The cost to legally change your name in the U.S. generally ranges from about $50 to $500, depending on the state and county where you file the petition
. Here are key points about the costs involved:
- Filing Fees: The primary cost is the court filing fee, which varies widely by state. For example, California charges around $435-$450, New York $65-$300, and Kentucky as low as $50-$100
. Some states or counties may have additional fees.
- Publication Fees: Some states require you to publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper, costing between $80 and $200
- Certified Copies: After the court order, obtaining official copies of the name change document typically costs $15-$20 each
- Additional Document Updates: Changing your name on other documents like driver’s licenses, passports, or vehicle titles may involve separate fees ranging from $10 to over $200 depending on the agency and state
- Legal Assistance: Hiring an attorney is optional but can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars if needed
- Fee Waivers: If you cannot afford the fees, many courts offer fee waivers for those on government assistance or with incomes near the poverty level
In summary, expect to pay at least $100-$400 on average just for the court filing and associated fees, with total costs increasing if you factor in publication, document updates, or legal help
. The exact amount depends heavily on your location and specific circumstances.
