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Name Change in Kentucky

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Legally changed your name in Kentucky—after marriage, divorce, or a court order? Update your driver's license, registration, and Social Security record. Here's exactly how, plus ask Sam.

Changing your name on your Kentucky license isn't automatic. After a marriage, divorce, or court-ordered name change, you'll update Social Security first, then your driver's license, vehicle title, and registration. The Kentucky steps below show exactly what to bring and in what order—then work through the list of everything else to update.

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How to Change Your Name in Kentucky

Summary: How to Change Your Name in Kentucky

When you've changed your name, you must obtain an updated driver’s license and vehicle documents showing your new name. You'll need to visit your local DMV office in person and provide proof of your name change and payment for replacement documents.

For instructions, fees, and required documents to change your name with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, continue reading this page.

Change Your Name with the SSA

Before you can change your name on your KY driver's license or ID card, you must first update your name on your Social Security card.

You'll need to submit the following documents to the Social Security Administration (SSA) either by mail or in person:

Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
Proof of your:
- Identity (e.g. ID card, driver's license, birth certificate).
- U.S. citizenship or lawful U.S. presence (e.g. citizenship certificate, U.S. passport, work visa and I-94).
  AND
- Name change (e.g. divorce decree, court order, marriage certificate).

The SSA will process your application and send you an updated Social Security card within about 14 business days. Your Social Security number (SSN) will remain the same; only your name will be updated.

For a complete list of required documents for a corrected card, visit the SSA website.

To find your local office, visit the SSA website.

Driver's License & ID Card Name Change

If you've changed your name, you must update your Kentucky driver's license within 10 days of the change. You will need to first change your name with the SSA and have your updated Social Security card before visiting a Kentucky Division of Driver Licensing office in person.

You will need to submit the following to change your name on your KY driver's license or ID card:

Proof of your name change, such as your:
- Court order.
- Marriage license.
- Divorce decree.
Social Security card showing your new name.
Payment for the $15 duplicate card fee.

KY Car Registration/Title Name Change

The process of making a name change on your vehicle registration and certificate of title may differ depending on which Kentucky county you live in.

Generally, you will need to visit your local Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing office in person and provide:

Proof of your name change (e.g. marriage license, court order, divorce decree).
Your current title certificate and/or registration document.
Payment for the duplicate title and/or registration fee.

For more information, contact your local county clerk’s office directly.

For instructions on obtaining a duplicate Kentucky registration or title certificate, visit our following pages:

Fees to Change Your Name in Kentucky

When you change your name, you may need to pay the following fees for duplicate documents in Kentucky:

Driver's license/identification card: $15.
Certificate of title: $8.
Vehicle registration: Contact the Kentucky DMV.

NOTE: You may incur additional charges depending on your county office.

Change Your Kentucky Address

If you've changed your address in Kentucky, you must obtain a corrected driver's license within 10 days of moving. You'll need to visit your local county clerk’s office in person with proof of your new address.

For more information, see our Change of Address in Kentucky page.

Changing your name touches more than your license. Here's what else to update—we've linked our full guides.

Change of AddressMoved too? Update your address on your license, registration, and title.

Driver's License & IDRenew, replace, or update the details on your license or state ID.

REAL IDGetting a REAL ID? Make sure your name matches across every document.

Voter RegistrationRe-register or update your name on the voter rolls.

Find a DMV OfficeFind your nearest office, hours, and appointment options.

DMV FormsName-change and duplicate-license forms, all in one place.

Don't forget these after your name change:

✓Social Security—update this FIRST at ssa.gov (Form SS-5, free) so your DMV records match.

✓U.S. passport—update with the U.S. State Department if you travel.

✓Car insurance & banks—update your policy, cards, and accounts.

✓Employer & IRS—update payroll and tax records with your new legal name.

Name Change FAQs

How do I change the name on my Kentucky driver's license?

Update Social Security first, then bring your certified name-change document and your current license to the Kentucky DMV. The steps above lay out exactly what Kentucky asks for, in order.

Do I have to change my name with Social Security before the DMV?

Start there. It's a federal update—Form SS-5 is free and your Social Security number never changes. The Kentucky steps above show where it fits and what to bring next.

What documents do I need to change my name in Kentucky?

A certified copy of whatever changed your name—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—plus your current license and proof of identity. The Kentucky document list above is the one to work from.

How much does it cost to change your name in Kentucky?

It depends on what gets reissued—your license or ID, and your vehicle title and registration. The Kentucky steps above cover each one.

Do I need to update my car title and registration too?

Yes—your title and registration should match your legal name. The vehicle section above covers what Kentucky requires.