Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees typically cost $100 to $300 and are the main expense; this is what you pay to submit your petition to the court.
- Some states require you to publish a legal notice in a newspaper, which can add $50 to $200 depending on the publication and how many times it runs.
- Certified copies of your name change order cost $10 to $25 each, and you will need multiple copies for banks, employers, and government agencies.
- Hiring an attorney to handle the process costs $300 to $1,000 on top of court fees, but doing it yourself saves that expense if you are comfortable with forms.
- Some states offer expedited or simplified procedures for certain situations (like after marriage or divorce) that cost less than a full court petition.
Court Filing Fees by State
Court filing fees are set by each state and county, so the amount you pay depends on where you live. Most states charge between $100 and $300 to file a name change petition. Some counties within a state charge more or less than others, so calling your local district court or checking the court's website gives you the exact number for your location.
A few states have lower fees for people with low income. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it by filing a "motion to waive fees" or a "pauper's affidavit" — you will need to show proof of your income and expenses. The court may reduce or eliminate the fee, though approval is not may provide.
Some states offer a faster track for name changes that happen as part of another legal event — for example, a name change during a divorce or after a minor turns 18. These may have lower fees or be bundled into the cost of the main case, so ask the court clerk whether your situation qualifies.
Publication Costs in States That Require It
About half of U.S. states require you to publish a legal notice of your name change in a newspaper. This gives the public a chance to object to the change. The newspaper charges a fee to run the notice, usually $50 to $200 depending on the publication and how many times it must appear. Some states require the notice to run once; others require it to run for several consecutive weeks.
You do not get to choose any newspaper — the court will direct you to publish in a specific newspaper of record for your county. Call that newspaper's legal advertising department to ask for the exact cost before you file your petition. Some newspapers offer a discount if you pay upfront.
If your state does not require publication, you skip this cost entirely. Check your state's court website or call the clerk to confirm whether publication is mandatory in your county.
Certified Copies and Document Fees
After the court approves your name change, you will need certified copies of the order to show banks, employers, the Social Security Administration, and your state's motor vehicle department. Each certified copy costs $10 to $25, depending on the court. Most people order 5 to 10 copies to cover all the places that will ask for proof.
You can request certified copies when you file your petition, or you can order them later from the court clerk. Ordering them at the time of filing sometimes costs less than ordering them afterward. Ask the clerk what the bulk rate is if you order multiple copies at once.
Some courts charge an additional fee to search for or retrieve your case file before they can certify copies. This is usually $5 to $15 per search. If you are ordering copies months or years after the name change was granted, the court may charge this retrieval fee.
Attorney Fees If You Hire a Lawyer
If you hire an attorney to handle your name change, expect to pay $300 to $1,000 on top of the court and publication fees. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for the entire process; others charge hourly rates of $150 to $400 per hour. A straightforward name change usually takes 3 to 5 hours of attorney time, so flat fees are more common and more predictable.
You do not need an attorney for a routine name change — the forms are available online and the process is designed for people to handle themselves. An attorney is most useful if your case is complicated (for example, if you have a criminal record or if someone is likely to object to the change) or if you simply prefer to have someone else manage the paperwork and court appearance.
Some legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost name change services to people who meet income requirements. Contact your local legal aid office or search for "legal aid" plus your state name to find out whether you may have access to.
Total Cost Breakdown for a Typical Case
For someone doing the work themselves in a state that requires publication, the total cost usually breaks down like this: court filing fee ($100–$300), newspaper publication ($50–$200), and 5 to 10 certified copies ($50–$250). That adds up to roughly $200 to $750 depending on your state and how many copies you order.
If you hire an attorney, add $300 to $1,000 to that total. If your state does not require publication, subtract $50 to $200. If you may have access to for a fee waiver, the court filing fee drops to zero.
The biggest variable is your state's filing fee and publication requirement. Before you start, call your district court clerk and ask: What is the filing fee? Does my county require newspaper publication? If so, what is the cost? This 10-minute call will give you an accurate number for your situation.
Ways to Reduce the Total Cost
Handle the paperwork yourself instead of hiring an attorney. The forms are straightforward and available free from your court's website or clerk's office. You will still pay court and publication fees, but you save the $300 to $1,000 attorney cost.
Order certified copies in bulk when you first request them. Courts often charge less per copy if you order 5 or 10 at once instead of ordering 1 or 2 now and coming back for more later. Ask the clerk what the volume discount is.
Check whether you may have access to for a fee waiver based on income. If you do, the court filing fee may be reduced or eliminated. You will still pay for publication and certified copies, but the largest single expense disappears.
If your name change is tied to another court case (divorce, adoption, or a minor reaching adulthood), ask whether the name change can be included in that case. Sometimes the fee is lower or bundled, saving you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the court fee upfront, or can I pay it later?
Most courts require you to pay the filing fee when you submit your petition. Some courts allow you to pay by check, credit card, or money order. If you cannot afford it, file a motion to waive the fee before you file the petition itself — the court will decide whether to waive it based on your income.
Can I get my money back if the court denies my name change?
No, the court keeps the filing fee even if your petition is denied. However, denials are rare for straightforward cases. If your petition is denied, the court will explain why, and you can usually file again after addressing the issue.
What if I need certified copies years after my name change?
You can order them anytime from the court clerk. You will pay the per-copy fee ($10–$25) plus possibly a retrieval or search fee ($5–$15) if the court has to locate your old case file. Ordering multiple copies at once usually costs less per copy than ordering them one at a time.
Does the cost change if I change my name for religious or cultural reasons?
No, the court fees and process are the same regardless of your reason for changing your name. The court does not charge different amounts based on why you want the change.
Are there any hidden costs I should know about?
The main costs are filing fees, publication (if required), and certified copies. Some courts charge small fees for things like notarizing documents or retrieving case files, usually $5 to $15 each. Ask the clerk for a complete list of possible fees when you call to ask about the filing fee.