Pennsylvania Legal Name Change: Cost & Process
Researched by the LawLintel Data Team · Sources verified 2026-08-24
- Filing fee
- ≈$300–$400county-set — Philadelphia: $349.23
- Publication
- Yes — two newspaperswaivable + file sealable for safety (54 Pa.C.S. § 701)
- Fingerprints
- Required (PA State Police check)
- Court
- Court of Common Pleas
Pennsylvania has the heaviest adult name-change process among large states: county filing fees around $300–$400 (Philadelphia charges $349.23), fingerprints submitted to the State Police, publication of notice in two newspapers (one may be the county legal journal), judgment searches, and a court hearing one to three months after filing.
The safety valve: under 54 Pa.C.S. § 701 the court can waive publication entirely and seal the file when notice would jeopardize the petitioner's safety.
Costs & fees
| Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Petition filing feePhiladelphia: $349.23 | ≈$300–$400 (by county) | Official fee |
| Publication — two paperslegal journal + general-circulation paper | $150–$400 | Estimate |
| Fingerprinting | ≈$25 | Estimate |
| Judgment searchesprothonotary/recorder certifications | $20–$100 | Official fee |
Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Fingerprints | Submitted to PA State Police for criminal-history check before the order (§ 702) |
| Publication | Notice in two newspapers; waivable for safety with file sealing |
| Hearing | Required — bring proofs of publication and judgment searches |
| Fee waiver | In Forma Pauperis petition |
The process, step by step
- File the petition. Court of Common Pleas of your county; pay the fee; the court sets a hearing date 1–3 months out.
- Fingerprints & searches. Complete the State Police fingerprint check and obtain judgment searches covering your residence period.
- Publish in two papers. Run the hearing notice in a general-circulation newspaper and the county legal journal; keep proofs.
- Attend the hearing. Present proofs; the judge signs the name-change decree if all requirements check out.
- Update records. SSA, PennDOT, passport, banks with certified copies.
Forms & where to file
Court of Common Pleas (civil division) of your county of residence.
- Philadelphia — name change petition & procedure (rev. 2026)
- 54 Pa.C.S. ch. 7 — Judicial Change of Name
Frequently asked questions
How much does a PA name change cost all-in?
Typically $500–$800 once you add the ~$300–$400 filing fee, two-newspaper publication ($150–$400), fingerprinting and judgment searches — the most expensive process among large states.
Can publication be skipped?
Yes, for safety: 54 Pa.C.S. § 701 lets the court waive publication and seal the record when notice would jeopardize the petitioner or their child — routinely used by abuse survivors.
How long does it take?
Two to four months in most counties — the hearing is set 1–3 months after filing, with publication and the State Police check completed in between.
Related information
Sources & verification
- Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas — name change procedure & fee
- 54 Pa.C.S. ch. 7 (publication, fingerprints, safety waiver)
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.