How much does it cost to change your name?
A legal adult name change typically runs about $150-$200 in court filing fees, but ranges from ~$50 to $500+ depending on your state.
Key takeaways
- The court filing fee is the biggest single cost and typically runs $150-$200, though it spans roughly $50 (Hawaii) to $500+ (Louisiana).
- Fees vary not just by state but by county within a state - LegalZoom notes Ohio's Clark County charges $89 while Mahoning County charges $134.
- Many states require you to publish the name change in a local newspaper, adding about $30-$200.
- Certified copies of the court order run about $5-$20 each, and you'll usually want several, so budget $50-$100.
- Most people can file without a lawyer; hiring an attorney is optional and adds to the total, and fee waivers exist for low-income filers.
A legal name change usually costs about $150-$200 in court filing fees for a typical U.S. adult, but the total ranges from roughly $50 to over $500 depending on where you live. The court filing fee is the largest cost; publication and certified copies add more. Fees are set state by state – and often county by county – so always confirm the exact amount with your local court clerk.
What a name change costs
For most adults, legally changing your name means filing a petition with a state court, paying a filing fee, and (in many states) publishing a notice in a newspaper. LegalZoom puts typical court costs at $100 to $400, while a name-change cost breakdown from newlastname.org cites state filing fees of $150-$400, publication of $30-$200, and certified copies of $50-$100.
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $50 – $500+ | Biggest cost; ~$150-$200 in many states |
| Newspaper publication | $30 – $200 | Required in many states; a few (e.g. NJ) have dropped it |
| Certified copies | $5 – $20 each | Budget $50-$100 for several copies |
| Attorney (optional) | varies | Not required for a simple adult name change |
| Fee waiver | $0 filing | Available for low-income filers in many states |
These fees vary heavily by state, and often by county within a state. LegalZoom lists Hawaii at about $50, Michigan at $150, Maryland at $165, Florida around $400, California at $435-$450, and Louisiana at possibly over $500. It also notes that within Ohio, Clark County charges $89 while Mahoning County – about 200 miles away – charges $134. The California Courts self-help guide confirms that adult name-change filers who cannot afford the fee may ask the court for a fee waiver, though a waiver generally does not cover newspaper publication.
What moves the price
- Your state and county. This is the single biggest factor. The filing fee alone can differ by more than 10x from one state to another.
- Publication requirement. States that still require a newspaper notice add $30-$200, depending on the paper’s rates and how many weeks the notice must run.
- Number of certified copies. You’ll need certified copies to update your Social Security record, driver’s license, passport, and bank – each copy is typically $5-$20.
- Whether you hire help. A simple adult name change can usually be done yourself with court self-help forms; an attorney or online service is an added, optional cost.
- Type of case. Some states offer reduced fees or extra confidentiality protections for survivors of domestic violence or for gender-related name changes.
After the court order is granted, updating your name with the Social Security Administration is free, and a new passport is free (or about $60 to expedite) per LegalZoom. Updating a driver’s license typically costs $25-$50 depending on the state, and voter registration is free.
How to find your exact cost
Because there is no national name-change fee, the reliable way to budget is to look up your own court. Search for your county’s Superior Court or Circuit Court clerk and its self-help or civil filing-fee schedule, then add the cost of newspaper publication (if your state still requires it) and the certified copies you’ll need. The court order itself is the same document everywhere, but the price attached to it is purely local – which is why published national figures are best treated as ranges, not quotes. If money is the obstacle, ask the clerk about a fee waiver: the California Courts confirm low-income filers can request one, though it may not cover publication.
Two people filing the identical petition can pay very different totals: a filer in a low-fee state doing their own paperwork might spend under $200 all-in, while a filer in a high-fee county who also pays for publication, several certified copies, and optional legal help can exceed $600. The spread is driven almost entirely by geography and by which optional costs you choose to take on.
This is general information, not legal advice. Fees change and are set locally – confirm the current amount with your state or county court clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the court filing fee to change my name?
It's typically about $150-$200, but ranges from roughly $50 (Hawaii) to $500 or more (Louisiana). LegalZoom lists California at $435-$450 and Michigan at $150. Check your specific county for the exact amount.
Why does the cost vary so much by state?
Each state legislature sets its own filing fee, and many states let individual counties add or adjust fees. That's why the same petition can cost far more in one place than another, even within the same state.
Do I have to pay to publish my name change in a newspaper?
In many states, yes - publication typically adds $30-$200. Some states, such as New Jersey, have eliminated the requirement, so it depends on where you file.
Can I change my name for free?
Filing usually isn't free, but many courts offer a fee waiver for low-income filers. The California Courts note the waiver may not cover the separate newspaper publication cost.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name?
Usually not for a straightforward adult name change - most courts provide self-help forms. Hiring an attorney or an online service is optional and adds to the cost.
What extra costs come after the name change is approved?
Certified copies of the order run about $5-$20 each. Updating Social Security is free, a passport is free (or ~$60 expedited), and a new driver's license is typically $25-$50.
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