How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Last Name? Fees by Step
Updated November 1, 2026
BestParalegals is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information here is general and may not apply to your situation or state. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney.
Short answer: after marriage, the main costs are usually certified copies of your marriage certificate plus your state's fee for a new driver's license; the Social Security card is free. A court-ordered name change, without a marriage or divorce, costs more because of the court filing fee, and some states also require newspaper publication. Fees vary by state and county, so check yours before you start. USA.gov explains the steps.
Costs by step
| Step | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court petition (court-ordered change) | County court filing fee, varies | Fee waivers exist for low income; ask the court clerk |
| Newspaper publication | Varies; only in some states | Some states waive it for safety reasons |
| Certified copies (marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order) | Per-copy fee set by the county or state | Order several; agencies keep or want to see originals |
| Social Security card | Free | Apply first; SSA name change |
| Driver's license or state ID | State DMV fee | Usually after the SSA record is updated |
| U.S. passport | Free within a year of issue; otherwise the standard renewal or new-passport fee | See State Department name change |
By situation
- Marriage: your marriage certificate is usually enough; no court petition.
- Divorce: ask for the name restoration in your divorce decree to avoid a separate petition later (see filing for divorce without a lawyer).
- Any other reason: you'll need a court order.
The order to update records
- Social Security
- Driver's license or state ID
- Passport
- Banks, employer and payroll, voter registration, insurance, utilities
Paying for help
Name-change paperwork is a common job for legal document assistants, who charge a flat fee to prepare the petition and forms; see typical paralegal fees. If you'd like help with a court-petition name change, you can get matched with a vetted document preparer.
FAQ
Is it free to change your name after marriage?
Not entirely. The Social Security card is free, but expect fees for certified copies and the new driver's license.
How long does a court name change take?
It depends on the court's schedule and any publication period. Ask your county clerk for the local timeline.
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