Can I Get my
Maiden Name Back
After a Divorce?

If you do not request your name to be changed within your divorce proceeding, you can file a petition for a name change. This requires completing the necessary forms, which can be obtained from the appropriate court. The forms will typically ask for information such as your current name, the desired new name, and the reason for the name change request.

Once you have completed the forms, you will need to submit them to the appropriate court. It is important to ensure that all required documents are included and that they are filled out accurately. Any errors or missing information could potentially delay the process.

After submitting the petition, the court will review your request and schedule a hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to allow the judge to evaluate your petition and consider any objections from your ex-spouse or other concerned parties.

During the court hearing, you must appear before the Judge to present your case, where they will review your petition and consider any objections, such as potential fraud or harm to others. If approved, the Judge will issue a final decree, officially granting your name change. This document is essential for updating identification records, including your driver’s license and social security card. Once obtained, you can begin updating your name with government agencies, financial institutions, employers, and other relevant parties.

Once your divorce has been finalized, you need to let the government know that you are changing your legal name. You do that by filling out Form SS-5 and submitting it either by mail or at your nearest SSA office and paying the filing fee.

You are required to submit the following documents:

• Form SS-5
• Your original Social Security Card
• Proof of name change, either your divorce decree or court order
• Proof of citizenship, such as a valid passport or copy of your birth certificate
• Proof of your identity such as your driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card

Once you have alerted the SSA, you will receive your new Social Security card in the mail about two weeks later. They will also notify the IRS of your name change.

Your next task is to get a new driver’s license. If you visited the SSA office in person, then you will need to wait at least 24 hours before going to the DMV. Or if you submitted information to the SSA via mail, then you will need to wait until you receive your new Social Security card.

You might be able to book an appointment with your local DMV online, or you may have to show up and wait to be seen. Either way, you will need to bring the following documents with you:

• A copy of your divorce decree or court order as proof of name change
• Your new Social Security card or your old Social Security card and the receipt the SSA gave you to verify your name change
• Proof of your identity, such as your current driver’s license or ID card
• Proof of citizenship, such as your passport
• Two documents that prove your state residency, such as a bank statement, utility bill, or mortgage statement (both documents must have your full name and address on them)

Now you need to update your passport. However, if you have any existing travel plans booked in your old name, then you should wait until after your travels to update your details. If your name does not match any tickets or reservations, then you may be prevented from boarding your plan or checking into your hotel.

Updating your passport can be done via mail. If you have a valid passport that was issued less than 12 months ago, then you’ll need to file Form DS-82. Or if your passport is more than 12 months old, then you will need Form DS-5504. Alternatively, if your passport has expired for five years or more, you are applying for your first passport, you will need Form DS-11.

You will need to mail the following documents:

• The correct form
• A passport photograph
• The applicable fees

Your new passport will take 6-8 weeks to arrive.

Your new name will need to be registered with your state in order for you to vote. You can update your name easily by visiting vote.gov or by downloading a National Voter Registration Application and sending it in the mail.

Once you have a photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license, you can contact your HR department and let them know about your legal name change. They will ensure that your payroll information and any employer benefits, such as healthcare, are in your new name.

Following a divorce, you may also be looking to move address, which is why it is important to update the USPS. You can update your name online at moversguide.usps.com.

Now you will need to update all of your financial accounts, such as:

• Mortgage – You may need to call their customer service
• Credit Card – You may be able to change your name online, or you may need to call customer service
• Banks – You may need to visit a branch with your divorce decree or court order and photo ID
• Insurance – Any insurance policies you have out that are not employee-sponsored will need to be changed
• Investments – Any investments you have that are not employee-sponsored will also need to be changed

You may also choose to change any remaining accounts such as

• Email
• Monthly subscriptions
• Cell phone
• Utilities such as electric and gas
• Utilities (electric, gas, water, garbage, etc.)
• Internet
• Loyalty programs