Name change costs vary by state, but most people pay between $150 and $500 total
The cost to change your name depends on where you live and whether you hire a lawyer. Most states charge a court filing fee that ranges from $150 to $300. Some states are cheaper — a few charge under $100 — while others charge $400 or more. If you handle the paperwork yourself, you pay only the filing fee and the cost of certified copies of your court order. If you hire a lawyer, add $500 to $2,000 depending on how complex your case is and what your lawyer charges per hour.
The filing fee is what the court keeps for processing your petition. Certified copies cost $5 to $25 each depending on your state, and you'll usually need several — one for your Social Security card, one for your driver's license, one for your bank, and extras for other documents. Some courts charge extra fees for things like serving notice to the public or filing certain types of petitions.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees range from under $100 to over $400 depending on your state, and this is the main cost you cannot avoid.
- Certified copies of your court order cost $5 to $25 each, and you will need multiple copies to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and bank accounts.
- You can file the paperwork yourself for just the filing fee and copy costs, or hire a lawyer for $500 to $2,000 if your situation is complicated.
- Some states offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee, though you must show proof of low income to the court.
Breaking down the filing fee by state
Filing fees are set by each state's court system and do not change based on your reason for changing your name. A few states charge less than $100: Kansas charges around $60, and some counties in other states charge similarly low amounts. Most states fall in the $150 to $300 range. California charges around $435, New York charges around $210, and Texas charges around $300. A handful of states charge $400 or more. These amounts can shift year to year, so call your local district court or check your state court's website to confirm the exact fee before you file.
The filing fee covers the court's cost to process your petition, schedule a hearing if one is required, and issue your court order. It does not cover the judge's time or the clerk's time — it is straightforward what the court charges to handle the case. Some courts bundle multiple fees together, so you might see a "petition fee" plus a "hearing fee" plus a "judgment fee" that add up to your total. Ask the court clerk to break down what each fee covers so you know what you are paying for.
Certified copy costs and how many you need
After the court issues your name change order, you need certified copies to prove the change to other agencies and businesses. A certified copy is a photocopy of your court order stamped and signed by the court clerk to confirm it is a true copy of the original. Most courts charge $5 to $15 per certified copy, though some charge up to $25. You should order at least 5 to 10 copies when you pick up your order from the court, because you will need them for multiple places and it is cheaper to order them all at once than to go back later.
You will need a certified copy for your Social Security card, your driver's license or state ID, your bank account, your employer's payroll system, and your insurance policies. Some agencies ask for the original certified copy; others accept a photocopy of the certified copy. Keep one copy in a safe place and use the others to update your records. If you run out, you can always order more from the court, but it is faster and sometimes cheaper to order extras upfront.
When you might need to hire a lawyer
You do not need a lawyer to change your name in most cases. If your reason is straightforward — you want a new first name, you want to drop a middle name, or you want to take your spouse's last name — you can file the paperwork yourself. The court clerk can answer basic questions about how to fill out the forms, and many courts have free instructions online or at the courthouse.
You might want to hire a lawyer if your case involves a contested objection (someone is fighting your name change), if you have a criminal record and are worried about how the court will view your petition, or if you are changing your child's name and the other parent objects. A lawyer can also help if you are unsure whether your reason will be accepted in your state — some states reject name changes they consider frivolous or made to evade debt or criminal liability. Lawyer fees typically run $500 to $2,000 for a straightforward name change, or more if the case goes to trial.
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 file a separate form — usually called a "Motion to Waive Court Fees" or "process for Fee Waiver" — along with your name change petition. You must show the court that your income is below a certain level, usually around 125% to 200% of the federal poverty line, though this varies by state. The court reviews your income and expenses and decides whether to waive the fee.
If the court grants your waiver, you pay nothing for the filing fee. You still have to pay for certified copies, though some courts will waive that fee too if you ask. Ask the court clerk for the fee waiver form when you pick up your name change petition forms, or read it from your state court's website. Fill it out honestly and completely — the court takes these applications seriously and will deny a waiver if it looks like you are hiding income or overstating expenses.
Additional costs you might encounter
Some courts charge extra fees beyond the basic filing fee. A few states charge a separate fee to publish notice of your name change in a newspaper, which is required in some places. This can cost $50 to $200 depending on the newspaper and how many times the notice must run. Some courts charge a fee to serve notice on other parties if your case is contested. A few states charge a fee to file documents electronically instead of in person.
If you need to update your name on a passport, you will need to explore for a new passport and pay the State Department's passport fee, which is separate from your name change costs. If you need to change your name on a vehicle title or deed, your state's motor vehicle department or land records office may charge a small fee to issue a new document. These are not court costs, but they are part of the total expense of changing your name across all your documents.
Comparing the cost of doing it yourself versus hiring a lawyer
Doing the paperwork yourself saves you the lawyer fee, which is the biggest cost difference. Most people can handle a straightforward name change without legal help — the forms are straightforward and the court clerk can answer questions. You pay only the filing fee and certified copy costs, which totals $200 to $650 in most states. Hiring a lawyer adds $500 to $2,000, so your total jumps to $700 to $2,650. The lawyer is worth the cost only if your case is complicated, contested, or if you are very uncomfortable with paperwork.
The table below shows the typical breakdown of costs for each route. Your actual total will depend on your state's filing fee, how many certified copies you need, and whether you hire a lawyer. If you choose to do it yourself, start by calling your local district court to ask for the exact filing fee and the names of the forms you need to file.
| Route | Filing Fee | Certified Copies (10 copies) | Lawyer Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | $150–$400 | $50–$250 | $0 | $200–$650 |
| With a lawyer | $150–$400 | $50–$250 | $500–$2,000 | $700–$2,650 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my filing fee back if the court denies my name change?
No. The court keeps the filing fee regardless of whether your petition is granted or denied. The fee covers the court's cost to process and review your case, not the outcome. If your petition is denied, you can file again, but you will have to pay the filing fee a second time.
Do I have to pay the filing fee upfront or can I pay it later?
You must pay the filing fee when you file your petition. The court will not accept your paperwork without payment. If you cannot afford it, file a fee waiver request at the same time you file your petition, and the court will decide whether to waive the fee before processing your case.
Are certified copies the same as photocopies of my court order?
No. A certified copy is stamped and signed by the court clerk to prove it is a true copy of the original. Most government agencies and banks will not accept a regular photocopy. You must use certified copies to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and official records.
What if I need more certified copies after I've already picked them up?
You can order additional certified copies from the court clerk at any time. Call or visit the courthouse and request them. The cost is the same per copy as when you ordered the first batch, though some courts offer a small discount if you order many copies at once.
Do I have to pay to publish my name change in the newspaper?
It depends on your state. Some states require public notice, and the court will tell you if yours does. If it does, you typically pay the newspaper directly for the publication, not the court. The cost varies by newspaper but usually runs $50 to $200. A few states waive this requirement if you get a fee waiver.