Legal Name Change Cost in California (2026)
A legal adult name change in California costs $435 in court filing fees, filed in the Superior Court. One of the highest filing fees in the country; a few counties add small courthouse surcharges. If you're changing your name because of a divorce, you can usually do it for free in the divorce decree instead.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What you'll pay in California
- Name-change filing fee: $435
- Court: Superior Court
- Free via divorce decree: yes, if restoring a former name
- Fee waiver: available for low-income filers
Beyond the filing fee
The court fee is only part of the cost. Many states also require you to publish notice of the change in a local newspaper (often $40–$150), and you'll pay small fees to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and passport afterward. One of the highest filing fees in the country; a few counties add small courthouse surcharges. Getting divorced? A name restoration is free in the decree — see our California divorce filing fee page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a legal name change cost in California?
The court filing fee is $435, filed in the Superior Court. Newspaper publication and document updates can add to that.
Can I change my name for free in a California divorce?
Yes — restoring a former name is free when requested in the divorce petition or decree, which is why most people do it that way rather than filing a separate petition.
Do I have to publish a California name change in the newspaper?
California generally does not require newspaper publication for an adult name change, though the court can order notice in specific cases.