Wyoming offers two legal paths for a name change after divorce: requesting restoration directly in your divorce decree at no additional cost, or filing a separate petition under Wyo. Stat. § 1-25-101 for approximately $420 or more. Including the name change in your divorce decree is the fastest, most affordable method, requiring no separate filing fee and no newspaper publication. If you missed that window, a standalone petition requires a $120 filing fee, 4 weeks of newspaper publication costing $300 or more, and 6 months of Wyoming residency. Either way, once you have your court order, you must update your Social Security card first, then your Wyoming driver's license within 10 days.
Key Facts: Name Change After Divorce in Wyoming
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name Change via Divorce Decree | $0 additional cost; included in decree |
| Standalone Name Change Filing Fee | $120 (most counties); $170 (Natrona County) |
| Newspaper Publication Cost | $300+ (4 consecutive weeks required) |
| Total Standalone Petition Cost | $420+ |
| Divorce Residency Requirement | 60 days (Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-107) |
| Name Change Residency Requirement | 6 months (standalone petition only) |
| Divorce Waiting Period | 20 days (Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-108) |
| WYDOT License Update Deadline | Within 10 days of name change |
| SSA New Card Timeline | 2-4 weeks |
| Publication Notice Period | 4 consecutive weeks |
| Grounds for Divorce | No-fault (irreconcilable differences) |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114) |
As of March 2026. Verify current fees with your local district court clerk.
Two Legal Paths for a Name Change After Divorce in Wyoming
Wyoming provides two distinct methods for restoring your maiden or former name after divorce: including the request in your divorce decree (Path 1) or filing a separate name change petition (Path 2). Path 1 costs $0 in additional fees and requires no newspaper publication, while Path 2 costs $420 or more and takes at least 4 weeks for mandatory publication. Approximately 90% of post-divorce name changes in Wyoming use the divorce decree method because of its simplicity and zero additional cost.
Path 1 works through the court's general equitable powers during divorce proceedings. When you file your divorce petition or draft your marital settlement agreement, you include a request that the court restore your prior name. The judge then incorporates the name restoration into the final Decree of Divorce, which serves as your legal proof of name change for all government agencies and financial institutions.
Path 2 follows Wyo. Stat. § 1-25-101, which requires filing a verified petition in the district court of the county where you reside. You must have been a bona fide Wyoming resident for at least 6 months before filing. The petition must state your full current name, desired name, reason for the change, place of birth, place of residence, and length of residency. After filing, you must publish notice once per week for 4 consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in your county under Wyo. Stat. § 1-25-103.
How to Include a Name Change in Your Wyoming Divorce Decree
The most cost-effective method for a name change after divorce in Wyoming is requesting restoration of your maiden or former name directly in your divorce petition, which adds $0 to your divorce costs and eliminates the 4-week publication requirement entirely. Wyoming district courts routinely grant name restoration requests when included in divorce proceedings, and the resulting decree serves as a legally binding name change order recognized by all federal and state agencies.
To use this method, follow these steps:
- Include a name restoration request in your original divorce petition or counterclaim
- Specify your exact desired name (maiden name or any former legal name)
- Include the request in your marital settlement agreement if you reach one
- Confirm the judge includes the name restoration language in the final Decree of Divorce
- Obtain at least 3 certified copies of the decree from the district court clerk ($5-$10 per copy)
The Decree of Divorce must explicitly state that your name is restored to your specified former name. Generic divorce decrees without this language will not be accepted by the Social Security Administration or Wyoming Department of Transportation. If your decree was already entered without name restoration language, you cannot amend it after the fact and must use Path 2 instead.
Filing a Separate Name Change Petition in Wyoming
Filing a standalone name change petition under Wyo. Stat. § 1-25-101 costs approximately $420 or more in most Wyoming counties, including a $120 filing fee and $300 or more in newspaper publication costs, and requires a minimum of 6 months of Wyoming residency. This path is necessary only when the name change was not included in the original divorce decree. The Wyoming Judicial Branch provides free forms and instructions at wyocourts.gov.
The step-by-step process for a standalone petition:
- Download the Adult Name Change Packet from the Wyoming Judicial Branch website (Form NCA-06)
- Complete the Verified Petition for Name Change with your current legal name, desired name, reason (divorce), birthplace, current address, and length of residency
- File the petition with the district court clerk in your county of residence and pay the $120 filing fee ($170 in Natrona County)
- Arrange publication of the name change notice once per week for 4 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in your county, costing $300 or more
- Obtain the Affidavit of Publication from the newspaper after the final publication
- File the Affidavit of Publication with the court
- Attend a hearing if required by the judge (some courts grant name changes without a hearing)
- Receive the signed Order Granting Name Change
Domestic violence survivors may request confidentiality and exemption from the publication requirement under Wyoming law. Contact your local district court or a domestic violence advocate for guidance on filing a sealed petition.
Cost Comparison: Divorce Decree vs. Separate Petition
| Cost Category | Via Divorce Decree | Via Separate Petition |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $0 additional | $120 (most counties) |
| Newspaper Publication | Not required | $300+ (4 weeks) |
| Certified Copies of Order | $5-$10 each (need 3+) | $5-$10 each (need 3+) |
| SSA Card Replacement | $0 | $0 |
| Wyoming License Replacement | Standard renewal fee | Standard renewal fee |
| Total Estimated Cost | $15-$30 | $435-$500+ |
| Timeline to Court Order | Included in divorce finalization | 5-8 weeks after filing |
| Residency Requirement | 60 days (divorce requirement) | 6 months |
As of March 2026. Verify with your local clerk.
The cost difference between these two methods is significant. Including the name change in your divorce decree saves approximately $400-$470 compared to filing a separate petition. The time savings are equally substantial: the divorce decree method adds zero additional weeks, while the standalone petition requires at least 5-8 weeks for publication and court processing.
Updating Your Social Security Card After a Wyoming Divorce Name Change
The Social Security Administration processes post-divorce name changes at no cost, typically mailing a new card within 2-4 weeks of application, and this step must be completed before updating your Wyoming driver's license or any other identification. The SSA requires original or certified documents only and does not accept photocopies or notarized copies. Approximately 4.8 million Americans change their name with the SSA each year, and divorce-related changes represent a significant portion.
Required documents for the SSA:
- Completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card), available at ssa.gov or any local office
- Certified copy of your divorce decree showing the name change, or your court-ordered Name Change Order
- Current valid photo identification (Wyoming driver's license, U.S. passport, or state-issued ID)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status if not already on file with the SSA
You can submit your application in person at any Social Security office (appointment recommended) or begin the process online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Wyoming has SSA offices in Casper, Cheyenne, and Riverton. Processing takes 2-4 weeks from submission, and your new card will be mailed to your address on file. Your Social Security number remains the same; only the name associated with it changes.
Updating Your Wyoming Driver's License
Wyoming law requires you to notify the Department of Transportation (WYDOT) within 10 days of your legal name change, and you must update your Social Security record before visiting a WYDOT Driver Exam Office. A new Wyoming driver's license is valid for 5 years from the date of issue, and you must surrender your current license at the time of the update. WYDOT does not process name changes by mail or online; all name changes must be completed in person.
Required documents for WYDOT:
- Your current Wyoming driver's license (must be surrendered)
- Certified copy of your divorce decree or court order showing the name change
- Updated Social Security card reflecting your new name (or SSA confirmation letter)
- Documentation for every name change in your history if you have had multiple prior name changes
WYDOT Driver Exam Offices are located throughout Wyoming, with offices in Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Evanston, Gillette, Green River, Jackson, Lander, Laramie, Newcastle, Powell, Rawlins, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan, Thermopolis, Torrington, and Wheatland. Your temporary license is issued at the office, and your permanent card arrives by mail in approximately 4 weeks.
Complete Name Change Checklist: Every Agency and Institution
After obtaining your court order and updating your Social Security card and Wyoming driver's license, you must notify approximately 10-20 additional agencies and institutions to complete your name change after divorce in Wyoming. Failing to update all records can cause problems with tax filings, insurance claims, property transactions, and employment verification. The IRS requires that your tax return name matches your Social Security record exactly.
Government agencies to update:
- U.S. Passport: Submit Form DS-5504 (if passport is less than 1 year old) or DS-82 (renewal) with certified divorce decree; fee is $0 for DS-5504 or $130 for DS-82
- Voter registration: Update through the Laramie County Clerk or your county clerk's office, or online at sos.wyo.gov
- IRS records: Your name updates automatically when the SSA processes your change; file your next tax return under your new name
- U.S. Postal Service: File a change of name form at your local post office (free)
Financial institutions to update:
- Bank accounts and credit cards: Visit your branch with certified decree and new ID
- Investment and retirement accounts (401k, IRA, brokerage)
- Mortgage company or landlord
- Insurance policies (health, auto, home, life): Update beneficiary designations as well
- Student loan servicers
Other important updates:
- Employer and HR department (W-4, payroll, benefits)
- Professional licenses and certifications
- Utility companies (electric, gas, water, internet)
- Vehicle titles and registration through your county clerk's office
- Property deeds: File an updated deed with the county recorder
- School and medical records for yourself and your children
- Email accounts and online subscriptions
Wyoming Divorce Requirements and Property Division Context
Wyoming requires a minimum 60-day residency period before filing for divorce under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-107, making it one of the shortest residency requirements in the United States compared to the national average of 6 months. Wyoming recognizes no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences, and the court imposes a 20-day waiting period under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-108 between filing and finalization. Wyoming is an equitable distribution state under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114, meaning property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50.
Wyoming uses an all-property approach to division, which is unusual among equitable distribution states. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114, courts can divide any property owned by either spouse, including premarital assets, inheritions, and gifts. The court considers several factors: the respective merits of the parties, the condition each will be left in after the divorce, the party through whom property was acquired, and the burdens imposed on property for the benefit of either party and the children.
A significant 2025 legislative change affects Wyoming families: SF0117 established a rebuttable presumption of shared custody with substantially equal parenting time, effective July 1, 2025. Exceptions include domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, parties living more than 300 miles apart, or clear and convincing evidence that a different arrangement serves the child's best interest.
Special Circumstances for Wyoming Name Changes
Domestic violence survivors in Wyoming can request exemption from the newspaper publication requirement when filing a standalone name change petition, protecting their new identity and location from an abusive former spouse. Wyoming courts have discretion to seal name change records and waive publication when the petitioner demonstrates a safety concern. Contact the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence at (307) 755-5481 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for assistance.
Fee waivers are available for Wyoming residents who cannot afford the $120 filing fee for a standalone name change petition. To request a fee waiver, file an Affidavit of Indigency with the district court demonstrating your inability to pay. The court considers your income, assets, expenses, and household size. If granted, the fee waiver covers the court filing fee but typically does not cover newspaper publication costs.
If you have changed your name multiple times through previous marriages or legal proceedings, Wyoming requires documentation of every name change in your chain when updating your driver's license. Gather all prior marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and court orders before visiting WYDOT to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name to something other than my maiden name in a Wyoming divorce?
Wyoming courts generally restrict divorce decree name restorations to a former legal name, such as your maiden name or a name from a prior marriage. If you want an entirely new name that you have never legally held, you must file a separate petition under Wyo. Stat. § 1-25-101 at a cost of approximately $420 or more, including the $120 filing fee and $300 or more in publication costs.
How long does a name change after divorce take in Wyoming?
A name change included in a Wyoming divorce decree takes effect immediately upon entry of the decree, with no additional processing time beyond the 20-day mandatory waiting period under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-108. A standalone name change petition takes 5-8 weeks from filing due to the 4-week publication requirement under Wyo. Stat. § 1-25-103 plus court scheduling.
Do I need my ex-spouse's permission to change my name after divorce in Wyoming?
No. Wyoming does not require your former spouse's consent or approval for a post-divorce name change. Whether you include the name restoration in your divorce decree or file a separate petition under Wyo. Stat. § 1-25-101, the decision is entirely yours. The court will grant the change if it determines the request is proper and not detrimental to another person's interests.
What if my divorce decree does not include a name change?
If your Wyoming divorce decree was finalized without a name restoration provision, you cannot retroactively amend the decree to add one. You must file a separate name change petition under Wyo. Stat. § 1-25-101 in the district court of your county of residence, which costs approximately $420 or more and requires 6 months of Wyoming residency and 4 weeks of newspaper publication.
How much does a name change after divorce cost in Wyoming?
A name change included in a Wyoming divorce decree costs $0 in additional fees beyond the standard divorce filing costs. A standalone name change petition costs approximately $420 or more: $120 in filing fees in most counties ($170 in Natrona County) plus $300 or more in mandatory newspaper publication costs. Certified copies of the order cost $5-$10 each, and you should obtain at least 3 copies.
Do I have to publish my name change in the newspaper?
Publication is required only for standalone name change petitions filed under Wyo. Stat. § 1-25-103, which mandates publication once per week for 4 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in your county. Name changes included in a divorce decree do not require newspaper publication. Domestic violence survivors may petition the court to waive the publication requirement for safety reasons.
What documents do I need to change my name with the Social Security Administration?
The SSA requires three documents for a post-divorce name change: a completed Form SS-5, a certified copy of your divorce decree or court order showing the name change (original or certified only, no photocopies), and a current valid photo ID such as your Wyoming driver's license or U.S. passport. The replacement Social Security card is free and arrives in 2-4 weeks. You must complete this step before updating your Wyoming driver's license.
Can I change my children's last name during a Wyoming divorce?
Changing a child's surname in Wyoming requires a separate legal proceeding and the consent of both parents, or a court finding that the change serves the child's best interest. A child's name change cannot be included in the divorce decree the same way an adult's name restoration can. The filing fee for a minor's name change petition is the same $120 in most counties, plus publication costs of $300 or more under Wyo. Stat. § 1-25-103.
How do I update my Wyoming vehicle title after a name change?
After changing your name following a divorce in Wyoming, update your vehicle title by visiting your county clerk's office with a certified copy of your divorce decree or name change order and your current vehicle title. The county clerk will process the title transfer to reflect your new legal name. Title transfer fees vary by county but typically range from $5-$15. You should also update your vehicle registration at the same time.
Is there a deadline to change my name after divorce in Wyoming?
Wyoming imposes no deadline for requesting a name change after divorce. You can file a standalone name change petition under Wyo. Stat. § 1-25-101 at any time, whether your divorce was finalized 1 month or 20 years ago. However, the longer you wait, the more accounts and records accumulate under your married name, making the update process more time-consuming. The 10-day deadline under Wyoming law applies only to updating your driver's license after the court order is entered.