How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name? Your Expert Guide
Just when you think you've fully checked off the "married" box, you might come to realize that there are a few more to-dos left to officially and legally move forward with your new married identity. If you plan to take a new married name, you're probably wondering, "How much does it cost to change your name?"
The very first step in deciding how to change your name is deciding on your new name. You can choose to adopt your partner's last name (also called a surname) and/or even change your middle name, perhaps to include your maiden name. You'll also want to gather all of the necessary documents to support your name-change request, including your marriage license (which you'll have to wait to come in the mail), your driver's license or passport and your social security card. During the name-change process, you'll want to update your name with government agencies including the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Motor Vehicles and your voter registration office—and don't forget about your employer and bank.
A name change fee can vary significantly depending on your state as well as the specific agencies you need to update. In this article, we'll deep dive into all of the things you need to know about this hidden wedding cost.
In this article:
- Does It Cost Money to Change Your Name?
- How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name?
- Why Does It Cost So Much to Change Your Name?
- Name Change Cost Considerations
Does It Cost Money to Change Your Name?
Yes, it costs money to change your name. "The costs increase if you request a name change outside of the context of a marriage license application or a divorce, for which (if granted) there are no additional costs to legally obtain a new surname," explains Ernestine J. Mings, partner in the Matrimonial & Family Law Practice at Blank Rome. "In either situation, you would still have to pay the fees associated with changing your name on your identifying documents and for legal representation (in the case of divorce), if any."
How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name?
According to Leah Weinberg, attorney, co-founder and partner of Oduberg Law, LLP, the costs to change your last name vary depending on where you need to make the updates. "Some changes will be free, like updating the name with your cell phone provider or your credit card company, and other changes like a new driver's license or passport will include a fee," she says. "Changing your middle name to your maiden name won't cost you more because you're charged for the overall change, not the individual names that are changing." She also points out that there are services you can pay for that will help you with all of the name changes you'll need to make. As you calculate wedding costs using our free wedding budget tool, be sure to include your name change fees.
Why Does It Cost So Much to Change Your Name?
Despite the inconvenience factor, there are some good reasons why it costs a significant amount to change your last name. "Just like moving, there are a lot of changes to make to your identification and bills etc…but the name change has greater implications than an address," explains Marc Snyderman, partner and attorney-at-law with OGC Solutions. "Your educational background, work history, social security payments, benefits, etc…are all attached to your name and social security number, so changing that name can't be a one-step process or it would be too easy and people would try to take advantage of that process for fraudulent purposes." In other words, making the name-changing process cumbersome is purposeful so that the system can't be cheated so easily.
Name Change Cost Considerations
As you weigh your name change considerations, include the cost in your decision. Here are a few things to think about before changing your name.
Do Your Research
Doing your research is important when understanding how expensive it is to change your name. Whether it's the amount or even how the cost must be paid, it's important you understand why you're paying a certain amount up front, Weinberg explains. Many states charge a processing fee for changing your name while other states require you to go through a court system, which can involve further fees. Also, if you hire an attorney to help you with the name-change process, you're looking at additional fees.
Know the Costs Associated With Changing Each Document
Don't go into the process blindly—it's helpful to prepare for the costs associated with the process to change each document. Here's a look at some of the costs associated with the major documents.
- Price to Change Name on Passport: $100–$300
- Price to Change Name on Driver's License: $10–$200
- Price to Change Name on New Social Security Card: $10
- Price to Change Name on Bank Account: Free
- Price to Change Name on Credit Card: Free
- Price to Change Name on Insurance Policies: Free
- Price to Change Name on Voter Registration: Free
Update Each Legal Document
To change your name you'll want to be sure that all your identification and credit cards are properly changed. "Start with your driver's license, social security card and passport as the three main forms of identification then you'll want to make sure you change any bank accounts you have then change your name with your employer for health insurance and W2 for payroll and on any other benefits," Snyderman says. "You'll also want to look in your wallet at your credit cards and any other forms of ID you may have and work your way through changing those." Lastly, he recommends looking at utility bills and other bills to be sure your name is properly reflected.
Consider Hiring an Attorney
If you have a complex legal situation, such as a previous marriage, adoption or name changes in other countries, it might be worth it to hire an attorney to help navigate the process and ensure that all legal requirements are met. If you encounter any legal challenges or obstacles during the name change process, an attorney can represent you and advocate for your rights, Snyderman adds.