Changing your first or last name is a decision that can be more costly and legally complex than you might think. You may face court costs as well as fees for filing, fingerprinting, background checks and more.
This article digs into how much it costs to legally change your name in the U.S. so you can be better prepared when you start this process. Then we provide an overview of how to legally change your name. Keep in mind, the exact steps and cost of a legal name change vary depending on the state in which you reside.
Key Takeaways
- Variable costs by state: Legal name change costs range from under $100 to several hundred dollars in court filing fees, plus extras like fingerprinting and publication.
- Multiple fee components: Total costs include filing fees, background checks ($20–$50), fingerprinting ($30–$60), publication notices ($50–$200), and certified copies of your court order.
- Different types have different costs: Name changes after marriage or divorce are often simpler and less expensive, while minor name changes can require evaluations costing thousands of dollars.
- Nine-step legal process: The process involves several official steps, from choosing a new name to updating your Social Security card, driver’s license, and bank accounts.
How much does it cost to change your name?
Just like the name change process, name change costs can vary significantly from state to state. Here’s a brief overview of some of the costs you may expect to encounter when you start to change your name.
Court filing fees
- Average cost: Ranges from under $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on state and county.
- Special requirements: Some states allow low-income applicants to request fee waivers or reduced fees. Waivers may also cover related costs like service of process fees or court reporter fees.
Background check and fingerprinting fees
- Average cost: Background checks usually cost $20–$50; fingerprinting adds another $30–$60.
- Special requirements: Not every state requires these, but if yours does, you’ll need to pay for them as part of your petition.
Publication costs
- Average cost: Typically $50–$200, depending on the newspaper’s circulation and advertising rates.
- Special requirements: Some states cap notice rates; others allow electronic publication instead of newspaper announcements.
Miscellaneous costs
- Average cost: Certified copies of court orders usually cost a few dollars each, and notarization ranges from $2 to $15 per signature.
- Special requirements: Certified copies are required to update most official documents, such as passports, Social Security cards, and driver’s licenses.
Legal representation
- Special requirements: Hiring a lawyer isn’t mandatory, but it can be especially helpful in complicated cases (like contested petitions, name changes for minors, or privacy-sensitive situations).
- Average cost: Anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on case complexity and attorney rates.
Differences in cost between types of name change
Not all name changes are created equal—from a cost perspective, that is. You may find that it costs much less to change your name for reasons like marriage or divorce than it does for reasons of personal preference or gender affirmation.
Name change after marriage or divorce
These are the most common and usually the simplest scenarios. Because marriage and divorce already create a legal pathway for altering your name, the process is often more affordable and straightforward. For example, marriage certificates allow you to:
- Take your spouse’s surname
- Hyphenate your last names
- Create a combined or entirely new surname
Divorce decrees often include a provision to restore your maiden name without requiring a separate court petition. This makes both marriage and divorce-related name changes some of the least expensive options.
Name change for minors
Changing a child’s name is usually more complicated than an adult name change. Courts want to ensure that the decision serves the child’s best interests, which adds extra steps. The process typically requires:
- Consent from both parents or legal guardians
- Court approval to verify the name change benefits the child
- Sometimes, additional evaluations, like psychological assessments, which can cost thousands of dollars
If the name change is linked to adoption or if parental rights have already been terminated, the process may be simpler and less costly. However, the costs and time can significantly increase in other situations, such as when one parent objects or the reason is highly sensitive
The steps to legally change your name
Rules differ from state to state, so it’s important to research the name change laws and procedures in your specific jurisdiction. You can usually find this information on the official website of your state government or local court system. You need to follow your jurisdiction’s specific steps; failure to do so may result in your petition being rejected and may lengthen the name-change process.
Typically, most jurisdictions require you to complete the following steps to accomplish a name change.
1. Choose a new name
Before initiating the name change process, decide on the new name you want to adopt. You may wish to take some time to think about this decision, as it’ll become your legal identity.
2. Be prepared to present the reason for your name change
You may need to provide a valid reason for changing your name. Common reasons for name changes include:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Gender transition
- Personal preference
- Escaping a history of abuse
Some jurisdictions may require you to provide a written statement explaining your reasons.
3. Check for name change restrictions
Some states have restrictions on name changes. For example, you may be prohibited from taking on a name that could cause confusion with a public figure. Many states also prohibit changes to names that contain express or implied obscenities.
Furthermore, some states prohibit using symbols like umlauts and accents in names. So if you were planning to change your name to something like Zoë or Sánchez, you may need to leave any accented letters off the paperwork.
Additionally, you’ll likely need to confirm you’re not changing your name for illegal purposes. For instance, states typically bar individuals from changing their names to escape legal liability, like avoiding child support obligations. You also can’t change your name to avoid creditors or commit fraud. Depending on your state, you may need to confirm in writing that you’re not changing your name to avoid civil or criminal liability before a court will approve the change.
4. Obtain and complete the necessary forms
Once you understand the requirements and restrictions in your state, you need the appropriate name change forms. These forms are usually available on your state’s court website or at your local courthouse. Alternatively, you may contact the court clerk’s office for guidance on obtaining the correct forms.
Fill out the name change forms accurately and legibly. The forms typically require personal information, such as your current name, the new name you wish to adopt, contact details and the reason for the name change. Follow the instructions provided and ensure that you provide all the necessary documentation and supporting materials as required by your state.
5. Gather the required documents
Depending on your jurisdiction, documents vary. You’ll likely need:
Notarized documents, if required seal to confirm their authenticity. Check your state’s requirements to see if notarization is necessary.
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of residence (like utility bills or a lease)
- Certified birth certificate
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if relevant)
- Background check or fingerprints, in some states
6. File the name change petition
Submit the completed name change forms and necessary documents to the appropriate court or government agency. In many cases, name changes are handled by the county court where you reside. Often, submission is made to the clerk of court. Pay any required filing fees, which may vary depending on your location.
7. Publish a notice
In some states, you may be required to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper. Publication requirements notify the public of your intent to change your name and allow any potential objections. Some states may allow electronic publication, so check what’s required in your area and follow the guidelines provided by the court.
Local publications may have a form on their website to help you publish your notice for a small fee. Otherwise, call your local paper and see if they can help.
8. Obtain a court order, if required
A frequent concern for name change candidates is obtaining a name change without going to court.
In some places, no court intervention is required for a name change as long as the change is due to marriage, divorce or other day-to-day usage of your name.
In other jurisdictions, after submitting your name change petition, you may be required to attend a court hearing to present your name change petition. Ensure you appear at the scheduled time and date. Be prepared to explain your reasons for the name change if the judge asks.
If the court approves your name change request, you’ll receive a court order or judgment granting the name change, and you should obtain certified copies. You’ll need these certified copies to update your identification documents and records.
9. Update your identification and records
Once approved, use certified copies of your court order to update records. Many can be handled together to save time:
- Government IDs (Social Security card, driver’s license, passport)
- Financial accounts (bank accounts, credit cards, loans)
- Employment and payroll systems
- Insurance, medical, and school records
- Utilities, professional licenses, and other legal documents
How an attorney can help you to legally change your name
While it’s possible to complete a name change on your own, working with an attorney can make the process smoother and less stressful. A family law attorney understands state-specific rules, court procedures, and documentation standards, ensuring that your petition is filed correctly the first time.
They can also:
- Anticipate complications, such as objections or missing paperwork, before they cause delays
- Help in sensitive cases, such as name changes for minors or those involving privacy concerns
- Navigate unique state requirements, from publication rules to additional hearings
- Streamline the process by knowing exactly how local courts and clerks operate
Having professional guidance often saves time and prevents costly mistakes, especially if your situation is more complex than a simple marriage or divorce name change.
