while others charge hourly rates. Ask for a written estimate before you hire someone. If cost is a concern, many legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost help with name changes for people with low income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my filing fee back if the court denies my petition?

No, filing fees are not refunded even if your petition is denied. However, courts rarely deny straightforward name change petitions unless you fail to follow the court's procedures or someone objects and the judge agrees with their objection. Ask your court clerk what the most common reasons for denial are in your jurisdiction so you can avoid them.

Do I have to pay to change my name on my passport?

The U.S. State Department charges a fee to update your passport with your new name — typically $130 for a passport book or $35 for a passport card. You will need to submit your court order along with your current passport and a new photo. You can explore by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility.

What if I cannot afford the publication fee?

Some courts waive or reduce publication fees for people with low income if you request it in writing. A few states have eliminated publication requirements altogether. Ask your court clerk whether your court can waive the publication fee or whether your state allows you to skip publication under certain circumstances.

Do I need to pay anything to change my name at my bank or employer?

No, banks and employers do not charge you to update your name in their systems. You will need to bring a certified copy of your court order and a valid ID to your bank to update your accounts. Your employer's human resources department can update your records with just a copy of the court order — no fee required.

Can I change my name for free in any state?

No state charges zero filing fees for name changes, but a few states charge significantly less than others — some as low as $100 to $150. Additionally, if you may have access to for a fee waiver based on low income, you may pay nothing at all. Contact your local court clerk to ask about fee waivers in your area.