Name Change Fee Waiver Checker — See If You Qualify (2026)
Court filing fees for a name change run $150 to $470, but in most states you do not have to pay them. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF — or your income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty guideline — you can often get the fee waived with a simple form. Answer a few questions below to see whether you likely qualify.
Check your eligibility
Do you currently receive any of these benefits?
Select a state to see whether you likely qualify for a court fee waiver and which form to file.
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We’ll send your eligibility summary, the exact fee waiver form for your state, and a short material checklist — so when you’re ready to file, it’s all in one place.
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2026 fee waiver income thresholds (125% of the federal poverty guideline)
| Household size | 2026 poverty guideline | Fee waiver threshold (125%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $19,950 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $27,050 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $34,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $41,250 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $62,550 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,650 |
48 contiguous states + DC, per the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines. Alaska and Hawaii use higher schedules. Courts apply these guidelines with flexibility.
What a fee waiver covers
The court filing fee
An approved waiver means you do not pay the fee to file your name change petition — the largest single cost of the process.
Certified copies, in many courts
Some courts extend the waiver to the certified copies of the order you will need for Social Security, the DMV, and banks. Ask when you file.
Not publication — usually
Newspaper publication costs are handled separately. Some states allow a publication waiver or exempt gender identity-related name changes from publication entirely. See the publication guide for your state.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for a name change fee waiver?
Most courts grant a waiver of court fees when you receive public benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF; when your income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty guideline; or when you can show the fee would be an undue hardship. Each court makes the final decision.
What is the 125% federal poverty guideline for 2026?
For a household of one in the 48 contiguous states and DC, 125% of the 2026 federal poverty guideline is $19,950. It rises with household size, and Alaska and Hawaii use higher schedules. Many courts treat 125% of the guideline as the income cutoff for a presumptive fee waiver.
Is the fee waiver form free to file?
Yes. Requesting a waiver of court fees is free. If the court approves the waiver, you do not pay the filing fee. A few courts also waive related costs such as certified copies, though publication costs are handled separately.
Do I have to be low income to get a fee waiver?
No. Receiving public benefits or being at or below 125% of the poverty guideline is the fastest route, but courts can also waive fees for documented hardship such as medical debt, unemployment, or housing instability. Tell the court why the fee is a hardship for you.
What happens if my fee waiver is denied?
You can usually ask the court to reconsider, or pay the fee if you are able. Some states allow you to amend your request with additional documentation. Denial does not mean your name change petition is denied — it only affects the filing fee.
Does a fee waiver cover the name change publication requirement?
Usually not. Publication is often handled separately from the filing fee. Some states allow you to request a publication waiver or a reduced publication rate, and a few exempt gender identity-related name changes from publication entirely. Check your state guide.
NameRight is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide self-help information, document preparation tools, and public court process guidance based on publicly available information. Court procedures and eligibility rules can change, and your situation may require advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. Full legal disclaimer