Name change costs vary by state, county, and whether you hire a lawyer
The cost to change your name through the court system ranges from about $150 to $500 in most states, but some counties charge less and a few charge more. This covers the court filing fee — the mandatory payment to submit your petition. If you hire a lawyer, add $500 to $2,000 or more depending on your location and the complexity of your case. If you file the paperwork yourself, you pay only the court fee plus the cost of certified copies of your new name order, which typically run $5 to $25 per copy.
The exact amount depends on three things: which state you live in, which county within that state, and whether your case is straightforward or involves complications like a criminal record or objections from another party. A straightforward adult name change in a rural county might cost $200 total. The same change in a major city could cost $400. Adding a lawyer can double or triple the total.
Key Takeaways
- Court filing fees for name changes range from roughly $150 to $500 depending on your state and county, and this is the only cost if you file the paperwork yourself.
- You will need to pay for certified copies of your name change order after the court approves it, usually $5 to $25 per copy, and most people need at least two or three.
- Hiring a lawyer adds $500 to $2,000 or more to the total cost, but is not required for a straightforward adult name change.
- Some courts offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee; you request this by filling out a form about your income and assets.
- Name changes for minors, cases involving criminal records, or situations where someone objects to the change may cost more because they require additional court steps.
Breaking down the court filing fee by state and county
Your state sets a base fee, but individual counties often add their own charges on top. For example, California's base filing fee is around $435, but some counties add local surcharges that push the total to $500 or higher. Texas charges roughly $300 to $400 depending on the county. New York's fee varies widely by county, from about $210 to $500. Illinois charges around $200 to $300. You cannot know your exact fee until you contact the specific court in your county.
The best way to find your fee is to call the district court clerk's office in your county and ask for the name change filing fee. Tell them whether you are an adult changing your own name or a parent changing a minor's name, because some courts charge different amounts for each. The clerk can also tell you whether your county offers fee waivers and what income level qualifies.
Some counties publish their fees online on the court's website, usually under "civil fees" or "family court fees." If you cannot find it online, a phone call takes five minutes and gives you an exact number rather than a guess.
Certified copies and why you need more than one
After the court approves your name change, you receive an order — a document signed by the judge. This order is your proof that your name legally changed. You will need certified copies of this order to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, bank accounts, and employer records. A certified copy is an official photocopy stamped and signed by the court clerk, confirming it is a true copy of the original.
Each certified copy costs $5 to $25 depending on your county. Most people need at least two or three copies — one for Social Security, one for the DMV, and one to keep for your records. If you also need to update a passport, bank account, or employer, order an extra copy. It is cheaper to order all the copies you think you will need at once from the court than to go back later and order more.
Some courts include one or two certified copies in the filing fee. Others charge for every copy. Ask the clerk when you call about the filing fee whether certified copies are included or what they cost.
When you might need a lawyer and what that costs
You do not need a lawyer for a straightforward adult name change — most people file the paperwork themselves. You do need one, or at least should consider hiring one, if your situation involves a criminal record, an objection from another party, a name change for a minor where the other parent objects, or complications with your immigration status.
A lawyer typically charges either a flat fee or an hourly rate. For a straightforward name change, flat fees usually range from $500 to $1,500. Hourly rates vary by location and the lawyer's experience, typically $150 to $400 per hour. A straightforward case might take 5 to 10 hours of lawyer time, which at $200 per hour would cost $1,000 to $2,000 on top of the court fee.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, many counties have legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost help to people below a certain income level. You can find your local legal aid office through the Legal Aid Organization website or by calling 211 and asking for legal aid in your area.
Fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee
If the court filing fee is a hardship, you can request a fee waiver by filling out a form about your income and assets. The form is usually called an "process to Proceed In Forma Pauperis" or "Affidavit of Indigency," though the exact name varies by state. You submit this form to the court along with your name change petition.
The court will either approve the waiver, deny it, or approve it conditionally — meaning you pay a reduced fee instead of the full amount. There is no income cutoff that automatically qualifies you; the judge looks at your total financial situation. If you are receiving public benefits like SNAP or Medicaid, that strengthens your case for a waiver.
Ask the court clerk whether your county offers fee waivers and request the form when you call. You can also read many state forms from the court's website. Filing a fee waiver request does not delay your case — the court processes it while reviewing your petition.
Additional costs you might encounter
Beyond the filing fee and certified copies, you may have other small costs. If you need to publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper — some states require this, others do not — that typically costs $50 to $200 depending on the publication. If you need to update your name with the Social Security Administration in person rather than by mail, you might pay for a trip to the local office, though there is no fee for the update itself.
If you are changing a minor's name and need to serve notice on the other parent, you may need to pay a process server to deliver the papers, which costs $50 to $150. Some courts allow you to serve notice by certified mail instead, which costs only the postage.
These additional costs are not universal — they depend on your state's rules and your specific situation. The court clerk can tell you which of these explore to you when you call about the filing fee.
Comparing DIY filing versus hiring a lawyer
| Cost Category | DIY Filing | With a Lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $150–$500 | $150–$500 |
| Certified copies (3–5 copies) | $15–$125 | $15–$125 |
| Lawyer fees | $0 | $500–$2,000+ |
| Newspaper publication (if required) | $50–$200 | $50–$200 |
| Total range | $165–$825 | $715–$2,825+ |
Most people filing a straightforward name change spend $200 to $400 total by doing it themselves. The same case with a lawyer costs $700 to $2,500 or more. You save money by filing yourself, but you spend time learning the process and filling out forms correctly. A lawyer handles the paperwork and reduces the risk of mistakes that delay your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the court fee back if my name change is denied?
No. The court keeps the filing fee regardless of the outcome. If your petition is denied, you can file again, but you will have to pay the filing fee a second time. This is rare for straightforward adult name changes, but it happens if the judge finds a legal reason to deny the petition.
Do I have to pay the filing fee upfront or can I pay after the court approves my name change?
You pay the filing fee when you submit your petition. The court will not process your paperwork without payment. If you are requesting a fee waiver, you submit the waiver request with your petition, and the court decides whether to waive the fee before you pay.
What if I need certified copies years after my name change?
You can order additional certified copies from the court clerk at any time. You will pay the per-copy fee again, typically $5 to $25 per copy. It is cheaper to order extra copies when you first get your name change order, but you can always get more later if you need them.
Does changing my name cost anything at the Social Security Administration or DMV?
No. Updating your name with Social Security and the DMV is free. You only pay for the certified copies of your court order that you need to show them as proof. The agencies themselves do not charge a fee for the name update.
Will my name change cost more if I have a criminal record?
The court filing fee is the same regardless of your criminal history. However, your case may take longer and be more complicated, which could increase lawyer fees if you hire one. Some states allow judges to deny name changes if they believe the change is being made to evade criminal liability, so your case may require more court time and possibly a lawyer's help.