Filing Fee

When you submit your name change petition to the court, you pay a filing fee to the court clerk. This fee covers the cost of processing and managing your case. Filing fees vary widely depending on where you live — some counties charge as little as $100, while others charge $400 or more. You can find your county's exact fee on the court's website or by calling the clerk's office.

Filing fees are typically paid by money order, cashier's check, or credit card (some courts also accept cash). Many courts do not accept personal checks. The fee is generally non-refundable — if your petition is dismissed or denied, you don't get your money back. This makes it important to submit a complete and accurate petition the first time.

The filing fee is separate from any publication costs (if your state requires newspaper publication of your name change notice). Publication can add $50–$200 or more to the total cost. Some courts also charge a small fee for certified copies of the court order, typically $5–$20 per copy. Budget for all three line items — filing fee, publication, and certified copies — when planning your name change.

The filing fee is a real cost that can be a barrier for some people. The good news: most courts have a fee waiver process for petitioners with limited income. If paying the filing fee would create a financial hardship, ask the clerk for the fee waiver application before submitting your petition. Courts routinely approve these waivers for eligible petitioners.

Knowing the exact fee in advance prevents a wasted trip to the courthouse. Some courts have specific payment requirements (cashier's check only, exact change for cash), so confirming the amount and accepted payment methods before you go saves time.