Hawaii offers two legal pathways for a name change after divorce: requesting restoration directly in your divorce decree under HRS § 574-5, or filing a separate petition through the Lieutenant Governor's Office for $56. The simplest and most cost-effective method is including the name restoration request in your original divorce filing, which adds no extra fees to the standard $215 divorce filing cost. This guide covers both methods, required documents, government agency updates, and timelines for completing a name change after divorce in Hawaii in 2026.
Key Facts: Name Change After Divorce in Hawaii
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Statute | HRS § 574-5 |
| Divorce Filing Fee (no children) | $215 |
| Divorce Filing Fee (with children) | $265 |
| Additional Fee for Name Change in Decree | $0 |
| Standalone Name Change Filing Fee | $56 (online via Lt. Governor) |
| Bureau of Conveyances Recording Fee | $41 |
| Newspaper Publication Requirement | Required for standalone petitions only |
| Processing Time (standalone) | 8 to 12 weeks |
| SSA Card Replacement Fee | $0 (free) |
| Hawaii Driver's License Update Fee | $6 to $10 |
How Does Name Change After Divorce Work in Hawaii?
Hawaii law permits either spouse to restore their prior name as part of the divorce decree at no additional cost under HRS § 574-5. The family court of each circuit holds jurisdiction over divorce proceedings under HRS § 580-1, including the authority to grant name restorations. When the name change is included in the divorce decree, no separate hearing, publication, or petition is required. The certified divorce decree itself serves as the legal proof of name change for all government agencies, financial institutions, and other entities.
Hawaii residents who finalize a divorce without requesting a name restoration still have options. They may file a standalone name change petition through the Lieutenant Governor's Office at namechange.ehawaii.gov for a total cost of $56 online, plus a $41 Bureau of Conveyances recording fee and newspaper publication costs. The standalone process takes 8 to 12 weeks and requires a certified birth certificate issued within 90 days of submission, a notarized petition submitted within 30 days of notarization, and publication in a newspaper of general circulation within 60 calendar days of approval.
What Are the Two Methods for Name Change After Divorce in Hawaii?
Hawaii provides two distinct legal methods for changing your name after divorce: inclusion in the divorce decree (Method 1) or a standalone petition through the Lieutenant Governor's Office (Method 2). Method 1 costs $0 in additional fees and takes effect immediately upon divorce finalization. Method 2 costs approximately $97 or more in combined fees and takes 8 to 12 weeks to process.
| Feature | Method 1: Divorce Decree | Method 2: Standalone Petition |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Authority | HRS § 574-5 | HRS § 574-5 via Lt. Governor |
| Additional Filing Fee | $0 | $56 (online) |
| Bureau of Conveyances Fee | Not required | $41 |
| Newspaper Publication | Not required | Required within 60 days |
| Notarized Petition | Not required | Required (Hawaii-commissioned notary) |
| Certified Birth Certificate | Not required | Required (issued within 90 days) |
| Processing Time | Immediate (with decree) | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Separate Court Hearing | No | No (administrative process) |
| Available After Decree Finalized | Must request during divorce | Yes |
Method 1 is the preferred approach for anyone currently going through a Hawaii divorce. Under HRS § 574-5, either party may request to resume the middle name and last name used prior to the marriage or civil union. The court includes this restoration directly in the divorce decree without requiring a separate motion or hearing.
How Do You Request a Name Change in Your Hawaii Divorce Decree?
To restore your maiden name through a Hawaii divorce decree, you must include the request in your Complaint for Divorce filed with the family court under HRS § 574-5. The divorce filing fee is $215 without minor children or $265 with minor children (which includes a $50 Kids First parent education surcharge). No additional fee applies for the name restoration request. These fee amounts have been in effect since June 17, 2022, per the Hawaii Judiciary's published fee schedule.
The step-by-step process for requesting a name change after divorce in Hawaii through your divorce decree involves the following:
- Obtain divorce forms from the Hawaii State Judiciary website at courts.state.hi.us or from your circuit's family court clerk
- Complete the Complaint for Divorce, checking the section that requests name restoration
- Specify the exact name you wish to resume (maiden name or name from a prior marriage or civil union)
- File the complaint with the family court in your circuit and pay the $215 or $265 filing fee
- The judge includes the name change order directly in the final divorce decree
- Obtain at least 3 to 5 certified copies of the divorce decree (each copy costs approximately $10 to $15) for use with government agencies
Hawaii family courts are located in four circuits: the First Circuit (Oahu), Second Circuit (Maui, Molokai, Lanai), Third Circuit (Hawaii Island), and Fifth Circuit (Kauai and Niihau). Fee waivers are available through an In Forma Pauperis petition for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship.
How Do You File a Standalone Name Change Petition in Hawaii?
A standalone name change petition in Hawaii is filed through the Lieutenant Governor's Office, not through the courts, at a total cost of approximately $97 or more under HRS § 574-5. This method applies when a divorced person did not request a name restoration in the original divorce decree. The petition can be submitted online at namechange.ehawaii.gov or by mail to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
The standalone petition requires the following documents and fees:
- Completed and notarized petition form (Form F, available at ltgov.hawaii.gov)
- Certified birth certificate issued within 90 days of submission
- Filing fee of $50 plus $1 archive fee plus $5 online service fee (total $56 online)
- Notarization by a notary public commissioned in the State of Hawaii
- Petition must be submitted within 30 days of notarization
- Photo identification (current valid ID)
After the Lieutenant Governor approves the name change order, the petitioner must complete two additional steps within strict deadlines. First, publish the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation within 60 calendar days of the Lieutenant Governor signing the order. Failure to publish within this window automatically voids the petition under Hawaii law. Second, file the approved order with the Bureau of Conveyances at a cost of $41 (a fee in effect since February 27, 2017). Newspaper publication rates vary; contact the Honolulu Star-Advertiser at (808) 529-4747 or legals@staradvertiser.com for current pricing.
What Documents Do You Need to Update After a Divorce Name Change in Hawaii?
After obtaining a legal name change through a Hawaii divorce decree or standalone petition, you must update your name with multiple government agencies and financial institutions in a specific order. The Social Security Administration should be updated first because most other agencies require your Social Security records to match your new legal name. The SSA charges $0 for a replacement Social Security card, and the new card arrives within 5 to 10 business days.
The recommended update sequence after a name change after divorce in Hawaii is as follows:
- Social Security Administration: Submit Form SS-5 with your certified divorce decree. Visit ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. No fee. Processing time: 5 to 10 business days.
- Hawaii Driver's License: Visit your county's Motor Vehicle and Licensing Office in person with your certified divorce decree. Fee: $6 to $10 depending on county. If your license is near renewal, combine the name change with the renewal to avoid the duplicate license fee.
- U.S. Passport: Submit Form DS-5504 (if passport issued within 1 year) or Form DS-82 (if issued more than 1 year ago) with your certified divorce decree. Fee: $0 for DS-5504, or standard renewal fee for DS-82.
- Banks and Financial Institutions: Bring your certified divorce decree and updated government ID to each institution.
- Employer and Payroll: Provide HR with your updated Social Security card and new W-4 form.
- Insurance Providers: Update health, auto, life, and homeowner's policies with your certified divorce decree.
- Voter Registration: Update online at olvr.hawaii.gov or at your county clerk's office at no cost.
Hawaii has four county DMV offices. Oahu residents visit the Honolulu Department of Customer Services. Maui County, Hawaii County, and Kauai each operate separate Motor Vehicle and Licensing divisions. All county offices require in-person visits for name changes on driver's licenses.
Can You Change a Child's Name During a Hawaii Divorce?
Hawaii family courts may order a minor child's name change during divorce proceedings if the court determines the change serves the child's best interest under HRS § 574-5. Either parent may request the child's name change as part of the divorce action. The court evaluates the child's best interest based on factors including the child's relationship with both parents, the child's established identity, and any potential confusion or stigma.
For standalone child name change petitions filed through the Lieutenant Governor's Office, additional requirements apply. The non-petitioning parent must sign a notarized consent form. If the minor child is 10 years of age or older, the child must also sign the consent form. The same fees apply: $56 online filing plus $41 Bureau of Conveyances recording fee, plus newspaper publication costs. If the non-petitioning parent refuses to consent, the petitioning parent must pursue the name change through family court rather than the Lieutenant Governor's administrative process.
What Happens If You Miss the 60-Day Publication Deadline in Hawaii?
If a petitioner fails to publish the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation within 60 calendar days of the Lieutenant Governor signing the order, the name change petition is automatically voided under Hawaii law. The petitioner must restart the entire process, including submitting a new petition, obtaining a new certified birth certificate (issued within 90 days), paying the $56 filing fee again, and completing new notarization. Hawaii strictly enforces this 60-day deadline with no extensions or exceptions.
This publication requirement applies only to standalone name change petitions filed through the Lieutenant Governor's Office. Name changes included in a Hawaii divorce decree under HRS § 574-5 do not require newspaper publication, which is one of the primary advantages of requesting the name restoration during divorce proceedings rather than afterward. The divorce decree itself serves as the complete legal record of the name change.
How Much Does a Name Change After Divorce Cost in Hawaii?
The total cost for a name change after divorce in Hawaii ranges from $0 (when included in the divorce decree) to approximately $150 or more (for a standalone petition with publication). The divorce decree method adds zero additional cost beyond the standard $215 or $265 divorce filing fee. The standalone method through the Lieutenant Governor's Office requires multiple separate payments totaling $97 or more before newspaper publication costs.
| Cost Component | Divorce Decree Method | Standalone Petition |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $0 additional | $50 |
| Archive Fee | $0 | $1 |
| Online Service Fee | $0 | $5 |
| Bureau of Conveyances | $0 | $41 |
| Newspaper Publication | $0 | Varies (contact newspaper) |
| Certified Birth Certificate | $0 | $10 to $12.50 |
| Notarization | $0 | Varies ($5 to $15 typical) |
| Certified Divorce Decree Copies | $10 to $15 each | Not applicable |
| Total Minimum | $0 extra | ~$112 to $150+ |
As of March 2026, these fees reflect the Hawaii Judiciary fee schedule effective June 17, 2022, and the Lieutenant Governor's Office published rates. Verify current fees with your local clerk or at namechange.ehawaii.gov before filing.
How Long Does a Name Change After Divorce Take in Hawaii?
A name change included in a Hawaii divorce decree takes effect immediately upon the court's entry of the final decree, with no additional processing time. A standalone name change petition filed through the Lieutenant Governor's Office takes 8 to 12 weeks from submission to approval. After approval, the petitioner has 60 calendar days to publish the notice and file with the Bureau of Conveyances.
The total timeline for updating all government records after obtaining the legal name change typically spans 4 to 8 weeks. Social Security card replacement takes 5 to 10 business days. Hawaii driver's license updates are completed during the in-person DMV visit. U.S. passport processing ranges from 6 to 8 weeks for routine service or 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service (additional fee applies). Financial institution updates generally take 1 to 5 business days each.
Are There Any Recent Changes to Hawaii Name Change Law (2024-2026)?
No substantive changes to Hawaii's personal name change statutes have been enacted in 2024, 2025, or 2026. The statutory framework under HRS § 574-5 remains unchanged, and the online name change system at namechange.ehawaii.gov continues to operate under the same procedural rules. Filing fees have remained at the same levels since the court fee schedule took effect on June 17, 2022. The Bureau of Conveyances recording fee of $41 has been in place since February 27, 2017.
Hawaii residents planning a name change after divorce in 2026 can rely on the same procedures, forms, and fee structures that have been in place since 2022. The Lieutenant Governor's Office accepts online submissions, and all four circuit family courts continue to process name restoration requests within divorce decrees under the same statutory authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name back to my maiden name after my Hawaii divorce is already final?
Yes, you can change your name after a finalized Hawaii divorce by filing a standalone petition with the Lieutenant Governor's Office under HRS § 574-5. The process costs $56 online plus $41 for Bureau of Conveyances recording and newspaper publication fees. Processing takes 8 to 12 weeks.
Is a name change after divorce in Hawaii automatic?
No, a name change after divorce in Hawaii is not automatic. You must specifically request the name restoration either in your Complaint for Divorce or through a separate petition with the Lieutenant Governor's Office. The court will not restore your former name unless you affirmatively request it under HRS § 574-5.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name after divorce in Hawaii?
No, you do not need a lawyer to change your name after divorce in Hawaii. Both the divorce decree method and the standalone Lieutenant Governor petition are designed for self-represented individuals. The online system at namechange.ehawaii.gov provides forms and instructions. However, consulting an attorney may help if complications arise.
Can my ex-spouse prevent me from changing my name after divorce in Hawaii?
No, your ex-spouse cannot prevent you from restoring your prior name after divorce in Hawaii. Under HRS § 574-5, either party has the right to resume the name used before the marriage or civil union. The court routinely grants name restoration requests, and no spousal consent is required for your own name change.
What name can I restore after a Hawaii divorce?
Under HRS § 574-5, you may resume the middle name and last name you used prior to the marriage or civil union, or a name used during any prior marriage or civil union. You cannot choose an entirely new name through the divorce decree method; for a completely new name, you must file a standalone petition.
How many certified copies of my Hawaii divorce decree should I order for a name change?
Order at least 3 to 5 certified copies of your Hawaii divorce decree for name change purposes. The Social Security Administration, DMV, passport office, banks, and employers each may require an original certified copy. Certified copies cost approximately $10 to $15 each from the family court clerk's office.
Does Social Security charge a fee to update my name after divorce?
No, the Social Security Administration charges $0 to update your name and issue a replacement Social Security card after divorce. Submit Form SS-5 with your certified divorce decree showing the name change. The replacement card arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 for appointments.
Can I change my child's last name during a Hawaii divorce?
Yes, Hawaii family courts may order a minor child's name change during divorce proceedings under HRS § 574-5 if the change serves the child's best interest. Either parent may request the change. For children aged 10 or older, the child must also sign a consent form for standalone petitions filed through the Lieutenant Governor's Office.
What happens if I move to another state after my Hawaii divorce — is my name change still valid?
Yes, a name change ordered in a Hawaii divorce decree is legally valid nationwide. Under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution, all states must recognize judicial orders from other states. Your certified Hawaii divorce decree serves as legal proof of your name change in any state.
Do I need to update my Hawaii voter registration after a divorce name change?
Yes, you should update your Hawaii voter registration after changing your name. You can update online at olvr.hawaii.gov or at your county clerk's office at no cost. Hawaii does not charge a fee for voter registration updates. Update your registration before the next election deadline to avoid delays at the polling place.