Indiana Divorce Name Change Checklist

Request your maiden or previous married name restoration directly in your dissolution petition under Indiana Code § 31-15-2-18—the court grants it automatically when entering your final decree at no additional cost. After receiving your certified divorce decree, update Social Security first (free, Form SS-5), then the Indiana BMV ($9), followed by banks, employers, and professional licenses. This divorce-decree method is significantly faster and cheaper than filing a separate name change petition.

No separate court order is required if you included the name change request in your original dissolution petition—your final divorce decree serves as the legal authority for your name change under IC § 31-15-2-18. However, if you did not request the name change during divorce proceedings, you must file a separate petition under IC 34-28-2 in circuit court, which requires newspaper publication for three consecutive weeks and costs approximately $152 or more in filing fees.

You need 3-5 certified copies of your divorce decree showing both your married and restored name, your current photo ID (driver's license or passport), Social Security card, and proof of Indiana residence such as a utility bill or bank statement. The Indiana BMV specifically requires original or certified documents—photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted. Certified divorce decree copies cost $1 per page plus $3-4 certification fee from your county clerk.

If included in your divorce decree, the name change itself costs nothing extra. Budget approximately $50-75 for the full update process: certified divorce decree copies ($4-10 each, get 3-5 copies), Indiana BMV license amendment ($9), and optional expedited passport renewal ($130 standard or $190 expedited). The Social Security update is free. If you missed requesting the change during divorce, a separate court petition costs $152+ plus newspaper publication fees of $50-150.

The complete name change process typically takes 4-8 weeks when done systematically. Social Security processes name changes in 5-10 business days after submitting Form SS-5. The Indiana BMV updates your license the same day during your in-person visit, which must occur within 30 days of your name change. Standard passport processing takes 4-8 weeks, or 2-3 weeks with $60 expedited service. Professional licenses through Indiana PLA update within 2-4 weeks.

No, Indiana does not require you to change your name after divorce—it is entirely optional. Even if your divorce decree restores your maiden name, you are not legally obligated to update your documents or use that name. Many people choose to keep their married name for professional continuity, to match their children's surname, or simply for convenience. The decision is personal and has no legal deadline.

Changing a child's name in Indiana requires a separate petition under IC 34-28-2, not the divorce decree. Both parents must consent, and if the non-custodial parent objects while paying support and fulfilling parental duties under IC 31-15, IC 31-16, or IC 31-17, there is a statutory presumption against the name change. The court decides based on the child's best interest under IC 31-17-2-8, requiring newspaper publication and a 30-day waiting period after service on both parents.

Update your Social Security record first—this is mandatory because the Indiana BMV verifies your name against SSA records and requires you to wait at least one business day after your SSA update before visiting a branch. Complete Form SS-5 with your certified divorce decree at your local Social Security office or by mail (free). Once SSA confirms your new name, proceed to the Indiana BMV within 30 days, then update banks, employers, and professional licenses.