How to Change One's Name After a Divorce

Not all marriages last; change your name after your divorce.

No one gets married thinking that the marriage will end; most believe their vows are forever. Unfortunately, that is not the case in many instances; divorce is a common occurrence. If you changed your name after your marriage and want to change it back to your maiden name after your divorce, you can easily do so. The post-divorce name change checklist is nearly identical to the marriage name change checklist.

Instructions

1. Ask the judge presiding over your divorce hearing to include a name change order in your divorce decree stating that you are changing your name back to your former name. If your divorce decree was already issued, you can ask the clerk of courts to amend the decree to include this information. This process is different in each state.

2. Complete form SS-5, the application for a new social security card found at your local social security office or the website of the Social Security Administration (socialsecurity.gov). Provide your current name, the name you want shown on your social security card, your address, birth date, place of birth, sex, race and ethnicity, and the names and social security numbers of the parents listed on your birth record, then sign the form. Mail or deliver it to your local social security office along with a copy of your birth certificate, a certified copy of your divorce decree and a copy of your photo identification. You will receive your new card after your application is processed. The SSA also notifies the Internal Revenue Service of all name changes.

3. Obtain a new driver's license at your local DMV. Bring a copy of your divorce decree with you to apply for a new license. Pay the fee for a new license and take a new photo. Ask to have your voter's registration and vehicle registration changed to show your new name.

4. Contact all of your financial institutions. Your bank, employer, credit card companies, mortgage and car loan companies, and utility companies all require notification of your name change. Each company's policy on name changes is different and you could be asked to provide documentation such as your divorce decree or driver's license to prove your name change.

5. Notify any company with which you have subscriptions or memberships, such as magazines and airline frequent flyer mileage programs.

References

• Lawyers: Name Change after Divorce