How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name Legally?

Introduction

A legal name change can be an exciting yet daunting task. It involves gathering the necessary paperwork, notarizing the documents, filing with the court, obtaining a new driver’s license, passport, etc., and adjusting to your new name. But how much does it cost to change your name legally?

Exploring the Process and Cost of Legally Changing Your Name

The process of legally changing your name begins with gathering the necessary paperwork. Depending on your state or county, this may include a Petition for Change of Name, an Order to Show Cause, a Decree Changing Name, and other documents. After you have gathered all the necessary paperwork, you will need to have them notarized.

Once your paperwork is notarized, you will need to file it with the court. The court will review your petition and, if approved, will issue a Decree Changing Name. You will then need to obtain a new driver’s license, passport, etc., in your new name.

How Much Does It Cost to Legally Change Your Name?

The cost of legally changing your name depends on several factors, including the state or county you live in and any additional fees associated with the name change. Different states and counties have different laws regarding name changes, so the cost can vary significantly. In some states, there are no fees associated with a name change; in others, there are fees for filing the paperwork, obtaining a new driver’s license, and other costs.

The Cost of Officially Changing Your Name

The most common costs associated with legally changing your name are court filing fees, notary fees, and other costs such as newspaper publication or certified mail. Court filing fees vary from state to state, but typically range from $100 to $400. Notary fees are usually between $10 and $20 per document. Some states also require you to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper, which can cost upwards of $200.

In addition, you may need to pay for certified mail when sending your paperwork to the court. The cost of certified mail varies depending on the size and weight of the envelope, but generally ranges from $6 to $15.

What to Expect When You Change Your Name

Before officially changing your name, it’s important to do your research and understand the laws in your state or county. You should also prepare for the process by gathering all the necessary paperwork and finding a notary to sign off on it.

Once you have changed your name, it’s important to adjust to your new name. This may take some time, so be patient with yourself. You will also need to update your driver’s license, passport, bank accounts, credit cards, social security card, and other official documents.

Breaking Down the Costs Involved in Name Changes

When considering the cost of legally changing your name, there are several factors to consider. Court filing fees, notary fees, newspaper publication fees, certified mail fees, and other miscellaneous fees all add up. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved in legally changing your name:

• Court filing fees – These vary from state to state, but typically range from $100 to $400.
• Notary fees – Usually between $10 and $20 per document.
• Newspaper publication fees – Can cost upwards of $200.
• Certified mail fees – Vary depending on the size and weight of the envelope, but generally range from $6 to $15.
• Other miscellaneous fees – Such as the cost of obtaining a new driver’s license or passport.

Conclusion

Legally changing your name is a big decision that comes with many costs and considerations. The process involves gathering the necessary paperwork, notarizing the documents, filing with the court, and adjusting to your new name. The cost of legally changing your name varies from state to state and includes court filing fees, notary fees, newspaper publication fees, certified mail fees, and other miscellaneous fees. Before changing your name, make sure to do your research and understand the laws in your state or county.