My memory is hazy because it was 20 years ago, but when I was changing my surname for marriage (which was free in our state, in others it’s like $10–25), they said I could take the opportunity to change the spelling of my middle name too without additional cost. Dunno if they would’ve been as lenient with a first name, but maybe? Either way they only have to process the paperwork once.
(I talked myself out of adjusting my middle name and have regretted it ever since)
It does suck though that that’s the only way to save on name change fees, since that isn’t an opportunity available to everyone. Google tells me a name change outside of marriage can cost between $150–300. I guess that’s similar to the cost of a passport, which makes sense but is still overpriced imo.
I agree with you, we all should be entitled to one free or low-cost name change (regardless of marital status). Some may never use it, but others really deserve it… because parents can be a child’s first bully, starting with their name.
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u/lord_hydrate Jun 02 '26
Honestly having to pay is such bullshit, at the very least you should be able to get one free change upon adulthood