Court filing fees are the main cost, and they range from $150 to $500 depending on your state

The largest expense when you change your name is the court filing fee. This is what you pay to file your petition with the court clerk. The amount varies significantly by state — some charge as little as $150, while others charge $400 or more. A few states charge based on county, so two counties in the same state may have different fees.

You will also need to pay for certified copies of your name change order once the court approves it. Most courts charge $5 to $15 per copy, and you should order at least two or three. These certified copies are what you show to the Social Security Administration, your state's vital records office, your employer, and your bank — you cannot use the original court order for all of these because each agency keeps it.

If you hire an attorney, legal fees typically run $300 to $1,500 depending on your location and whether your case is straightforward. Many people file without an attorney by using their state's court forms, which are free or cost a few dollars to print.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees range from $150 to $500 and vary by state and sometimes by county within a state.
  • You will need to order certified copies of your name change order at $5 to $15 each, and most people need at least two or three.
  • Hiring an attorney costs $300 to $1,500 but is optional — many courts provide free forms you can file yourself.
  • Some states offer fee waivers if your household income is below a certain threshold, usually around 200% of the federal poverty line.
  • Additional costs may include certified mail, fingerprinting for background checks in some states, and publication fees if your state requires you to publish the name change in a newspaper.

What the court filing fee covers and does not cover

The court filing fee pays for the clerk to process your petition, assign it to a judge, and issue the name change order once approved. It does not cover the cost of certified copies, fingerprinting, background checks, or any other service beyond processing your case through the court system.

Some states require you to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper. If your state has this requirement, you will pay the newspaper directly — this typically costs $50 to $200 depending on the publication and how many times you must run the notice. The court does not collect this fee; you arrange and pay for it separately.

Fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee

Most states allow you to request a fee waiver if your household income falls below a certain level. The threshold is usually around 200% of the federal poverty line, though it varies by state. For a single person in 2024, that would be roughly $28,000 per year; for a family of four, roughly $57,000 per year. You will need to fill out an affidavit of indigency or financial hardship form and submit it with your petition.

The court reviews your income and assets and decides whether to waive the fee. Some courts grant waivers automatically if you meet the income threshold; others require you to appear before a judge. Even if your fee is waived, you will still need to pay for certified copies of your order and any publication fees if required.

Costs if you use an attorney

An attorney can file the petition for you, handle any complications, and represent you at a hearing if one is required. Most name change cases are uncontested and do not need a hearing, so the attorney's main work is preparing the paperwork and filing it correctly.

Flat fees for name change cases typically range from $300 to $1,500. Some attorneys charge hourly rates instead, usually $150 to $400 per hour, which means the total cost depends on how much time they spend. If you live in a rural area or a state with fewer attorneys, costs may be higher. Urban areas and states with more competition among attorneys often have lower rates.

An attorney is not required. If your case is straightforward — you have no criminal history, no outstanding warrants, and no objections from anyone — you can file the forms yourself using your state's court website or a legal document service.

Costs for certified copies and vital records updates

Once the court approves your name change, you need certified copies of the order to show to government agencies and private institutions. The court clerk charges $5 to $15 per copy. Order at least two or three because you will need them for the Social Security Administration, your state's vital records office, your driver's license, your bank, and your employer.

Updating your vital records — your birth certificate — is a separate process handled by your state's vital records office, not the court. Most states charge $10 to $30 to issue a new birth certificate with your new name. You will need to send a certified copy of your name change order along with a form and payment. Some states allow you to order online; others require mail or in-person visits.

Additional costs you may encounter

Some states require fingerprinting and a background check as part of the name change process. If your state has this requirement, you will pay a fingerprinting fee, usually $15 to $50, and the state may charge a background check fee of $20 to $100. These fees go to the state police or a third-party vendor, not the court.

If you need certified mail to send documents to the court or to receive certified copies, the post office charges $8 to $10 per piece. Some people also use legal document services like LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer to prepare their forms, which charge $150 to $300 on top of the court filing fee — this is optional and not necessary if you are comfortable filling out the forms yourself.

How to find out your state's exact fees

The fastest way to learn your state's filing fee is to call your county court clerk's office directly. Tell them you want to change your name and ask for the filing fee, the cost of certified copies, and whether your state requires publication or fingerprinting. The clerk can also tell you whether fee waivers are available and what income threshold applies.

You can also visit your state court's website, which usually has a fee schedule for all case types. Search for "name change" or "petition for change of name" and look for the fee listed next to it. If the website does not list fees, call the clerk's office — they answer this question frequently and can give you an answer in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The filing fee pays for the court to process your case, regardless of the outcome. If your petition is denied, you do not get a refund. If you want to try again, you will need to pay the filing fee a second time.

Do I have to pay the court fee upfront or can I pay after approval?

You must pay the filing fee when you submit your petition. The court will not process your case without payment. If you are requesting a fee waiver, you submit the waiver request with your petition, and the court decides before you pay anything.

What if I cannot afford certified copies?

Some courts will provide one or two certified copies at no charge or reduced cost if you ask. Call the clerk's office and explain your situation. You may also be able to request a fee waiver for certified copies if you are low-income, though this is less common than waivers for filing fees.

Does changing my name cost anything at the Social Security Administration?

No. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee to update your name. You bring your certified name change order and a valid ID to your local Social Security office, and they update your record for free. You can also mail the documents if you prefer.

Will I have to pay court costs again if I change my name back later?

Yes. Changing your name back is a separate legal proceeding and requires a new petition and filing fee. The cost is the same as your original name change.