How much does it cost to change your name in California?
A court-ordered adult name change in California costs roughly $615–$770 in government fees (publication and copy costs vary by county, so check your county): a $435 ($450 in Riverside and San Bernardino counties) Superior Court filing fee, $80–$200 to publish the required notice in a newspaper for four weeks, and about $25–$30 for each certified copy of your decree (4 copies assumed). A name change through marriage has no court filing fee — you mainly pay for certified copies of your marriage certificate (about $17 each).
Free guides, plus an optional tool that copies what you type onto blank official forms you choose. How the tool works
Fee figures from our state cost data, last verified 2026-04-25. General information only, not legal advice. Fees and timelines change and vary by county — confirm with your court clerk or agency before you file.
California court-ordered name change: fee breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Superior Court filing fee (petition NC-100) | $435 ($450 in Riverside and San Bernardino counties) |
| Newspaper publication (4 consecutive weeks) | $80–$200 |
| Certified copies of the decree × 4 | $100–$120 |
| Total before updating your ID | Roughly $615–$770 (varies by county) |
Filing fees vary by county. If you can't afford the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it with form FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees). Publication exemptions are available if you are a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault and can provide evidence; request the exemption when you file.
Costs after you have your decree (or marriage certificate)
- Social Security card (Form SS-5): $0
- IRS name update (via Social Security; no IRS form): $0
- California DMV driver's license (Form DL 44): $38
- U.S. passport: $130 to renew with DS-82, $165 for a new DS-11 passport, or $0 with DS-5504 if your passport is less than a year old
California marriage name change cost
In California, your marriage certificate is your legal name change document — no court order, no publication, and no court filing fee. Budget for certified copies of the marriage certificate (our calculator assumes 3 at about $17 each, $51 total), plus the ID updates above.
See your own itemized total in the name change cost calculator, or read the full California name change guide and the California court petition guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a name change free in California if I'm getting married?
There is no court filing fee for a marriage name change in California — your certified marriage certificate is the legal document. You still pay for certified copies of the certificate (about $17 each) and any ID updates, such as the $38 DMV fee.
Can I get the California court filing fee waived?
Yes, if you qualify based on income or financial hardship. File form FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees) with your petition and the court decides whether to waive the fee.
Do I have to pay to publish my name change in California?
For a court-ordered name change, yes: California requires publication in a county-approved newspaper for four consecutive weeks, typically $80–$200. Exemptions are available for victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault who can provide evidence.
Related guides
Ready to get started?
Free guides, plus an optional tool that copies what you type onto blank official forms you choose.
Official sources
Forms, fees and rules change. Check these official pages (and your county court) before you file.
- Name change self-help guide (California Courts Self-Help Guide)
- Court forms: name change (NC) series (Judicial Branch of California)
- Fee waiver self-help guide (California Courts Self-Help Guide)
Links checked 2026-10-08.
Fee data last verified 2026-04-25 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy