Kentucky Divorce Name Change Checklist

Request maiden name restoration in your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage before your divorce is finalized, and the court will include it in your decree under KRS § 403.230(2). After receiving your certified divorce decree, update your Social Security card first (free, Form SS-5), then your Kentucky driver's license within 10 days ($15 fee). Use your decree and new Social Security card as proof for all subsequent updates to banks, employers, and professional licenses.

No separate court order is required if you included name restoration in your original divorce petition. Under KRS § 403.230(2), the divorce decree itself serves as your legal name change document. However, if you did not request name restoration during divorce proceedings, you must file a separate Petition for Name Change (Form AOC-295) with your county circuit court, paying filing fees of $50-$120 depending on the county.

You need certified copies of your divorce decree showing the name restoration order—request 3-5 copies from the circuit court clerk as each agency may require an original. For Social Security, bring your divorce decree and valid photo ID. For the Kentucky DMV, bring your divorce decree, new Social Security card, and proof of Kentucky residency. Professional licensing boards typically require certified divorce decrees uploaded through their online portals.

If name restoration is included in your divorce decree, total costs run approximately $150-$300. This includes certified divorce decree copies ($5-$15 each), Kentucky driver's license update ($15), passport update ($130 renewal or $165 new), and professional license updates ($25 for nursing board). If you missed the divorce deadline and must file a separate petition, add $50-$120 in circuit court filing fees depending on your Kentucky county.

The complete name change process typically takes 4-8 weeks after your divorce is finalized. Social Security card processing takes about 14 days once your application is submitted, though SSA appointment wait times in Kentucky average 35 days. Your Kentucky driver's license can be updated same-day at a Driver Licensing Regional Office. Professional license updates vary: the Kentucky Board of Nursing processes name changes in 7-14 business days.

No, Kentucky law does not require you to change your name after divorce. You may legally keep your married name indefinitely, and no agency can force you to revert to your maiden name. Many people keep their married name for professional continuity, to match their children's surname, or simply personal preference. If you later decide to change your name, you can file a Petition for Name Change at any time.

Changing a child's name requires a separate petition under KRS § 401.020 and both parents' consent. If both parents agree and sign the petition, the court will approve the change. If one parent objects, the court holds a hearing within 60 days and decides based on the child's best interests. Factors include the child's preference, relationship with each parent, and reasons for the requested change. A child's name cannot be changed solely through the divorce decree.

Update your Social Security card first—this is required before you can change your Kentucky driver's license or most other documents. Complete Form SS-5 and schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office by calling 800-772-1213. Bring your certified divorce decree showing name restoration and a valid photo ID. SSA does not charge for name changes, and your new card arrives within 14 days of processing. Only after receiving your new Social Security card should you visit the Kentucky DMV.