How Much Does a Name Change Cost? (2026)
Updated April 2026 · 7 min read · Not legal advice
The total cost of a legal name change in the United States ranges from $0 to over $1,000 depending on your state, your reason for changing, and which documents you need to update. Most people pay between $150 and $500 all-in.
Use the free name change calculator to get your exact cost for your state and situation.
Cost by Reason for Changing
After Marriage (taking spouse's name)
$50–$360No court order needed in most states. Main costs: certified marriage certificates ($20–$120) + DMV ($10–$50) + optional passport ($130–$190).
After Divorce (restoring maiden name)
$15–$500Free if name restoration is in your divorce decree. If not, add $100–$450 for a separate court petition depending on state.
Court Order (adult, any reason)
$150–$800Court filing fee ($25–$500 by state) + certified copies + optional publication fee ($80–$200 in states that require it).
Minor Child Name Change
$150–$700Similar to adult court order. Both parents typically must consent. Some states charge higher fees for minor name changes.
Cost Breakdown by Document
Every name change involves updating multiple documents. Here is what each one costs:
| Document / Step | Cost Range | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $0–$500 | Only for court-order changes |
| Certified copies (×4) | $20–$160 | Yes — for all changes |
| Newspaper publication | $80–$200 | Required in ~12 states |
| Fingerprinting | $30–$60 | Required in MI, TX, FL, others |
| Social Security card | Free | Yes — always first |
| Driver's license | $10–$50 | Yes — highly recommended |
| Passport renewal | $130–$190 | Only if international travel |
| Vehicle title update | $10–$30 | Recommended |
| Professional license | $10–$100 | If applicable |
Court Filing Fees by State
The court filing fee is the biggest variable. Here are the fees for the most populated states:
| State | Court Filing Fee | Publication Required |
|---|---|---|
| California | $435 | Yes (waived for gender changes) |
| Texas | $150–$400 | No |
| Florida | $401 | No |
| New York | $65–$210 | No (eliminated 2021) |
| Illinois | $320 | No |
| Pennsylvania | $175 | Yes |
| Ohio | $145 | No |
| Georgia | $200 | Yes (4 weeks) |
| Michigan | $175 | No |
| Washington | $314 | No |
| Louisiana | $300–$500 | No (statute) |
| Alabama | $35 | Yes (4 weeks) |
Can You Change Your Name for Free?
Yes — in two scenarios:
- After marriage, taking your spouse's exact last name: No court petition needed. Your main costs are certified marriage certificates ($20–$120) and a new driver's license ($10–$50). Total as low as $30–$50 if you already have a valid passport.
- After divorce, with name restoration in your decree: If the divorce decree includes a name restoration clause, there is no separate court filing. Only pay for certified copies ($15–$75) and document updates.
- Fee waivers: Most states offer fee waivers for court filing fees if your income is below 125–200% of the federal poverty level. Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form when you file. LawDepot offers state-specific name change forms starting with a free trial.
Total All-In Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Without Passport | With Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage (low-fee state) | $50–$150 | $180–$340 |
| Marriage (high-fee state like CA) | $200–$350 | $330–$540 |
| Divorce with decree restoration | $50–$150 | $180–$340 |
| Court order (low-fee state) | $150–$300 | $280–$490 |
| Court order (high-fee state) | $400–$700 | $530–$890 |
| Court order with publication | $500–$900 | $630–$1,090 |
Get Your Exact Cost Estimate
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