Updated May 2026
How to Change Your Name in New Hampshire (2026 Cost + Steps)
The cost of a legal name change in New Hampshire is $180, which includes a $150 court filing fee, and $30 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 | $185 | ~2 weeks | No |
| After Divorce | $185 | ~2 weeks | No |
| Court Order (Adult) | $335 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Child Name Change | $385 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Gender Marker Change | $335 | ~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 New Hampshire
New Hampshire Probate Court filing fees for name changes run $125-$175 depending on the county. New Hampshire routes name change petitions through the Probate Court, which is different from most states. After-marriage name changes in New Hampshire use the marriage certificate directly without any court involvement, keeping costs minimal for newlyweds.
New Hampshire does not require newspaper publication for standard adult name changes, simplifying the process. You file your petition at the Probate Court in the county where you reside. New Hampshire has 10 counties, and many share probate court facilities. The NH Judicial Branch website provides downloadable name change petition forms and fee schedules for each county.
New Hampshire has a relatively straightforward name change process. The Probate Court reviews your petition for any fraud indicators, and approval is routine for standard petitions. Processing times typically run 4-8 weeks from filing to receiving your court order, though some counties move faster.
The New Hampshire DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) charges $50 for a corrected New Hampshire driver's license with a name change. Visit any NH DMV licensing office with your court order or marriage certificate, current New Hampshire license, and proof of SSA update. NH DMV has offices in Concord, Manchester, Portsmouth, and other locations throughout the state.
New Hampshire divorce decrees can include name restoration clauses. New Hampshire Family Court handles divorce proceedings and is receptive to name restoration requests. Including this in your original decree avoids a separate Probate Court petition later.
Key New Hampshire links: NH Courts (courts.nh.gov), NH DMV (nh.gov/safety/dmv), NH Legal Assistance (nhla.org) which provides free legal services including name change guidance for qualifying New Hampshire residents.
New Hampshire name change fees at a glance
| Court filing fee | $150 |
| Certified copies (3 × $10 each) | $30 |
| Newspaper publication(not required) | N/A |
| Fingerprinting / background check(not required) | N/A |
| Driver's license / State ID | $25 |
| Processing time | ~4 weeks |
| Fee waiver available | Financial hardship |
Common reasons in New Hampshire
Name Change Guides for New Hampshire
FAQ: New Hampshire name changes
- How much does it cost to change your name in New Hampshire?
- Court filing fees in New Hampshire start around $150 for a petition (counties may differ). Add certified copies (3 × about $10 each), optional publication ($0), DMV fees, and passport fees depending on your path.
- How long does a name change take in New Hampshire?
- Many New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
- Most standard adult name change petitions in New Hampshire do not require newspaper publication, but a judge can still impose notice requirements in some cases.
- Can I change my name for free in New Hampshire?
- You may qualify for a reduced or waived court filing fee in New Hampshire if you meet the court’s income guidelines (Financial hardship). Certified copies, DMV fees, and passports still usually cost money.
- What documents do I need to change my name in New Hampshire?
- Commonly: a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; government-issued photo ID; proof of New Hampshire residency for court filings; and Social Security verification before DMV updates.
- How do I change my name after marriage in New Hampshire?
- If you take your spouse’s surname as shown on your New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire, you should update your voter registration so it matches the name on your government-issued ID. In New Hampshire, 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