Oregon Divorce Name Change Checklist

Request name restoration in your Oregon dissolution petition or response—the court must grant it under ORS 107.105(1)(h). Your certified divorce decree then serves as your legal name change document. Begin at Social Security Administration with Form SS-5 (free), then update Oregon DMV ($30), banks, employer records, and professional licenses in sequence.

No separate court petition is required if your Oregon divorce decree includes name restoration language. Under ORS 107.105(1)(h), the court shall order a name change to a former name if requested by the affected party—the dissolution judgment itself is your court order. If you did not request restoration during divorce, you must file a separate name change petition with the circuit court and pay the $124 filing fee.

You need certified copies of your Oregon divorce decree showing the name restoration provision, signed by the judge. Order multiple certified copies from the county circuit court clerk ($5 plus per-page fees) since Social Security, DMV, banks, and employers each require originals. Also bring your current Oregon driver's license, Social Security card, and proof of address to each agency.

Oregon name change costs total $250-$450 when restoration is included in the divorce decree: certified decree copies ($5 + per-page each), Social Security update (free), Oregon DMV license ($30), vehicle title update ($101-$192), and miscellaneous fees. If you need a separate court petition because restoration was omitted from your decree, add the $124 circuit court filing fee.

Social Security processes Oregon name changes in 1-2 weeks after in-person submission with your divorce decree. Oregon DMV issues a new license same-day at most offices when you provide your updated Social Security card and certified decree. Professional licenses like nursing (OSBN) update within 2-4 weeks. Complete document updates typically take 4-8 weeks total.

No, Oregon law does not require you to change your name after divorce. You may keep your married name indefinitely if you choose—there is no deadline or legal obligation to revert to a former name. Many people retain their married name for professional continuity, to match children's surnames, or simply because they prefer it.

A child's name change in Oregon requires a separate petition and both parents' consent under Oregon law. If your child is 14-17, they must also consent. Children under 14 require court appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem. If one parent objects and you have sole legal custody, the court may still approve the change based on the child's best interests. The filing fee is $124.

Visit Social Security Administration first with your certified Oregon divorce decree showing name restoration. SSA updates are free using Form SS-5 and take 1-2 weeks to process. This step is mandatory before Oregon DMV because REAL ID requirements mean your driver's license name must match SSA records—DMV will verify your information electronically with Social Security.