Name change costs vary widely by state, from under $100 to over $500

The cost of changing your name legally depends almost entirely on where you live. Some states charge a flat filing fee of $50 to $100. Others charge $200 to $300. A few states charge $400 or more. The fee covers the court paperwork and the judge's time to review your petition — it does not include any other costs you might face, like paying an attorney or getting certified copies of the order.

Beyond the filing fee itself, you may need to pay for certified copies of your name change order (usually $5 to $25 per copy), a background check in some states ($15 to $50), and publication fees if your state requires you to publish your name change in a newspaper (typically $50 to $200). If you hire an attorney instead of filing on your own, expect to pay $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on your location and the complexity of your case. The total out-of-pocket cost for a straightforward name change, doing the work yourself, typically falls between $150 and $400. If you need an attorney, add $300 to $1,000 on top of court fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees range from under $100 in some states to $400 or more in others, and this is the largest single cost you will face.
  • Certified copies of your name change 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, which can add $50 to $200 to your total cost.
  • Hiring an attorney adds $300 to $1,000 or more, but some people may have access to for free legal help through legal aid organizations.
  • Fee waivers are available in most states if you cannot afford the filing fee, though you must request one and show proof of income.

Filing fees by state and region

The court filing fee is the largest cost you will pay. In the Northeast and Midwest, fees tend to cluster between $100 and $250. New York charges around $210. Pennsylvania charges $125. Illinois charges $150 to $200 depending on the county. In the South, fees vary more widely: Texas charges $100 to $300 depending on the county, while Florida charges around $200. California charges $435, making it one of the most expensive states. Washington state charges around $200.

Some states have lower fees for minors or for name changes related to marriage or divorce, so check your specific state court's website for the exact amount. The fee schedule is usually posted on the district court or circuit court website under "civil fees" or "name change fees." You can also call the court clerk's office directly — they can tell you the exact fee for your county and whether any reductions apply to your situation.

Certified copies and how many you need

Once the judge signs your name change order, you will need certified copies to show to banks, employers, the Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, and other agencies. Each certified copy costs $5 to $25, depending on the court. Most people need between three and ten copies.

Order extra copies when you first get your order signed — it is cheaper to buy them all at once than to return to the courthouse later. Some courts allow you to order copies by mail or online. Ask the clerk how many copies you should order for your situation; they can usually tell you based on what you plan to change. Keep one copy in a safe place and bring others with you as you update your records with each institution.

Newspaper publication fees in some states

About half of U.S. states require you to publish your name change in a newspaper as a matter of public record. This is meant to give creditors or other parties a chance to object. The newspaper charges a fee to run the notice, typically $50 to $200 depending on the publication and your location. Some courts have a list of approved newspapers; others let you choose.

A few states waive publication if you can show good cause — for example, if you are changing your name to escape domestic violence. Ask the court clerk whether publication is required in your state and whether any exceptions apply to you. If publication is required, ask whether you can use a legal newspaper instead of a major daily, as legal newspapers often charge less.

Background check and fingerprinting costs

A small number of states require a background check or fingerprinting as part of the name change process. If required, you will pay the state police or a fingerprinting service $15 to $50 for this step. The court will tell you whether it is required and where to go.

This requirement is not common, but it is worth asking the clerk when you file your petition. Some states only require a background check if you have a prior criminal record or if you are changing a minor's name. The clerk can tell you whether this step applies to your case and what the exact cost will be.

Attorney fees if you hire a lawyer

If you hire an attorney to handle your name change, expect to pay $300 to $1,000 or more. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for a straightforward name change; others charge hourly rates of $150 to $400 per hour. A simple name change usually takes a few hours of attorney time, so flat fees tend to be more predictable.

You do not need an attorney for most name changes — the process is designed for people to handle on their own. However, an attorney can help if your case is complicated, if you have a criminal record and are worried about objections, or if you are changing a minor's name and need to navigate custody issues. Legal aid organizations in your area may offer free or low-cost attorney help if you meet their income requirements.

Fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee

Most states allow you to request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the court filing fee. You will need to fill out a form (usually called an "Application for Fee Waiver" or "Affidavit of Indigency") and show proof of your income — recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. The judge will decide whether to waive the fee.

The fee waiver covers only the court filing fee, not certified copies, newspaper publication, or attorney fees. Ask the court clerk for the fee waiver form when you file your petition. Some courts post the form online. If you are denied, you can ask again if your financial situation changes. Submit the waiver request at the same time you file your name change petition so the court does not process your case until the fee or waiver is resolved.

How to keep costs down

File the paperwork yourself instead of hiring an attorney — this saves $300 to $1,000. Most courts have free instructions and templates on their websites, and many offer free legal clinics where staff can answer questions about the process. Your local law library may also have resources and sample forms you can use.

Order all your certified copies at once when you first get your order signed, rather than ordering them later — bulk orders are usually cheaper. Ask the court clerk how many you will need so you do not have to return. If your state requires newspaper publication, ask whether you can use a legal newspaper instead of a major daily — legal newspapers are usually cheaper. Some courts have a list of approved publications with their fees posted.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, request a fee waiver. If you cannot afford certified copies, some courts will waive or reduce those fees as well — ask the clerk. Contact your local legal aid organization to see whether they offer free name change help; many do, especially if you are changing your name for safety reasons or if you have a low income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the filing fee upfront, or can I pay after the judge approves my name change?

You must pay the filing fee when you submit your petition to the court. If you cannot afford it, request a fee waiver at the same time you file. The court will not process your petition until the fee is paid or the waiver is approved.

How many certified copies should I order?

Most people need three to ten copies. Order one for Social Security, one for your state motor vehicle department, one for your bank, and one or two extras for your records. If you are changing a child's name, order extra copies for school records and medical providers. Ask the court clerk for a recommendation based on your situation.

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

No. The filing fee is non-refundable, even if your petition is denied. However, denials are rare for straightforward name changes. If your petition is denied, you can usually file again and pay the fee a second time.

What if I cannot afford certified copies?

Some courts will waive or reduce the cost of certified copies if you show financial hardship. Ask the court clerk whether this is an option. You can also ask agencies like Social Security or your motor vehicle department whether they will accept an uncertified copy of the order as a starting point.

Is there a difference in cost between changing my name for personal reasons versus changing it after marriage or divorce?

Some states charge lower fees for name changes related to marriage or divorce. A few states waive the fee entirely for divorce-related name changes. Check your state court's fee schedule or call the clerk to ask whether your situation qualifies for a reduced fee.