The average cost to legally change your name in Los Angeles, CA in 2025–2026 ranges from $540 to $700, including court filing fees, newspaper publication costs, and certified copies. The court filing fee alone is about $435–$465, while publication costs can range from $80 to $200 depending on the newspaper. Additional costs may apply if you need extra certified copies or legal assistance. Some people may qualify for a fee waiver based on income.
Name change in Los Angeles costs $540–$700 in 2025–2026, including filing and publication fees. Learn step-by-step costs, area differences, and how to save on legal name change.
Average Name Change Cost in Los Angeles [2025–2026]
The total cost of legally changing your name in Los Angeles depends on the court fees, publication fees, and any optional legal or document costs. In most standard cases, you can expect to pay between $540 and $700 from filing to receiving your official court order.
Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Court filing fee: $435–$465
- Publication fee: $80–$200 (varies by newspaper)
- Certified copies: $25–$45 each
- Optional lawyer or service fee: $0–$300+ (if you hire help)
Step-by-Step Cost Breakdown for Legal Name Change
Changing your name in Los Angeles involves a few clear steps, each with its own costs.
1. Filing a Petition for Name Change
- The Petition for Change of Name (Form NC-100) must be filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
- The filing fee for this petition is typically $435–$465, depending on the court location.
- If you cannot afford this, you may request a fee waiver (Form FW-001).
2. Publication in an Approved Newspaper
- California law requires that your name change petition be published in a court-approved newspaper once a week for four consecutive weeks.
- Average cost: $80–$200, depending on which newspaper you choose and the location.
- Some people in sensitive cases (like domestic violence or safety concerns) may be eligible for a publication exemption.
3. Court Order and Certified Copies
- After the publication period ends and the court approves your petition, you’ll receive a Decree Changing Name (Form NC-130).
- Certified copies are usually $25–$45 each, and you’ll need multiple copies to update government documents like Social Security, DMV, and passport.
4. Updating Legal Documents
- Social Security, DMV, banks, passport, and other agencies require proof of your court order.
- DMV name change is typically free or $35 (driver’s license/ID replacement fee).
- Passport name change may cost $0 to $165, depending on your passport type and age.
- Some banks or credit card companies may have their own administrative charges.
Name Change Cost in Los Angeles by Neighborhood [2025–2026]
Although the court filing fee is standard throughout Los Angeles County, publication fees can vary significantly depending on the local newspaper and neighborhood.
| Neighborhood / Area | Estimated Publication Fee | Total Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Los Angeles | $120–$200 | $580–$700 |
| Hollywood | $100–$180 | $560–$680 |
| Santa Monica | $140–$200 | $600–$720 |
| Koreatown & Mid-City | $80–$140 | $540–$660 |
| Pasadena & Glendale | $90–$160 | $550–$670 |
| Long Beach & Torrance | $85–$150 | $545–$665 |
Neighborhood choice matters most for the publication step, as newspaper advertising rates can vary widely.
Types of Name Changes and Their Costs
1. Standard Adult Name Change:
- This is the most common type of name change for personal or cultural reasons.
- Cost: $540–$700
2. Minor’s Name Change:
- Requires parental consent and similar filing procedures.
- Cost: $540–$700, plus possible guardian ad litem costs if required.
3. Marriage or Divorce Name Change:
- If you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, the process is simpler and usually cheaper.
- Cost: $0–$50 (if done at the time of filing marriage license or divorce decree).
4. Gender Marker and Name Change:
- California allows simultaneous legal name and gender marker change without a publication requirement.
- Cost: $435–$465 (filing only, no publication fee).
Optional & Additional Expenses
While the core legal process is straightforward, many people may incur extra costs:
- Attorney fees: $300–$1,000 if you hire a lawyer to handle the process.
- Online legal service fees: $150–$300 for filing assistance.
- Notary services: $10–$40 depending on the number of documents.
- Passport renewal: $130–$165 depending on type.
- DMV fees: $35 for a new license or ID card.
How to Save Money on Name Change
- Apply for a fee waiver: If you have low income, you can get the $435–$465 filing fee waived.
- Choose an affordable newspaper: Publication costs can differ widely, so shop around.
- Handle paperwork yourself: Avoid lawyer fees by using the free forms from the California Courts website.
- Bundle updates: Update multiple legal documents at once to reduce administrative fees.
Timeframe for Name Change in Los Angeles
On average, the entire legal name change process takes 6–10 weeks:
- Week 1–2: File petition and receive hearing date.
- Week 3–6: Newspaper publication runs for four weeks.
- Week 7–10: Court hearing and receiving certified order.
Delays may occur if there’s missing information, publication issues, or backlogs at the court.
What’s Included in a Legal Name Change
When you legally change your name in Los Angeles, the court order allows you to update:
- Social Security records
- Driver’s license and state ID
- Passport
- Voter registration
- Bank accounts and credit cards
- Employment and payroll records
- School and medical records
This court-issued decree is accepted as legal proof of your new name nationwide.
Name Change Cost vs. Marriage/Divorce
Changing your name as part of a marriage or divorce is usually cheaper because:
- There’s no court petition or publication required.
- The marriage certificate or divorce decree itself serves as the legal proof.
- Cost is typically limited to new ID or passport fees.
A standard name change petition is required if you want a completely new name unrelated to marriage.
Summary Table
| Cost Component | Average Cost (2025–2026) | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $435–$465 | ✅ Yes | Fee waiver may apply |
| Newspaper Publication | $80–$200 | ✅ Yes | Except gender change cases |
| Certified Copies | $25–$45 each | ✅ Yes | Needed for official updates |
| DMV Name Change | $35 | Optional | Driver’s license replacement |
| Passport Update | $0–$165 | Optional | Cost depends on type |
| Attorney or Service Fees | $0–$300+ | Optional | If you need assistance |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much does it cost to legally change your name in Los Angeles?
The average total cost is $540–$700, including filing and publication fees.
Q2: How long does the process take?
Most name change cases in Los Angeles take 6–10 weeks from filing to receiving the court order.
Q3: Can I change my name for free?
You may qualify for a fee waiver if your income is low, which covers the court filing fee.
Q4: Is newspaper publication always required?
Yes, except in gender marker change cases or safety concerns (you can request a publication exemption).
Q5: How many certified copies do I need?
Most people get 2–3 copies to update government documents, banks, and records.
Q6: What if I change my name after marriage or divorce?
That process is cheaper and simpler, often costing $0–$50.
Q7: Do I need a lawyer to change my name?
No. You can file the forms yourself and follow the steps without hiring an attorney.
Q8: Can I expedite the name change process?
There’s no official expedited option, but filing early and choosing a quick-response newspaper can help.
Q9: Will my credit score or history change with my new name?
No. Your credit file remains intact, but you must update your new legal name with financial institutions.
Q10: Do minors need parental consent?
Yes. For children under 18, at least one parent or legal guardian must file, and both parents are usually notified.