Legal name change in Pennsylvania

The filing fee for a name change in Pennsylvania is $145–349 (varies by county). This may not include publication costs, certified copies, or other court fees, which vary by county. Fees can change — confirm the current amount with the court before filing.

Fee waiver available: Yes — PA Courts Fee Waiver Form

Fee waivers are available for qualifying petitioners (indigency / inability to pay). Ask the court clerk about the waiver process. Source: PA county prothonotary schedules.

Pennsylvania generally requires publication of the name change notice in two newspapers of general circulation in the county of residence. A waiver is available if publication would jeopardize the safety of the petitioner or a child/ward.

Publication waiver may be available.

If publication would endanger your safety, you can request a waiver. Courts have discretion to grant publication waivers for safety reasons.

PennDOT supports M, F, and X gender markers on driver licenses and state IDs using form DL-32, without medical proof. Pennsylvania birth certificate adult gender designation changes still require a doctor letter and currently only support Male and Female options (no X option on the official form).

Available options: M, F, X

Self-attestation: Yes

Medical proof required: No

DL/ID self-attestation via DL-32. Birth certificate: adults still need a doctor letter, and only Male/Female options are available on the current official form. Verify current requirements with PennDOT and PA Department of Health.

Pennsylvania has 67 counties and 60 judicial districts. No statewide standardized name change packet — forms and procedures vary by county. Confirm with your Court of Common Pleas.