How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name?

Whether you're getting married, going through a divorce, or simply ready for a fresh start, changing your name is a big step. It can be a surprisingly difficult process, and the fees vary widely.

Let's walk through how much it costs to change your name by situation, what you'll pay to update your documents, and how to keep your total expenses as low as possible. If you need extra help, uncontested name changes are included services in LegalShield® Personal Plans.

How much it costs to change your name by state

Court filing fees are usually the largest single expense in a name change. These fees cover the cost of processing your name change petition. Depending on your state and county, filing fees can vary pretty widely (consult the table below for more specifics).

Some courts charge additional fees for things like background checks or fingerprinting. In Colorado, for example, fingerprinting costs between $34.50 and $57.50, depending on the vendor. You'll also likely need at least one or two certified copies of your court order, which may bump the bill up. Check with your local courthouse for exact amounts.

Here are some estimates for the court filing fees involved.

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Keep in mind that these prices can change, and your county courthouse is the best place to confirm the exact amount. There may also be additional costs beyond filing fees, such as background checks or certified copies of your court order.

Why the cost depends on your situation

The reason behind your name change can affect what you pay. Some situations, such as a name change after marriage, may involve different paperwork and fees than a name change handled through a court order. Let's look at the most common scenarios and how they may impact your costs.

After marriage

Getting married is one of the most common reasons for seeking a name change. If you're changing your name after getting married, your marriage license is the key document that starts the process.

You may still need to pay for updates to your driver's license, passport, and Social Security card. In the majority of cases, you won't actually need a separate court order, which may reduce the overall cost compared to other types of name changes. A LegalShield Provider Lawyer can help explain what your responsibilities are and how you need to fulfill them.

After divorce

If you want to go back to a maiden name after a divorce, you may be able to include the name change as part of your divorce proceedings. When handled this way, the name change often comes at no additional cost.

If you wait and file separately, you'll likely need to go through the standard name change petition process, which can sometimes carry additional filing fees.

General name change by court order

If you want to change your last name without getting married or change your first name, you'll need to file a name change petition with your local court. This is the most common path for people changing their name (or their children's names) for personal, cultural, or other reasons.

Filing fees, background checks, and certified copies of the court order all factor into the total cost. Some states may also require you to publish a notice of the name change in a local newspaper, which could add to your expenses.

The cost of updating your key documents

Once your name change is official, you'll need to update your key documents. Here's some of the paperwork you might need to amend.

Social Security card

You might want to do this first, as it gives you a supporting document you can use for other updates. Updating your name with the Social Security Administration will incur no cost. You'll need to fill out an application and bring your court order or marriage certificate to a local Social Security office, after which your new card will arrive via mail.

Driver's license or state ID

The fee to update your driver's license or state ID depends on your state. For example, a California driver's license update costs $46. The best way to get the exact cost and additional information is to contact your local office that handles that (usually the DMV).

Passport

If your passport is less than a year old, you can update your name at no cost. If it's older than that, you'll usually need to pay for a renewal. You can submit your name change request by mail along with your court order or marriage certificate.

Other documents to update

Beyond the big three, there are several other documents and accounts you’ll probably want to update with your new name:

• Bank accounts and credit cards
• Vehicle titles and registration
• Estate planning documents
• Employer and payroll records
• Voter registration
• Insurance policies
• Utility accounts

You'll likely need to show a certified copy of your court order or marriage certificate. It's a good idea to order a few extra certified copies so you can handle multiple updates at the same time.

How to keep costs down

The fees for the name change process can add up, but there are a few ways to reduce what you pay.

• Ask about fee waivers. Many courts offer fee waivers if you can show that paying the filing fee would be a financial hardship. Ask your local courthouse about the specifics of their process.
• Include the name change in your divorce. If you're going through a divorce and want to return to a previous name, request the name change as part of your divorce decree, as this could avoid paying a separate filing fee.
• Do the paperwork yourself. While a lawyer can help with the process, handling the forms on your own may save on legal fees. Having said that, bear in mind that you may end up more than offsetting any savings with costly mistakes, so getting legal help might be the way to go.

A LegalShield Personal Plan can assist you with uncontested name changes

Legally changing your name involves a lot of moving pieces, including court filings, forms, hearings, and document updates. If the process feels like a lot to manage on your own, a LegalShield legal plan can help.

LegalShield Members can get help with uncontested name changes, including assistance in preparing paperwork and attendance at the initial court hearing (if any). A provider law firm can also help answer questions about the process, review requirements in your state, and help you avoid common mistakes along the way.

Understanding how much it costs to change your name is the first step. Whether you're changing your name after a marriage, a divorce, or for other personal reasons, having the right support can make the process smoother and less stressful.

With plans starting around $1/day, a LegalShield Personal Plan can connect you with a provider law firm for help navigating name changes, family law questions, and other important life transitions at a reasonable price.