What you'll pay to change your name

The cost to change your last name ranges from $0 to $500, depending on your state and whether you hire an attorney. Most states charge a court filing fee between $100 and $300. Some states offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the cost. A few states have no filing fee at all. If you hire a lawyer to handle the paperwork, expect to pay $300 to $1,500 on top of court fees, though many people file the petition themselves and pay only the court cost.

The actual expense breaks into two parts: what the court charges and what you choose to spend on help. The court fee is set by your state and covers the cost of processing your petition. Everything beyond that — a lawyer, certified copies of the court order, or updated documents — is optional but may be worth the money depending on your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees range from $0 to $300 in most states, and some states waive the fee if you meet income requirements.
  • You can file the petition yourself using your state's court forms and pay only the filing fee, or hire an attorney for $300 to $1,500 additional.
  • After the court approves your name change, you will need certified copies of the order, which typically cost $5 to $25 per copy depending on your state.
  • Updating your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents may have small fees, but most government agencies do not charge to update records once you have the court order.

State-by-state filing fees

Filing fees vary significantly by state. California charges $435 for an adult name change petition. Texas charges $103. New York charges $210. Some states like Alaska and South Dakota charge under $100. A handful of states, including Vermont and Wyoming, have no filing fee at all. Your county clerk's office can tell you the exact fee for your state and county, since some counties add local surcharges on top of the state fee.

Many states offer a fee waiver or reduction if your household income is below a certain threshold — usually 125% to 200% of the federal poverty line. You will need to fill out a separate form (often called an "Application for Fee Waiver" or "Affidavit of Indigency") and submit it with your petition. The court will decide whether to waive the fee before you pay anything. This option exists in most states but is not automatic, so you have to request it.

When to hire an attorney and what it costs

You do not need a lawyer to change your name in most cases. The process is straightforward: fill out a form, file it with the court, pay the fee, and attend a brief hearing (or skip it if your state allows). However, some situations make hiring a lawyer worthwhile. If you are changing a child's name and the other parent objects, if you have a criminal record and worry about how the court will view your petition, or if you simply do not want to handle the paperwork yourself, an attorney can guide you through.

A lawyer typically charges $300 to $1,500 for a straightforward name change, depending on your location and the complexity of your case. Some charge a flat fee; others bill hourly. Many family law attorneys offer free initial consultations, so you can ask about cost before committing. Legal aid societies in your area may offer free or low-cost help if your income qualifies.

Certified copies and document updates

Once the court approves your name change, you will receive a certified copy of the order. This is the document you show to government agencies and employers to prove your name legally changed. The court charges $5 to $25 per certified copy, depending on your state. Most people order 5 to 10 copies at the time of filing or immediately after approval, since you will need them to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and bank accounts.

Updating those documents usually has no fee or a small one. The Social Security Administration does not charge to update your name. Your state's DMV may charge $10 to $30 to reissue a driver's license with your new name, though some states waive this fee for name changes. Banks, employers, and insurance companies do not charge to update their records once you provide the court order.

Hidden costs and what to budget for

Beyond the court fee and certified copies, a few other expenses may come up. If you need to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper (required in some states), that typically costs $50 to $200. Not all states require publication, and some allow you to request a waiver if you have safety concerns. Check your state's rules before assuming you need to pay for publication.

If you are updating a passport, the State Department charges $130 for a passport card or $165 for a passport book, but only if your passport is expired or you are applying for a new one anyway. Updating an existing valid passport costs $110 to $130 depending on the document type. Again, this is not a cost of the name change itself but a cost of updating an existing document.

How to find your state's exact fee

The fastest way to learn what your state charges is to call your county clerk's office or visit their website. Search "[your county] clerk name change fee" or "[your state] court name change cost." Most county clerk websites have a fee schedule that lists the exact amount. If your county has an online court portal, you can often see the fee listed there as well.

Your state's court website usually has a self-help center or family law section with forms and fee information. Legal aid organizations in your state often publish guides to name changes that include current fees. If you are considering hiring a lawyer, call a few family law firms and ask for their flat fee for an uncontested adult name change — you will get a sense of the range in your area quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the court fee waived if I cannot afford it?

Most states allow you to request a fee waiver by filing an "Application for Fee Waiver" or "Affidavit of Indigency" along with your petition. You will need to show that your household income is below a certain level, usually 125% to 200% of the federal poverty line. The court decides whether to grant the waiver. Contact your county clerk or visit your state court's website to find the waiver form.

Do I have to pay to publish my name change in the newspaper?

Only some states require publication, and the cost is typically $50 to $200. If your state requires it, you can often request a waiver for safety reasons. Check your state's court rules or ask your county clerk whether publication is mandatory in your situation.

How many certified copies of the court order should I order?

Most people order 5 to 10 copies. You will need at least one for Social Security, one for your driver's license, and one for your employer or bank. Ordering extras at the time of filing is cheaper than ordering them later, since you pay a per-copy fee each time you request them from the court.

Will updating my driver's license or Social Security card cost money?

Social Security does not charge to update your name. Your state's DMV may charge $10 to $30 to reissue a driver's license, though some states waive this fee for name changes. Call your local DMV to ask about their specific policy.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer and do not may have access to for a fee waiver?

You can file the petition yourself using your state's court forms, which are free and available on your county clerk's website or at the courthouse. The process is designed for people without lawyers. Your county may also have a legal aid society or self-help center that offers free guidance on filling out the forms.