Updated May 2026
How to Change Your Name in Alaska (2026 Cost + Steps)
The cost of a legal name change in Alaska is $165, which includes a $150 court filing fee, and $15 for certified copies of the court order.
Court filing fee: $150 · Processing time: ~4 weeks
Estimated costs by reason
Totals include Social Security (free), driver’s license, and adult passport selections—matching the calculator defaults.
| Reason | Estimated total cost | Timeline | Publication required |
|---|---|---|---|
| After Marriage | $165 | ~2 weeks | No |
| After Divorce | $165 | ~2 weeks | No |
| Court Order (Adult) | $315 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Child Name Change | $365 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Gender Marker Change | $315 | ~10 weeks | Sealed |
Which state are you in?
Why are you changing your name?
Which documents do you need to update?
How to Change Your Name in Alaska
Alaska name change filing fees run $150-$200 in most Superior Court locations. Anchorage runs approximately $195 while some rural court locations may vary. After-marriage name changes in Alaska use the marriage certificate directly - no court petition needed, which keeps costs minimal for newlyweds.
Alaska does not require newspaper publication for standard adult name changes - one of the simpler processes in the nation. You file your petition at the Alaska Superior Court in your judicial district, attend a hearing, and receive your order. Alaska's court system spans multiple remote communities, so check the Alaska Courts website for the nearest filing location.
Alaska has unique logistical considerations given its geography. Many rural Alaskans file petitions by mail or use the court's telephonic hearing option rather than appearing in person. The Alaska Court System's self-help center provides packets specifically designed for remote filers.
The Alaska DMV charges $20 for a name change on your Alaska driver's license - among the lowest DMV fees in the country. Visit any Alaska DMV office with your court order or marriage certificate and your current Alaska ID. Alaska also allows mail-in renewals in some circumstances for rural residents.
Alaska divorce decrees routinely include name restoration clauses. Given the state's remote geography, including this in your original decree is especially important to avoid having to travel to a courthouse for a separate petition.
Key Alaska links: Alaska Courts self-help (courts.alaska.gov/selfhelp), Alaska DMV (dot.alaska.gov/dmv), Alaska Legal Services Corporation (alsc-law.org) which serves all Alaska communities including remote villages with free legal assistance.
Alaska name change fees at a glance
| Court filing fee | $150 |
| Certified copies (3 × $5 each) | $15 |
| Newspaper publication(not required) | N/A |
| Fingerprinting / background check(not required) | N/A |
| Driver's license / State ID | $20 |
| Processing time | ~4 weeks |
| Fee waiver available | Court discretion based on financial hardship |
Common reasons in Alaska
Name Change Guides for Alaska
FAQ: Alaska name changes
- How much does it cost to change your name in Alaska?
- Court filing fees in Alaska start around $150 for a petition (counties may differ). Add certified copies (3 × about $5 each), optional publication ($0), DMV fees, and passport fees depending on your path.
- How long does a name change take in Alaska?
- Many Alaska court petitions finish in about 4 weeks, but crowded dockets, publication, or fingerprinting can add time. After-marriage updates using a certificate are often faster because they skip the petition.
- Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Alaska?
- Most standard adult name change petitions in Alaska do not require newspaper publication, but a judge can still impose notice requirements in some cases.
- Can I change my name for free in Alaska?
- You may qualify for a reduced or waived court filing fee in Alaska if you meet the court’s income guidelines (Court discretion based on financial hardship). Certified copies, DMV fees, and passports still usually cost money.
- What documents do I need to change my name in Alaska?
- Commonly: a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; government-issued photo ID; proof of Alaska residency for court filings; and Social Security verification before DMV updates.
- How do I change my name after marriage in Alaska?
- If you take your spouse’s surname as shown on your Alaska marriage certificate, you typically update Social Security first, then your driver’s license, then banks and payroll. Hyphenated or new invented names may still require a court petition—check local court rules.
Voter Registration After Your Name Change
After legally changing your name in Alaska, you should update your voter registration so it matches the name on your government-issued ID. In Alaska, voter registration updates are commonly handled by mail or in person with your county or municipal election office—confirm the fastest option for your address. If your registration still shows an old name close to an election, you may face additional checks at the polling place. See the full 50-state voter registration guide for deadlines, typical documents, and official Vote.gov links.
Related: SAVE Act & name change overview