How can you estimate total fees for a California name change, including court and publication?

The total cost of legally changing your name in California depends on three main factors: court filing fees, newspaper publication fees, and certified copy costs. Court filing fees are usually the largest part and range from $435 to $465 depending on the county. Most people also need to publish a notice of their name change in a court-approved newspaper for four consecutive weeks, which typically costs between $80 and $500, again depending on the county and the newspaper selected. Finally, once your name change is granted, you’ll need at least one certified copy of your court order (about $40.50 each) to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other official records.

Beyond these mandatory costs, there are often additional expenses people forget to include. If you qualify for a court fee waiver due to financial hardship, the filing fee may be reduced or eliminated. Some courts require local forms or extra background checks, and publication fees can be much higher in large metro areas. If you’re changing a child’s name, you may also have costs related to notifying the non-consenting parent or filing additional declarations. Taken together, the typical total cost of a name change in California falls between $715 and $1,000, though it can be lower if you qualify for waivers or higher in complex cases.

For those who want a clear, upfront estimate with no surprises, EZ Name Change offers full-service packages that include preparing all forms, paying the court, arranging and paying for publication, and tracking your case through completion. This way, your budget is predictable, and you won’t run into hidden costs or procedural mistakes that require re-filing. If you’d like to see a step-by-step breakdown of costs, our California Name Change Guide walks you through each expense and what you can expect.