Connecticut Divorce Name Change Checklist

Request name restoration in your divorce settlement agreement or file a post-judgment motion under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-63, which requires the court to restore your birth or former name. The court must rule on your motion without a hearing per P.A. 18-75. Once your divorce decree includes the name change, obtain certified copies ($25 each from Superior Court) and update your Social Security card first, then your driver's license and other documents.

No separate court petition is required if you included name restoration in your divorce decree. Under § 46b-63, the divorce decree itself serves as your legal name change document. If your original decree didn't include name restoration, you can file a motion to modify the judgment at any time—the court must grant it without a hearing. This is simpler than the standard Probate Court name change process under § 45a-99.

You need a certified copy of your divorce decree showing the name restoration ($25 from Superior Court), your current government-issued photo ID, and completed forms for each agency. For Social Security, bring Form SS-5 and your divorce decree. For Connecticut DMV, bring Form E-78, your current license, and the decree. All documents must be originals or certified copies—photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted.

Essential costs include: certified divorce decree copies at $25 each (get 3-5 copies), Connecticut driver's license update at $30 (plus up to $8 convenience fee at AAA locations), and U.S. passport update at $0-$130 depending on when your current passport was issued. Social Security card updates are free. Vehicle registration changes are free if you surrender your old registration, or $20 if you don't. Budget $85-$200 total for core document updates.

After receiving your certified divorce decree (1-3 weeks from Superior Court), the Social Security Administration processes name changes in about 14 days. Connecticut DMV requires your SSA update to process first (48 hours), then issues a temporary paper license immediately upon appointment completion. U.S. passport processing takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks expedited. Most people complete all essential updates within 4-8 weeks.

No, changing your name after divorce is entirely optional in Connecticut. Many people keep their married name for professional continuity, because their children share that name, or simply by personal preference. If you decide to restore your former name later, § 46b-63(b) allows you to file a motion to modify your divorce judgment at any time—even years after the divorce. There is no deadline to request name restoration.

Changing a child's surname requires consent from both parents in most cases, or a court order finding the change is in the child's best interests. Unlike adult name restoration, which the court must grant upon request, a child's name change is discretionary. The parent requesting the change bears the burden of proving it benefits the child. Courts consider factors similar to custody determinations, including the child's wishes if they're old enough to express them.

Update your Social Security card first—this is mandatory before other agencies will process your name change. Visit ssa.gov to complete Form SS-5 online, then bring your certified divorce decree and photo ID to your local SSA office appointment. The service is free and processing takes about 14 days. Connecticut DMV specifically will not update your license until your SSA record reflects your new name, which takes up to 48 hours after SSA processes your request.