Rhode Island Divorce Name Change Checklist

Rhode Island allows you to change your name as part of your divorce decree under Rhode Island General Laws § 15-5-17 without filing a separate court petition. Request the name change in your marital settlement agreement before the final decree is entered. Once your divorce is final, obtain certified copies of the decree ($25 each from the Judicial Records Center), update your Social Security card first, then proceed to the DMV and other agencies.

No separate court order is required if your Rhode Island divorce decree includes authorization for your name change under § 15-5-17. The divorce decree itself serves as the legal document authorizing your name change to your maiden or former name. If your decree did not include a name change provision, you may petition the probate court using Form PC-8.1, though as of June 2024, newspaper publication is no longer required.

You need a certified copy of your final divorce decree showing the name change authorization ($25 from the Judicial Records Center), your certified birth certificate, a current government-issued photo ID, and Social Security Form SS-5. For the Rhode Island DMV, bring your updated Social Security card and current driver's license. Professional licenses require the divorce decree submitted to the licensing board.

Rhode Island divorce name change costs typically total $80-$200 when included in your divorce decree. Certified divorce decree copies cost $25 each from the Judicial Records Center. The Social Security card update is free. The Rhode Island DMV charges $27.50 for a new driver's license plus a $1.55 card processing fee. Passport renewal ranges from $130-$205. If filing a separate probate petition, expect fees under $100.

A complete name change after Rhode Island divorce takes approximately 4-8 weeks. Social Security card processing requires 2-4 weeks after submitting Form SS-5 and your divorce decree. Wait 24-48 hours after SSA processing before visiting the DMV for your updated license. Passport updates take 6-8 weeks for standard processing or 2-3 weeks expedited. Professional license updates through the Rhode Island Department of Health typically process within 2-4 weeks.

No, changing your name after divorce in Rhode Island is entirely optional. Under Rhode Island General Laws § 15-5-17, women granted a divorce 'shall, upon request' be authorized to change their name—meaning you must actively request it. You may keep your married name indefinitely, or change your name at any later date through probate court using Form PC-8.1. The decision has no effect on parental rights or property matters.

Changing a child's name in Rhode Island requires filing a separate petition in Family Court and obtaining consent from both parents. Unlike an adult's divorce-related name change, a child's name change cannot be included in the divorce decree. If one parent does not consent, the court will hold a hearing to consider the child's best interests. Rhode Island judges may also consider the wishes of children old enough to express a preference.

Update your Social Security card first—this is mandatory before other Rhode Island agencies will accept your name change. Obtain certified copies of your divorce decree ($25 each) from the Judicial Records Center, then visit an SSA office with your decree, birth certificate, and photo ID to complete Form SS-5. Wait 24-48 hours for SSA systems to update before visiting the Rhode Island DMV to change your driver's license.