The cost to change your name varies significantly depending on the country and, in the U.S., the state and county where you file.
United States
- Typical court filing fees range from about $100 to $500 , with many states charging between $150 and $400 for the petition to change your name
- Some states have lower fees, such as Kentucky at around $50, while others like California can charge $435 to $450 or more
- Additional costs may include:
- Publication fees to announce your name change, ranging from $30 to $200 depending on local requirements
* Fees for updating official documents (driver’s license, passport, etc.), which can cost between $20 and $110 each
* Optional legal assistance fees if you hire an attorney, which can range from $500 to $2,500 or more depending on complexity
- Some courts offer fee waivers if you demonstrate financial hardship or qualify for government assistance
- The process usually involves filing a petition with the court, paying the filing fee, sometimes publishing your new name, and attending a hearing
Other Countries
- For example, in Luxembourg, the procedure to change a first name or surname is free of charge
- In the UK, changing your name by deed poll costs about £50.32 (roughly $60-$70 USD)
Summary
Location| Typical Cost Range for Name Change| Notes
---|---|---
U.S. (varies)| $100 to $500+| Filing fees vary by state/county; extra costs
for publication, document updates, legal help
Luxembourg| Free| No charge for name change procedure
United Kingdom| About £50.32 (~$60-$70 USD)| Cost for deed poll enrollment
In conclusion, if you live in the U.S., expect to pay between roughly $100 and $500 for court and filing fees alone, with additional costs possible for publication and updating documents
. In some other countries, the process may be free or have a modest fixed fee
