Legal Name Change Cost in Connecticut (2026)
A legal adult name change in Connecticut costs Set by the Probate Court in court filing fees, filed in the Superior Court (name change: Probate Court). Restoring a former name inside the divorce decree is free; a standalone name change is filed in Probate Court. 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 Connecticut
- Name-change filing fee: Set by the Probate Court
- Court: Superior Court (name change: Probate 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. Restoring a former name inside the divorce decree is free; a standalone name change is filed in Probate Court. Getting divorced? A name restoration is free in the decree — see our Connecticut divorce filing fee page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a legal name change cost in Connecticut?
The court filing fee is Set by the Probate Court, filed in the Superior Court (name change: Probate Court). Newspaper publication and document updates can add to that.
Can I change my name for free in a Connecticut 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 Connecticut name change in the newspaper?
Connecticut generally does not require newspaper publication for an adult name change, though the court can order notice in specific cases.