Considering a legal name change? Whether you want to reclaim your maiden name after a divorce or simply go by a name that better reflects your identity, there are a few things you'll need to do to make it official.
The first step is to fill out a petition for a name change with the court in your county. The specific forms and fees required will vary depending on your state. However, in general, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for filing fees.
Once you've filed your petition, you'll need to wait a minimum number of days before it's granted. This timeframe may range from just a few weeks to several months, depending on the state. During this time, the court will consider any objections to your name change and make a final decision.
how much does it cost to legally change your name
Legal name change costs vary widely.
- Filing fees: $100-$500
- Publication fees: $50-$200
- Attorney fees: $200-$2,000
- Court costs: $50-$100
- Background check: $25-$50
- ID changes: $50-$200
- Total cost: $475-$3,050
- Timeline: 2 weeks to 1 year
- Requirements: Varies by state
Costs can be reduced by doing the paperwork yourself and avoiding an attorney.
Filing fees: $100-$500
The filing fee is the cost of submitting your petition for a name change to the court. This fee varies depending on the state in which you are filing, as well as the type of name change you are requesting. For example, some states charge a higher fee for a name change that is unrelated to marriage or divorce.
- Basic filing fee:
This is the standard fee for a name change petition. It typically ranges from $100 to $200.
- Additional fees:
Some states charge additional fees for certain types of name changes. For example, you may be charged a higher fee if you are changing your name for business purposes or if you have a criminal record.
- Expedited processing fee:
If you need your name change to be processed quickly, you may be able to pay an expedited processing fee. This fee typically ranges from $50 to $100.
- Attorney fees:
If you are hiring an attorney to help you with your name change, you will need to pay their fees in addition to the court filing fees.
The total cost of filing fees for a name change can vary significantly depending on your state and the type of name change you are requesting. It is important to research the fees in your state before you file your petition.
Publication fees: $50-$200
Publication fees are the costs associated with publishing your name change in a local newspaper. This is a requirement in many states, as it provides notice to the public of your intended name change and gives anyone who objects to the change an opportunity to come forward.
The cost of publication fees varies depending on the state in which you are filing your petition and the newspaper in which you choose to publish. Typically, you will need to publish your name change in a newspaper that is circulated in the county where you reside.
The publication fee is typically a flat fee, regardless of the length of your name or the number of times it is published. However, some newspapers may charge a higher fee for larger or more complex name changes.
In some states, you may be able to avoid publication fees if you can demonstrate that you are at risk of harm or harassment if your name change is made public. However, this is typically only granted in cases of domestic violence or stalking.
If you are required to publish your name change in a newspaper, be sure to factor the publication fees into your overall budget for the name change process.
Attorney fees: $200-$2,000
Attorney fees are the costs associated with hiring a lawyer to help you with your name change. While it is not required to have an attorney to change your name, it can be helpful to have one, especially if your case is complex or if you are facing any objections to your name change.
The cost of attorney fees for a name change can vary significantly depending on the attorney you choose, the complexity of your case, and the location where you live. In general, you can expect to pay between $200 and $2,000 for attorney fees.
If you are considering hiring an attorney to help you with your name change, be sure to interview several attorneys before making a decision. Ask about their experience with name changes, their fees, and their availability.
Once you have chosen an attorney, be sure to communicate your budget and your goals for the name change process. This will help the attorney to develop a strategy for your case and to keep your costs within your budget.
If you are unable to afford an attorney, there are a few resources available to you. Some states offer free or low-cost legal aid to low-income individuals. You may also be able to find a law school clinic that provides free or low-cost legal services.
Court costs: $50-$100
Court costs are the fees associated with filing your petition for a name change with the court. These fees can vary depending on the state in which you are filing and the type of name change you are requesting. For example, some states charge a higher fee for a name change that is unrelated to marriage or divorce.
Typical court costs for a name change range from $50 to $100. However, some states may charge more or less than this amount. For example, California charges a $435 filing fee for a name change petition, while Florida charges a $151 filing fee.
In addition to the filing fee, you may also be required to pay other court costs, such as a processing fee or a background check fee. These fees can vary depending on the state and the court in which you are filing your petition.
To find out the exact court costs for a name change in your state, you can contact the clerk of the court in the county where you reside.
It is important to note that court costs are separate from attorney fees. If you are hiring an attorney to help you with your name change, you will need to pay their fees in addition to the court costs.
Background check: $25-$50
A background check is a search of public records to determine if you have any criminal convictions or other negative information in your past. Some states require a background check as part of the name change process, while others do not.
- Why is a background check required?
A background check is required in some states to ensure that you are not changing your name to avoid prosecution or to commit fraud. For example, if you have a criminal record, the background check will reveal this information to the court.
- What information is included in a background check?
A background check typically includes a search of criminal records, sex offender registries, and other public records. The specific information that is included in a background check can vary depending on the state.
- How much does a background check cost?
The cost of a background check varies depending on the state and the agency that is conducting the check. Typically, you can expect to pay between $25 and $50 for a background check.
- How can I get a background check?
You can get a background check from a variety of sources, including the police department, the sheriff's office, or a private investigation agency. You can also order a background check online from a number of companies.
If you are required to get a background check as part of your name change process, be sure to factor the cost of the background check into your overall budget.
ID changes: $50-$200
Once your name change is approved by the court, you will need to update your identification documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and Social Security card. The cost of updating your ID documents can vary depending on the state in which you live and the type of ID document you are updating.
- Driver's license:
The cost of updating your driver's license will vary depending on the state in which you live. Typically, you can expect to pay between $25 and $50 to update your driver's license.
- Passport:
The cost of updating your passport is $130 for adults and $105 for children under the age of 16. You can also expedite the passport application process for an additional fee.
- Social Security card:
There is no fee to update your Social Security card. However, you will need to provide proof of your identity and citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- Other ID documents:
You may also need to update other ID documents, such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or insurance cards. The cost of updating these documents will vary depending on the document and the state in which you live.
It is important to update your ID documents as soon as possible after your name change is approved by the court. This will help to ensure that you are able to use your new name without any problems.
Total cost: $475-$3,050
The total cost of legally changing your name can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the state in which you live, the type of name change you are requesting, and whether or not you hire an attorney. However, in general, you can expect to pay between $475 and $3,050 to legally change your name.
The following is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a name change:
- Filing fees: $100-$500
- Publication fees: $50-$200
- Attorney fees: $200-$2,000
- Court costs: $50-$100
- Background check: $25-$50
- ID changes: $50-$200
If you are able to do the paperwork yourself and avoid hiring an attorney, you can save a significant amount of money on the cost of changing your name. However, if you have a complex case or if you are facing any objections to your name change, it may be worth it to hire an attorney to help you.
It is important to factor in all of the costs associated with a name change before you begin the process. This will help you to budget accordingly and to avoid any unexpected expenses.
Timeline: 2 weeks to 1 year
The timeline for a name change can vary significantly depending on the state in which you live and the complexity of your case. In general, however, you can expect the process to take anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 year.
The following is a breakdown of the typical timeline for a name change:
- File your petition: The first step is to file a petition for a name change with the court in your county. This petition must include your current name, your desired new name, and the reason for your name change.
- Wait for a hearing: Once you have filed your petition, you will need to wait for a hearing date. The length of time it takes to get a hearing date can vary depending on the court's schedule.
- Attend your hearing: At your hearing, you will need to present evidence to the judge supporting your request for a name change. The judge will then make a decision on your petition.
- Receive your new name: If the judge approves your petition, you will receive a new birth certificate with your new name. You can then begin the process of updating your ID documents.
The timeline for a name change can be shorter if you are able to do the paperwork yourself and avoid hiring an attorney. However, if you have a complex case or if you are facing any objections to your name change, the process may take longer.
It is important to be patient during the name change process. It can take some time to get your new name approved by the court and to update all of your ID documents. However, with a little patience and perseverance, you will eventually be able to change your name to something that you are happy with.
Requirements: Varies by state
The requirements for legally changing your name vary from state to state. However, there are some general requirements that are common to most states.
The following is a list of the most common requirements for a name change:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be a resident of the state in which you are filing your petition.
- You must have a valid reason for changing your name.
- You must not be changing your name to avoid prosecution or to commit fraud.
- You must file a petition for a name change with the court in your county.
- You must pay a filing fee.
- You may be required to publish your name change in a newspaper.
- You may be required to attend a hearing before a judge.
Some states have additional requirements for a name change. For example, some states require you to provide fingerprints or to undergo a background check.
It is important to research the requirements for a name change in your state before you begin the process. You can find this information on the website of your state's court system or by contacting the clerk of the court in your county.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about legally changing your name:
Question 1: How much does it cost to legally change my name?
Answer 1: The cost of a name change can vary depending on the state in which you live and the type of name change you are requesting. In general, you can expect to pay between $475 and $3,050 to legally change your name.
Question 2: How long does it take to legally change my name?
Answer 2: The timeline for a name change can vary depending on the state in which you live and the complexity of your case. In general, you can expect the process to take anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 year.
Question 3: What are the requirements for legally changing my name?
Answer 3: The requirements for a name change vary from state to state. However, some general requirements that are common to most states include being at least 18 years old, being a resident of the state in which you are filing your petition, and having a valid reason for changing your name.
Question 4: Do I need an attorney to legally change my name?
Answer 4: It is not required to have an attorney to legally change your name. However, it can be helpful to have one, especially if your case is complex or if you are facing any objections to your name change.
Question 5: What is the process for legally changing my name?
Answer 5: The process for legally changing your name varies from state to state. However, the general steps involved include filing a petition for a name change with the court, paying a filing fee, and attending a hearing before a judge.
Question 6: What are some of the reasons why people legally change their names?
Answer 6: There are many reasons why people legally change their names, including marriage, divorce, religious conversion, and personal preference.
Question 7: What are some of the things I need to do after I legally change my name?
Answer 7: Once you have legally changed your name, you will need to update your ID documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and Social Security card. You will also need to notify your bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of your new name.
If you have any other questions about legally changing your name, you can contact the clerk of the court in your county or an attorney who specializes in name changes.
Now that you know more about the process of legally changing your name, here are a few tips to help you through the process:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you through the process of legally changing your name:
Tip 1: Do your research. Before you begin the process of changing your name, it is important to research the requirements in your state. This information is typically available on the website of your state's court system or by contacting the clerk of the court in your county.
Tip 2: Gather your documents. Once you know the requirements for a name change in your state, you can begin gathering the necessary documents. This may include a birth certificate, a driver's license, a passport, and a Social Security card.
Tip 3: File your petition. The next step is to file a petition for a name change with the court in your county. The petition must include your current name, your desired new name, and the reason for your name change. You will also need to pay a filing fee.
Tip 4: Attend your hearing. Once you have filed your petition, you will need to attend a hearing before a judge. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence to the judge supporting your request for a name change. The judge will then make a decision on your petition.
Tip 5: Update your ID documents. Once your name change is approved by the court, you will need to update your ID documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and Social Security card. You will also need to notify your bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of your new name.
Changing your name can be a lot of work, but it is definitely possible. By following these tips, you can make the process as smooth and easy as possible.
Now that you know how to legally change your name and have some tips to help you through the process, you can start taking the steps to change your name to something that you are happy with.
Conclusion
Changing your name can be a significant life event. It can be a way to mark a new beginning, to reclaim your identity, or to simply have a name that you feel more comfortable with. Whatever your reason for changing your name, it is important to be aware of the legal requirements and the process involved.
The cost of a name change can vary depending on the state in which you live and the type of name change you are requesting. In general, you can expect to pay between $475 and $3,050 to legally change your name. The timeline for a name change can also vary, but it typically takes anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 year.
There are a number of reasons why people legally change their names. Some of the most common reasons include marriage, divorce, religious conversion, and personal preference.
If you are considering changing your name, it is important to do your research and to gather all of the necessary documents. You will also need to file a petition with the court in your county and attend a hearing before a judge. Once your name change is approved by the court, you will need to update your ID documents and notify your bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of your new name.
Changing your name can be a lot of work, but it is definitely possible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make the process as smooth and easy as possible.
Whether you are changing your name for personal or professional reasons, I hope that this article has been helpful. Remember, your name is a part of your identity, and you have the right to change it to something that you are happy with.