Arkansas Divorce Name Change Checklist

In Arkansas, you change your name after divorce using your certified divorce decree as legal proof—if the name change was included in your divorce filing. Under Arkansas Code § 9-2-101, the divorce court has authority to restore your maiden name, former married name, or other previously held name. Start by updating your Social Security card (free), then visit an Arkansas DFA Revenue Office in person with your decree to update your driver's license ($10).

No separate court order is required if your Arkansas divorce decree includes the name change provision. Arkansas law specifically allows the divorce court to restore a wife's previous name as part of the final decree. However, if you did not request name restoration during your divorce, you must file a separate Petition for Change of Name in Arkansas Circuit Court with a $165 filing fee and appear at a hearing.

You need a certified copy of your Arkansas divorce decree showing the name change provision—available from the Arkansas Department of Health Division of Vital Records for $10 per copy. For the DFA, bring your current driver's license, certified divorce decree, and proof of legal presence. The Social Security Administration requires your divorce decree plus proof of identity such as a U.S. passport or state ID.

If your Arkansas divorce decree includes the name change, essential costs total approximately $30-$75: certified divorce decree copies ($10 each), Social Security card (free), driver's license replacement ($10), and ID card ($5). If you need a separate court petition because the name change wasn't in your decree, add the $165 Circuit Court filing fee plus potential notary and attorney costs.

With a divorce decree-based name change in Arkansas, the process typically takes 4-8 weeks to complete essential documents. Social Security processes requests in 2-4 weeks, and the Arkansas DFA issues replacement licenses within 3-5 business days after your in-person visit. If you require a separate court petition, add 4-8 weeks for court processing and hearing scheduling.

No, changing your name after divorce in Arkansas is entirely optional. Even if your divorce decree includes a name restoration provision, you are not legally required to use it. Many people choose to keep their married name for professional continuity, because their children share that name, or simply for personal preference. The choice is yours, and there is no deadline to decide.

Changing a child's last name in Arkansas requires both parents' consent or a court order—it cannot be done through the divorce decree alone. You must file a Petition for Change of Name in Circuit Court with a $165 filing fee. The non-consenting parent must be served with the petition, and the court will determine if the change serves the child's best interests. Changing a child's name does not affect child support obligations.

Always update your Social Security card first—this is required before any other name changes in Arkansas. The Arkansas DFA verifies your identity through Social Security records before processing your driver's license, so updating Social Security first prevents delays. Visit ssa.gov or a local Social Security office with your certified divorce decree. The new card is free and arrives within 2-4 weeks.