The cost to change your last name ranges from $0 to $500, depending on where you live and which court handles your case
Most states charge a filing fee when you petition the court to change your name. This fee covers the cost of processing your petition and recording the change. The amount varies significantly by state — some charge under $100, while others charge $300 or more. A few states have no filing fee at all, though this is rare. You may also face additional costs for certified copies of your court order, which you'll need to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents.
The total you pay depends on three things: your state's base filing fee, whether you need certified copies, and whether you hire an attorney. If you file the petition yourself without a lawyer, you'll pay only the court fee plus the cost of copies. If you hire an attorney to handle the petition, you'll also pay their hourly rate or flat fee, which typically ranges from $300 to $1,500.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees for name changes range from $0 to $500 depending on your state, and you pay this fee when you submit your petition to the court.
- Certified copies of your court order cost $5 to $25 per copy, and you will need multiple copies to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and bank accounts.
- You can file a name change petition yourself without a lawyer in most states, which saves you $300 to $1,500 in attorney fees.
- Some states offer reduced or waived fees if you meet income requirements, so ask the court clerk about fee waivers before you pay.
Filing fees by state and court level
Your state's court system sets the filing fee, and the amount depends on which court handles name changes in your area. In some states, name changes go through district court; in others, they go through family court or probate court. Each court level may charge a different fee. For example, one state might charge $150 in district court but $75 in family court for the same service.
To find your state's exact fee, contact the court clerk's office in the county where you live. You can usually reach them by phone or through your county's website. The clerk can tell you the filing fee, what documents you need to bring, and whether the court offers fee waivers. Some states publish their fee schedules online, but calling is faster because fees change and the clerk can confirm what applies to your situation right now.
A handful of states charge no filing fee for name changes, though they may charge for certified copies. Other states charge a flat fee regardless of which court you use. Most states fall somewhere in the middle, with fees between $100 and $300. If you're changing your name in a different state than where you currently live, you'll pay that state's fee, not your home state's fee.
Certified copies and what they cost
Once the court approves your name change, you receive a court order. This document is your proof that your name has legally changed. You'll need certified copies — official copies stamped and signed by the court — to update your records with the Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, your bank, your employer, and other organizations.
Each certified copy costs between $5 and $25, depending on your state and court. Most people order 5 to 10 copies at the time of their court hearing, because ordering more later means paying a separate fee for each additional copy. The court clerk can tell you how many copies to order based on what you plan to update. If you're unsure, ordering extra copies is cheaper than coming back later to request more.
Some courts include a certain number of certified copies in the filing fee, while others charge for each copy separately. Ask the clerk whether the fee you're paying includes any copies, and if so, how many.
Fee waivers and reduced fees
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may be able to request a fee waiver or reduction. Most courts allow you to file a separate form — often called a "Motion to Waive Court Fees" or "Affidavit of Indigency" — that asks the judge to waive or reduce the fee based on your income. You'll need to show proof of your household income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of benefits.
The court decides whether to grant the waiver based on your financial situation. Some courts waive fees for anyone below a certain income threshold; others look at your specific circumstances. There is no cost to request a waiver, and requesting one does not delay your case. The clerk can provide the form and explain what income documentation the court needs.
Attorney fees if you hire a lawyer
You do not need an attorney to change your name in most states. The process is straightforward enough that many people file the petition themselves. However, some people hire an attorney for peace of mind or because their situation is complicated — for example, if a name change is part of a larger family law case or if there are objections to the change.
If you hire an attorney, expect to pay between $300 and $1,500 for a straightforward name change. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for the entire process; others charge an hourly rate, typically $150 to $400 per hour. A straightforward, uncontested name change usually takes 2 to 5 hours of attorney time. If your case involves complications, the cost can be higher.
To compare costs, contact several attorneys in your area and ask for a quote. Many offer a free initial consultation where they can assess your situation and give you a price estimate. If cost is a concern, ask whether the attorney offers a payment plan or whether you can handle some steps yourself to reduce their billable hours.
Additional costs after the court order
After you receive your court order, you'll need to update your name with various organizations. Most of these updates are free, but some may charge small fees. The Social Security Administration does not charge to update your name, and your state's motor vehicle department typically does not charge either — though you may pay a standard fee to renew your driver's license if it's expiring soon anyway.
Your bank, employer, insurance companies, and credit card issuers will update your name for free once you show them your court order. However, if you need to replace documents like a passport, that agency may charge a fee. The U.S. State Department charges $130 to replace a passport, for example, though this is not specific to a name change — it's the standard replacement fee.
Some organizations may ask you to provide certified copies of your court order. Since you've already paid for these copies, there's no additional cost, but it's another reason to order extra copies upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the filing fee upfront, or can I pay it later?
You pay the filing fee when you submit your petition to the court. If you cannot afford it, request a fee waiver before you file. Once the court approves your petition, you do not pay anything else to the court.
What if I change my name and then want to change it back?
Changing your name back costs the same as the original change — you'll pay another filing fee and order new certified copies. The process is identical; you're straightforward petitioning the court to change your name again.
Can I change my name for free online?
No. You must file a petition with your local court, and the court charges a filing fee. Some websites offer to help you fill out the forms for a fee, but this does not reduce the court's filing fee — you pay both.
Do I need certified copies for every place I update my name?
Most organizations accept one certified copy and keep it on file. However, some may ask for their own copy, and it's common to need multiple copies for different agencies. Ordering 5 to 10 copies when you first get your court order is usually enough.
Will the court charge me if I file the petition myself instead of hiring a lawyer?
The court charges the same filing fee regardless of whether you hire a lawyer. Filing it yourself saves you the attorney fees, but you still pay the court's filing fee and the cost of certified copies.