Change Surname?

Question

I have been an american citizen all my life and would like to change my surname, how would I go about doing that and how much would it cost?

Answer 1

In my state in California you call the clerk at the county courthouse. You fill out a form and pay $320. You also take out a "Legal Notice" in a local newspaper for four weeks. That cost is in addition to the $320. If no one objects, you get your decree.

Every time you apply for a new passport, driver's license, etc. you will need to mail in or show a notarized copy of the decree. If you have to mail one in and don't get it back, chalk up another $25 or so.

The procedure is the same in all counties in California, although the cost may vary. I suspect the procedure is about the same in most states in the USA, although the cost and the length of time may vary.