Changing your last name involves a legal process where you formally request the court to alter the name given to you at birth, adoption, marriage, or even after a divorce. Parents can also initiate this process for their minor children. The procedure typically begins with filing a petition with the court in the county where you live and paying a filing fee. This filing fee is a crucial part of the name change process, and understanding its costs is essential.
The cost to legally change your name varies, often significantly, depending on where you live. This article breaks down the typical costs associated with a name change and what factors influence them.
Understanding Name Change Filing Fees
The initial step in legally changing your name is filing a petition with the court. This action requires paying a filing fee, which compensates the court for processing your request. The amount of this fee varies widely by state and sometimes even by county within a state.
Here’s a breakdown of name change filing fees by state:
| State | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| AK | $200 |
| AL | $25 – $100 |
| AR | $165 |
| AZ | $218 – $310 |
| CA | $435 – $450 |
| CO | $88 |
| CT | $250 |
| DC | $60 |
| DE | $85 |
| FL | $401 |
| GA | $200 – $215 |
| HI | $56 |
| IA | $195 |
| ID | $166 |
| IL | $300 – $350 |
| IN | $100 – $200 |
| KS | $166 – $195 |
| KY | $50 – $100 |
| LA | $400 – $500 |
| MA | $180 |
| MD | $165 |
| ME | $75 |
| MI | $175 |
| MN | $285 |
| MO | $100 – $200 |
| MS | $148 |
| MT | $120 |
| NC | $80 – $120 |
| ND | $80 |
| NE | $85 |
| NH | $130 |
| NJ | $250 |
| NM | $132 |
| NV | $270 |
| NY | $65 – $300 |
| OH | $100 – $200 |
| OK | $165 |
| OR | $124 |
| PA | $300 – $350 |
| RI | $89 |
| SC | $150 |
| SD | $70 |
| TN | $160 |
| TX | $200 – $350 |
| UT | $150 – $375 |
| VA | $35 – $50 |
| VT | $150 |
| WA | $120 – $250 |
| WI | $165 |
| WV | $200 – $304 |
| WY | $120 |
Factors Influencing Name Change Costs
Several factors contribute to the wide range of name change costs observed across different jurisdictions:
- Local Court Discretion: Name changes are typically filed at the county level, giving each county the authority to determine its own fee schedule. This localized control leads to variations based on the county’s operational costs and policies.
- State Laws and Regulations: State laws provide the framework for name change procedures, but the specifics, including fee amounts, are often left to the discretion of local courts.
- Additional Court Costs: Besides the initial filing fee, other potential costs may arise during the name change process. These can include fees for certified copies of the name change order, publication fees (if required by the court), and fees for updating identification documents like driver’s licenses and social security cards.
Reducing Name Change Costs: Fee Waivers
If you’re concerned about the expense of changing your name, you may be eligible for a fee waiver, sometimes referred to as an “In Forma Pauperis” (IFP) application. Courts offer these waivers to individuals who cannot afford to pay the standard filing fees.
Generally, fee waivers are granted if one of the following conditions is met:
- Government Assistance: You are currently receiving government assistance benefits.
- Low Income: Your household income is at or below 125% of the current poverty level set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Note that poverty guidelines vary slightly for Alaska, Hawaii, and the remaining 48 states and Washington D.C.
If neither of these conditions applies, the court may still grant a fee waiver if you can demonstrate that paying the filing fee would create a significant financial hardship. This might require providing documentation of your income and expenses, such as pay stubs or bank statements, to support your claim. The specific requirements vary depending on the state and the judge overseeing your case.
Beyond Filing Fees: Other Name Change Expenses
While the filing fee is the most direct cost, remember to factor in other potential expenses:
- Certified Copies: You’ll need certified copies of the court order to update your identification documents.
- Publication Fees: Some states require you to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper.
- ID Updates: Updating your driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, and other identification documents involves separate fees.
- Legal Assistance: If you choose to hire an attorney to guide you through the process, attorney’s fees will be a significant expense.
Planning Your Name Change Budget
Changing your last name involves more than just paperwork; it’s a legal process with associated costs. Understanding these costs and exploring options like fee waivers can help you manage your budget effectively. By planning ahead and researching the specific requirements in your area, you can navigate the name change process with greater confidence.
