How Much Does It Cost To Get A Name Change

How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name

The cost of changing your name can vary from state to state, and can depend on how thorough? and how fast? you want the change to be. The greatest expense in the process of changing your name is obtaining a court order. Although you do not need a lawyer to obtain a court-ordered name change, it can still cost in the range of $150 – $500 for various court and filing fees. Required documentation varies by state, and fees vary by county. There is no single fee that applies in every state across the country. You will need to check the website of your County Courthouse to find the precise amount required to file court documents where you live. Filing fees are usually around $25 per document.

How Much Does it Cost?

You can often obtain necessary forms from the courthouse free of charge. If not, you can purchase generic legal forms from an office supply store for $1 – $2 each. Forms required may be a Petition for Name Change, Order for Name Change, and/or Affidavit of Name Change. After the name change has been ordered by the Court, you will have to pay an additional fee, which typically ranges from $15 – $20 for each official copy you request.

Does It Cost to Change Your Name

You then use official copies of your court order to have your name changed on other important documents. Some of the other places you need to remember to change your name are:

- Driver's License or State ID: Costs from no fee to the same as the renewal fee.
- Passport: Requires a certified copy of the court order. No fee, but if your passport was issued over a year ago, you may need a new photo, which is usually about $10.
- Birth Certificate: You will need a certified copy of your court order, and a $20 – $25 processing fee that varies by state. Additional official copies, which are stamped with state seal are $12 – $20.
- Credit Cards and Rewards Programs: Usually no fee.
- Bank Accounts: No fee, but you may incur the cost of a new debit card that are approximately $10 and replacement checks that can be about $35.
- Mortgages: No fee, but most banks require a certified copy of the name change order.
- Social Security Card: No fee.
- Insurance Policies: No fee.
- Voter Registration: No fee.
- Investment and Retirement Accounts: No fee.

Best Way To Change Your Name On Your Social Security Card

If the process seems daunting, you can pay a professional to deal with it for you. For around $50, these companies will complete all of the various forms, address all of the envelopes to the right administrative offices, and send you the complete package. This costs you a bit more money but saves you the colossal hassle of dealing with all of the red tape involved in changing your name.