how much does it cost to change your last name

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The cost to legally change your last name in the U.S. varies widely depending on the state and county where you file, as well as the reason for the change. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Typical Costs to Change Your Last Name

Court Filing Fees: These are the primary costs and range from about $50 to $500. For example, California and New York tend to be on the higher end ($300 to $500), while states like Kentucky or Louisiana may charge as little as $50 to $100

Additional Fees:
- Publication Fees: Some states require you to publish your name change in a newspaper, which can cost between $80 and $200

* **Certified Copies:** After your name change is approved, certified copies of the court order may be needed to update documents. These usually cost $5 to $20 each

* **DMV and Passport Updates:** Changing your name on your driver’s license typically costs $15 to $35, while passport name changes vary and may include $30 for a passport card or $60 for expedited processing

* **Notarization Fees:** Banks or financial institutions might charge $5 to $10 for notarization of documents

Legal Assistance: Hiring an attorney is optional but can cost between $500 and $2,500 depending on complexity

Fee Waivers: If you have financial hardship or low income, many states offer fee waivers (called "In Forma Pauperis") to reduce or eliminate filing fees

Name Change After Marriage or Divorce

Changing your name after marriage is often simpler and less expensive, usually involving filing paperwork with the Social Security Administration and paying for a marriage license, which can cost from $15 to over $100 depending on the state

After divorce, changing your name back to your maiden name is often included in the divorce decree at no extra cost, but if done separately, filing fees may apply

Summary Table of Typical Costs

Fee Type| Typical Cost Range
---|---
Court Filing Fee| $50 to $500+
Publication Fee (if required)| $80 to $200
Certified Copies| $5 to $20 each
DMV Name Change| $15 to $35
Passport Name Change| Varies; $30 to $60+
Notarization Fees| $5 to $10
Attorney Fees (optional)| $500 to $2,500

Overall, expect to pay between $100 and $400 on average for a straightforward legal name change, but costs can be higher depending on your state and additional requirements

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