Updated July 22, 2023
Kentucky name change forms are used to petition the court for a legal name change for an adult living in the state. To make the name change official requires a formal court order from the Circuit Court. This process is not required for name changes resulting from marriage or divorce if there are no children involved.
Name Change After Marriage
Enter the requested last name on your marriage license application. Once completed, file the application at the County Clerk’s Office for a $35 fee. After the marriage is legal, you’ll need to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the clerk in the county where the document was filed. Take the certified copy to the Social Security Administration and a Division of Driver’s License location to update your personal information.
To amend your marriage certificate to reflect a name change, contact the Office of Vital Statistics.
Name Change After Divorce
A wife may request to restore her former or maiden name upon the dissolution of her marriage.[1] However, this is only possible if the wife and husband are without children. If this is the case, you can request for the court to restore your former name as part of the divorce proceedings. Indicate your intention for the name change on your marital settlement agreement and the divorce petition.
Once a divorce has been finalized, obtain a copy of the divorce decree from the Office of Vital Statistics and use it as legal proof of your name change. If your divorce case involves children, you will need to obtain a court order through the filing of a petition, as described below.
How to Change Your Name (5 steps)
- Complete Petition for Name Change
- File Your Petition
- Attend Hearing
- Obtain Certified Copies of Court Order
- Update Accounts
1. Complete Petition for Name Change
Begin by completing the Petition for Name Change (AOC-295) on a computer. The court will not accept forms filled out by hand, so type in your information before printing the document.[1] Create two copies.
2. File Your Petition
Go to the circuit court in your county and submit both copies of your Petition for Name Change (AOC-295) to a clerk. The clerk will ask you to provide personal identification and to pay the filing fee. Contact the office before your visit to determine the current prices in your county. After filing, the clerk will give you a case number and stamp your forms. If you cannot afford the filing fee, file a Motion for Waiver of Costs and Fees.
3. Attend Hearing
4. Obtain Certified Copies of Court Order
5. Update Your Accounts
Driver’s License
You’ll need to notify the Kentucky DMV within 10 days of your name change.[3] However, before updating your driver’s license, you must contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) and request a new card. Visit the SSA website for helpful information on how you can update your social security information.
After a new social security card is requested, go to a Division of Driver Licensing location and submit the following:
- Name change document (e.g., court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree)
- Social security card showing new name
- Payment of the fee ($15)
You can also request a new driver’s license by mail using the Driver License/ID Card Renewal or Replacement (TC 94-192) form.
Voter Registration
Changing your Kentucky voter registration information can be accomplished by filling out a Voter Registration Form and mailing it to the County Clerk’s Office. Alternatively, you can update your registration information online by going to the Kentucky Voter Registration Online Portal.