Name Change After Divorce: Complete Checklist
Every agency you need to notify, the exact order to do it in, costs for each step, and the fastest way to get it done — whether you do it yourself or use a name change service.
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Easy Name Change pre-fills every government form — Social Security, DMV, passport, bank, employer, and 40+ more agencies — in under 20 minutes. Used by 500,000+ people across the US.
Before You Start — What You Need
You need two things in hand before you can update anything.
The court judgment must specifically contain a name restoration order — a clause that restores your maiden or prior legal name. Without this clause, a separate court petition is required.
Get 5–8 certified copies from the courthouse clerk ($5–$25 each). Every agency you visit will want its own copy — originals only, not photocopies.
You cannot walk into the DMV with just your divorce decree. The correct sequence is:
- Social Security Administration — updates federal database
- DMV / State ID office — requires updated SS card
- Passport — requires new ID or SS card
- Everything else — bank, employer, voter reg, etc.
Step-by-Step Name Change Checklist
Work through these in order. Each step is a prerequisite for the next.
File Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) at your local SSA office or by mail. Bring your certified divorce decree + current government-issued ID. Your SSN stays the same — only the name on record changes.
- ✓ Certified divorce decree (original)
- ✓ Current driver's license or state ID
- ✓ Completed Form SS-5 (free at ssa.gov)
Visit your state DMV in person (most states do not allow name changes by mail for license). Bring your updated Social Security card, certified divorce decree, and current license. Most states issue a temporary paper license same day; the plastic card arrives in 2–4 weeks.
- ✓ Updated Social Security card
- ✓ Certified divorce decree
- ✓ Current driver's license
- ✓ Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
If your current passport is less than 5 years old, use Form DS-82 (renewal by mail). If it's 5+ years old, use Form DS-11 (in person at a passport acceptance facility). You do not need to renew your passport immediately — your old passport remains valid for travel until it expires, even with your old name.
- ✓ Completed Form DS-82 or DS-11
- ✓ Current passport
- ✓ New driver's license (updated)
- ✓ Certified divorce decree
- ✓ Passport photo (2x2 inches)
Notify HR with your updated SS card and driver's license. Request updates to: payroll records, company email address, benefits enrollment, 401(k) beneficiary designations, and employee directory. For self-employed individuals, update your business bank accounts and invoicing software.
Visit each bank in person with your updated driver's license and certified divorce decree. Most banks will reissue your debit/credit cards under the new name at no charge. Also update: investment accounts (brokerage, IRA, 401k), credit cards, and any automatic payment accounts.
Update via vote.org or your state's election board website. In most states you can do this online in under 5 minutes with your updated driver's license number.
Name Change Cost Breakdown
Government fees are unavoidable. Service fees are optional shortcuts.
| Agency / Step | Fee | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Card | Free | 1–2 weeks | Walk in or mail; must go first |
| Driver's License / State ID | $10–$50 | 2–4 weeks | Requires updated SS card |
| US Passport (renewal) | $130–$165 | 6–8 weeks routine / 2–3 weeks expedited | Form DS-82 if current passport is less than 5 yrs old |
| Certified Divorce Decree Copies | $5–$25 each | Same day | Get 5–8 copies — you will need them |
| Voter Registration | Free | 1–2 weeks | Online in most states |
| Bank / Credit Union | Free | 1–5 business days | Each institution is separate |
Passport fee shown is for routine renewal (Form DS-82). In-person new passport (DS-11) costs $165 + $35 execution fee.
Easy Name Change — All 40+ Forms Pre-Filled
Their kit generates pre-filled forms for every agency on this checklist — Social Security, DMV, passport, banks, employer, and 40 more — based on your answers to a short questionnaire. Takes 20 minutes instead of 6+ hours.
State-Specific Rules to Know
The federal steps (SSA, passport) are the same in all 50 states. These state differences affect the DMV and court steps.
Some divorce decrees — particularly default judgments or those finalized quickly — don't include a name restoration order. In this case you must file a separate civil name change petition in your county court. Filing fees range from $150 to $400 depending on the state.
States where this is most common: Texas, Florida, and Nevada have courts that may omit the name restoration clause unless specifically requested.
Most states now issue REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses. When updating your name, bring extra documentation: birth certificate (or US passport) + Social Security card + two proofs of address. This is more documentation than was previously required — check your state DMV website before your visit.
If you hold a state-issued professional license (nursing, teaching, real estate, law, CPA, etc.), notify your state licensing board. Most require a certified decree + a small administrative fee ($20–$100). Failure to update can cause compliance issues at renewal.
Your name change does not automatically change your children's names. A child's legal name change requires a separate court petition (with both parents' consent in most states, or a court hearing if one parent objects). This is a separate legal proceeding from the divorce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a name change after divorce take?
How much does it cost to change your name after divorce?
What do I need to change my name after divorce?
Can I change my name without a lawyer after divorce?
Do I have to change my name after divorce?
What is the order to change your name after divorce?
Ready to Start Your Name Change?
Easy Name Change pre-fills every form for you — Social Security, DMV, passport, 40+ more. No hunting for the right forms. No re-reading the same government pages over and over.