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.
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
The primary cost associated with a legal name change is the court filing fee. Currently, this fee may vary from less than $100 to several hundred dollars depending on the state and county where the petition is filed.
For individuals with financial constraints, some states offer fee waivers or reduced costs based on income. You may also be able to seek a waiver for service of process fees, court reporter fees and other fees related to starting your case.
Background check and fingerprinting fees
If a criminal background check is required, currently, it may cost an additional $20 to $50 or more, depending on the jurisdiction.
Your state may also require you to submit fingerprints to process your name change. This may currently add an additional $30 to $60 or more to the cost of your name change.
Publication costs
In states where publication is mandated, the petitioner must bear the expense of publishing a name change announcement in a local newspaper. Publication costs vary widely, currently ranging from about $50 to $200 or more, depending on the newspaper’s circulation and advertising rates. Some states have mandatory caps on public notice rates in local newspapers.
This is one area where having an attorney can be helpful—they can help you understand what to expect if you’re required to publish a notice of your name change.
Miscellaneous costs
Depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the name change, there may be additional costs involved. For example, certified copies of the court order can cost a few dollars each, and these copies may be required for updating various legal documents, such as driver’s licenses, passports and Social Security cards. If your jurisdiction requires notarization of any signed forms, currently, the notary may charge anywhere from $2 to $15 per signature plus any additional processing or copying fees as necessary.
Legal representation
While hiring an attorney isn’t mandatory for a name change, some individuals may seek legal representation. This is especially true if they anticipate complications or have legal concerns. The cost of hiring an attorney can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s hourly rate.
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
In the case of a name change due to marriage or divorce, depending on your state, the process can be somewhat simpler and may not require a court hearing. The associated costs may also be lower than a general name change petition.
Name change for minors
The process of changing the name of a minor typically involves additional legal considerations and may require both parents’ consent. The court will consider the best interests of the child before approving the name change. Depending on the reason for the requested name change, this can add additional time and cost to the name-change process.
If the request is due to the adoption of the minor and the parental rights of the birth parents are clearly terminated, then the process may be less costly. However, if the minor is changing their name due to gender confirmation or alienation from one parent, the court may require a psychological evaluation of the minor, which may cost a few thousand dollars. You’ll likely have to pay for this exam before your case can continue.
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
To complete your name change, your jurisdiction may require you to provide at least some of the following documents:
- Identification: You’ll likely need a government-issued photo ID—such as a driver’s license, passport or state ID card—to prove that you are who you say you are.
- Proof of residence: Some states may require documents showing your current address, like utility bills or a lease agreement.
- Birth certificate: A certified copy of your birth certificate may be necessary to prove your current name.
- Marriage certificate: If you’re changing your name due to marriage, in many states, you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- Divorce decree: If you seek a name change after divorce, you’ll likely need your divorce decree. Check to see if your state has any special requirements about this legal document. In some states, you may need the clerk of court in your county to notarize your divorce decree.
- Criminal background check: In certain states, you may undergo a criminal background check to ensure you’re not changing your name to escape criminal liability.
- Fingerprinting: In some jurisdictions, you may need to provide fingerprints to accompany your name change application. You typically need to pay for this yourself.
Some states may require name change forms to be notarized. This involves having a notary public witness you signing the documents and then affix their official seal to confirm their authenticity. Check your state’s requirements to see if notarization is necessary.
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
Various state and national agencies require you to notify them of any name change so they can update their systems and so you can obtain accurate identification cards and documents. This includes:
- Social Security card: Use your copy of the court order and any other required documentation to request a new Social Security card reflecting your new name.
- Driver’s license or state ID: Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to update your driver’s license or state ID with your new name. Bring your court order, old ID and any other required documents.
- Passport: If you have a passport, you must apply for a new one with your updated name. Follow the procedures outlined by the U.S. Department of State for name changes on passports.
- Bank accounts: Contact your bank or financial institutions to update your account information, including checks, debit cards and credit cards.
- Employer and payroll: Inform your employer of your name change so they can update your payroll and employment records.
- Credit cards and loans: Contact your credit card companies and lenders to update your personal information on their records.
- Insurance policies: Notify your insurance providers of your name change, and update your policies accordingly.
- Medical records: Inform your doctors, dentists and other healthcare providers of your name change to update your medical records.
- Utility companies: Notify your utility companies, like the electric, water and gas companies, of your name change to update your billing information.
- Professional licenses and certifications: If you hold any professional licenses or certifications, contact the issuing authority to update your name.
- Educational records: If you’re in school or need to ensure all your academic credentials have the same name, share your name change documentation with your academic institutions.
How an attorney may help
Whatever the reason behind your name change, an attorney may be able to help you complete it quickly and correctly, saving you money in the long run. While a name change due to marriage or divorce may be fairly straightforward, the process for other reasons or for a minor child can be more complex. An attorney can advocate for you and help explain to the court in legal terms the reason it should protect your privacy by granting a name change for you or your child.
Sofie is a writer. She lives in Brooklyn.
