How Much Does Changing Your Name Cost

Do you need to change your name? It is possible to legally do so. As long as you will not be doing this for fraudulent and illegal purposes, the law allows such move. Some legal reasons to change a name are marriage, divorce, and adoption. However, some people can do so just because they don’t like their given name, they like to restore family or cultural identity, or they want to enhance their image such as in the case of celebrities.

However, changing a name legally is not always free. This is without mentioning yet that the process can be very long and tiring especially because there are a lot of paper trails that must be corrected with a simple change of name.

The Cost Of Changing A Name

The typical cost to change a name ranges from $50 to $500.

The price includes the name change filing fee and the necessary paperwork. This is a fee you pay for a motion filed to the state or county civil court to change your name.

Factors Affecting The Cost Of Changing A Name

Location. Take note that name change filing fees vary from one state to another or from one county to another. Check out the difference in the name change filing fees in various states:

Reason. There are some states in the U.S. that charge name changes differently depending on the reason of the name change. For instance, a newly-married woman is not required to file a petition with the court. She must only retrieve relevant documents, which basically is a lot cheaper than filing a name change petition with the court.

Court. Where you file the name change petition affects the cost of a name change. In New York, for instance, it is more expensive to file a petition with the Supreme Court as compared to local courts.

Additional Costs Of Changing A Name

Getting a certified copy of the name change documents will cost you extra. The cost varies from one state to another. But usually, a certified copy costs $5 per piece. However, in Minnesota, certified copies can cost up to $14.

The court requires everyone undergoing a name change to post an ad in the local newspaper for several days. The ad will work to announce your intention to change your name legally. This offers an opportunity to the public to raise any kind of objection against the petition. Advertising is at your own expense, usually $30 or more.

There are some jurisdictions that will not require you placing an ad in newspapers. Instead, posting an announcement in a public area is required.

Following a legal name change, you have to change records of your name such as in the following:

• Social Security Card
• Driver’s License
• Post Office
• Passport
• IRS
• Voter Registration
• Credit Cards
• Banks
• Insurance Companies
• Doctors
• State Tax Authority
• Memberships/Clubs
• Employer
• Retirement Plans
• School Documents (College Transcripts)
• Legal Documents (Will, Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, and Contracts)

Some of the changes in these documents can be free of charge but others will cost you some money. For instance, changing names in your driver’s license can cost from $4 to $22 depending on the state you are in.

Professional fees can be additional expenses when changing your name. This is true for those who hire attorneys to handle the paperwork, file the petition, and other related work.

In some states, a criminal background check is necessary in line with the petition to change a name. Background checks can cost around $30 more or less depending on the state or county you are in.

Tips Before You Decide To Change Your Name

Take note that name change laws, procedures, and fees vary from state to state and in some cases, from county to county. Hence, check with your county courthouse to find information on rules and procedures of a name change. You may also ask for requirements and fees.

Some states require you to establish residency in the state or county before you can file a petition to change a name. For instance, in Minnesota, the residency requirement is a minimum of six months.

Evaluate the possible implications of the name change prior to doing so. This is not only true for your finances to cover the procedure but as well as emotional and social changes that you may face in line with the change of name.

Prepare all requirements essential for the name change position. Submitting an incomplete file can only delay the processing of your petition. In some cases, submission of erroneous files requirements will require you to resubmit your petition, which means you have to pay for the filing fee again.

In cases you cannot afford to pay the name change filing fee, you can check with the local court about waiving the fee for you.

When a change of name is for a minor, parental consent is necessary.

There are the so-called name change kits that can be purchased for this purpose. This kit contains all the required forms, instructions, and checklist for changing names.

Once the name change has been approved, retrieve certified copies of the document. Immediately process the change of name in all your other records so you avoid getting into problems with your identification. For instance, when you have your credit card name changed, you must have one identification card such as driver’s license changed as well for verification purposes.

Implement the name change once given a go signal. Notify officials and businesses such as government offices, schools, and employers to change your name in their records. You may also start calling in family and friends to announce your change of name and let them address you by your new name. Also, do not forget to use your new name all the time in introductions, forms, business contracts, and the like.

Your Guide To Choosing A New Name

Here are your limitations when picking a new name:

• You cannot change a name with a fraudulent intention such as using it to do something illegal. This can include the avoidance of debts, getting away from crimes, and keeping away from getting sued.

• The name you must choose must not interfere with the rights of others. This refers basically to choosing a new mane of a famous person with the main intention of misleading people. For instance, you cannot choose to change your name to George Bush or William Clinton unless of course you have a very convincing reason that is not at all related to these personalities.

• You will not be allowed to change a name that is intentionally confusing such as a number or punctuation. You cannot choose a name such as 10, ?, and the like.

• You cannot get a name that is threatening, obscene, or those inciting violence.