Georgia Legal Name Change: Cost & Process
Researched by the LawLintel Data Team · Sources verified 2026-08-24
- Filing fee
- ≈$200–$230county-set — e.g., Clayton County $205
- Publication
- Yes — once a week for 4 weeksin the county legal organ; waiver for violence/trafficking survivors
- Fingerprints
- Not required
- Court
- Superior Court
Georgia adult name changes are Superior Court petitions with filing fees around $200–$230 (Clayton County charges $205), followed by publication once a week for four weeks in the county's legal organ and a 30-day objection window before the final hearing.
Survivors of family violence and human trafficking can have publication waived. Georgia has no fingerprint requirement, and the whole process typically runs six to ten weeks.
Costs & fees
| Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Petition filing feeClayton County: $205 | ≈$200–$230 (by county) | Official fee |
| Publication — 4 weeks in the legal organ | $80–$200 | Estimate |
| Certified copies | $2.50–$10 each | Official fee |
Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Venue | Superior Court of your county of residence |
| Publication | Once a week for 4 weeks in the county legal organ (O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1); waivable for violence/trafficking survivors |
| Waiting period | 30 days after filing for objections before the hearing |
| Fee waiver | Poverty affidavit |
The process, step by step
- File the petition. Petition for Name Change in your county's Superior Court; pay the fee or file a poverty affidavit.
- Publish for 4 weeks. Notice runs weekly in the county legal organ; obtain the publisher's affidavit.
- Wait 30 days, then hearing. After the objection window, attend the short final hearing with proof of publication.
- Update records. SSA, DDS (driver's license), passport, banks with certified copies of the final order.
Forms & where to file
Superior Court of your county of residence.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Georgia name change cost?
About $200–$230 in filing fees plus $80–$200 for the four weeks of legal-organ publication.
Is publication mandatory?
Yes, four consecutive weekly runs in the county legal organ — except for survivors of family violence or human trafficking, who can obtain a waiver.
How long does it take?
Typically 6–10 weeks: filing, four weeks of publication overlapping the 30-day objection window, then the final hearing.
Related information
Sources & verification
Official fees and statutory rules above are traceable to the listed authorities; figures marked as estimates are LawLintel editorial estimates, not government fees. Laws and fees change — last verified 2026-08-24. See our methodology and legal disclaimer.
LawLintel provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, rules, procedures and fees change and can depend on your specific facts and county. Verify important information with the applicable court or a qualified attorney before acting.