Court filing fees are the main cost, and they vary by state from about $100 to $500

The largest expense in changing your last name is the court filing fee. This is what you pay the court to process your petition. The amount depends entirely on which state you live in — there is no federal standard. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on the type of case or the county where you file.

A few states charge under $150. Most charge between $200 and $400. A small number charge $500 or more. You pay this fee once, when you file your petition with the court. If your petition is denied and you want to try again, you typically pay the fee a second time.

Some courts offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee. You request this by filling out a form — usually called a "Motion to Waive Court Fees" or "Affidavit of Indigency" — and submitting it with your petition. The court decides whether to grant it based on your income and expenses. This process varies by state and county.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees range from roughly $100 to $500 depending on your state, and this is the cost you cannot avoid.
  • You may owe additional costs for certified copies of your court order, which you will need to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents.
  • Some states require you to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper, which costs $50 to $300 depending on the publication.
  • If you hire an attorney to prepare your paperwork, expect to pay $300 to $1,500, though many name changes can be handled without one.
  • Fee waivers are available in most states if you meet income requirements, which eliminates the court filing fee.

Certified copies of your court order

Once the court approves your name change, you receive a court order. You will need certified copies of this document to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and bank accounts. A certified copy is an official photocopy stamped and signed by the court clerk.

The court charges a per-copy fee, usually $1 to $5 per page. Most name change orders are one to three pages. You should order at least 5 to 10 certified copies — one for each agency you need to notify. This typically costs $10 to $50 total, though some courts charge more.

You can request certified copies when you file your petition, or you can request them after the court approves your name change. Ordering them at the same time as filing sometimes saves you a trip to the courthouse.

Newspaper publication requirements in some states

About half of U.S. states require you to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper. This is meant to give the public a chance to object to your name change. The requirement exists in states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, though the rules differ by state.

If your state requires publication, you must publish the notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where you filed. The newspaper charges you for this service. Costs typically range from $50 to $300 depending on the publication and how many words the notice contains. Some small-town newspapers charge less; large city newspapers charge more.

You do not choose which newspaper to use — the court or state law specifies which publications are acceptable. The newspaper will provide you with proof of publication, which you then file with the court as part of your petition or after publication is complete.

Attorney fees if you hire a lawyer

You can change your last name without hiring an attorney in most cases. The paperwork is straightforward, and many courts provide free forms and instructions. However, some people hire a lawyer to prepare the petition, file it, and handle the court process.

If you hire an attorney, expect to pay $300 to $1,500 for a name change case. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for the entire process; others charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $400 per hour. A straightforward name change usually takes 3 to 5 hours of attorney time, which is why flat fees are common.

You are most likely to need an attorney if your name change is contested — meaning someone objects to it in court — or if you are changing a minor's name and the other parent does not consent. In those situations, attorney fees can be significantly higher.

Background check and fingerprinting costs

A few states require you to submit fingerprints or undergo a background check as part of the name change process. This is less common than it used to be, but it still happens in some jurisdictions. If your state requires it, you typically pay a fee to the agency conducting the check.

Fingerprinting fees usually range from $15 to $50. Background check fees vary more widely depending on what the state is checking. Some states include this cost in the court filing fee; others charge it separately. Check your state or county court's website or call the clerk's office to find out whether this applies to you.

Updating your documents after the name change

Once your name change is official, you need to update your identification and records with various agencies. Some of these updates are free; others charge fees. These are separate from the court costs.

A Social Security card replacement is free. A new driver's license or state ID typically costs $15 to $50 depending on your state. A passport replacement costs $130 to $165 for a passport book, plus an execution fee if you explore in person. A new birth certificate costs $10 to $30 depending on your state. Banks and employers usually update your name for free once you show them your court order and new ID.

These costs add up, but they happen after your name change is complete and are not part of the court process itself.

How to find the exact cost in your state

The best way to learn what you will pay is to contact your county court clerk's office directly. Call or visit the website for the district court, circuit court, or family court in the county where you live — the correct court depends on your state. Ask for the filing fee for a name change petition and whether your county requires newspaper publication.

Many state court systems publish fee schedules online. Search "[your state] court filing fees" or "[your county] name change cost" to find this information. Some states have a single statewide fee; others let each county set its own. Your state bar association may also publish a guide to name change costs and procedures.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, ask the court clerk about fee waivers. The clerk can tell you what form to fill out and what income level qualifies you.

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 petition, regardless of the outcome. If your petition is denied and you want to file again, you must pay the filing fee a second time. Some courts allow you to refile without paying again if you make minor corrections, but this varies by state.

Do I have to pay for newspaper publication if I cannot afford it?

This depends on your state. Some states allow you to request a waiver of the publication requirement if you cannot afford it, though the court must still approve your petition. Others make publication mandatory. Contact your court clerk to ask whether a waiver is possible in your situation.

What if I change my mind after I file but before the court approves it?

You can withdraw your petition before the court makes a decision. Whether you get your filing fee back depends on your state and county. Some courts refund fees for withdrawn petitions; others do not. Ask the court clerk about the refund policy before you file.

Are there any hidden costs I should know about?

The main costs are the filing fee, certified copies, and newspaper publication if required. Some courts charge small additional fees for things like filing by mail or requesting expedited processing, but these are usually under $25. Always ask the court clerk for a complete list of fees before you file.