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The Newspaper Publication Requirement, Explained

Last reviewed July 16, 2026 against official court and .gov sources.

Quick answer

Some states require you to publish a legal notice of your name change in an approved newspaper, usually for a few weeks before or after the hearing. Many states require no publication at all, and most that do allow a judge to waive it for safety or gender-identity cases. Publication typically costs $40–$150 and is separate from the court fee.

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Why some states require it

Publication exists to give notice — historically, so creditors or others with an interest could object to a name change. States that still require it make you run a short legal notice in an approved newspaper, often once a week for three or four weeks, either before the hearing or after the order. Ohio, Indiana, and several others require it; Texas, Florida, and Illinois (since 2025) do not.

The rule has been changing. Several states have repealed or narrowed publication in recent years — New Jersey ended it in 2020, Illinois in 2025, and DC did so years earlier — often citing privacy and safety.

Waivers for safety

Most states that require publication let a judge waive it when publishing would put you at risk — for example, survivors of domestic violence or people changing their name to match their gender identity. If that's your situation, ask the clerk about a publication waiver and sealing the record when you file.

Check your state

Because this rule varies so much and changes often, use the calculator above for your state's current publication requirement, and see the state page's Sources for the official statute or court page it's based on.

Find your state

Each state hub has its exact fee, court, forms, and all five change types.

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Frequently asked questions

Which states require newspaper publication for a name change?
Several do, including Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, and others; many — like Texas, Florida, and Illinois — do not. The requirement changes over time, so check your state page for the current rule.
How much does name-change publication cost?
Typically $40–$150 depending on the newspaper, and it's separate from the court filing fee. A fee waiver for the court fee usually does not cover publication.
Can I avoid publishing my name change?
In states that require it, a judge can often waive publication for safety reasons — such as domestic-violence survivors or gender-identity name changes — and may seal the record. Ask the clerk about a waiver.
Do marriage and divorce name changes require publication?
No. Name changes through a marriage certificate or divorce decree never require newspaper publication.

Last reviewed July 16, 2026. Methodology · Sources.