How To Change Your Name After Divorce? | 2025 Checklist and Guide

Why does a name matter so much? Why does a name carry such weight?  It’s not just a string of letters; it’s a testament to who we are, a marker of our journey, and an essential part of our story.  Changing your name after a divorce signifies a fresh chapter, a renewed beginning.  Our guide is tailor-made to provide you with expert insights and a foolproof checklist, covering everything from securing your divorce decree to updating all your accounts. With HitchSwitch by your side, you’ll tackle how to change your name after divorce.

Remember, these steps are general, and the exact process might differ by state and/or county.  

HitchSwitch Pro Tip: Before diving into the name change steps, let’s tackle your travel arrangements. If you’ve got international travel plans lined up under your former married name, it’s wise to hold off on submitting passport or license applications until after your trip. Your existing valid passport with your former name will be your ticket to smooth boarding. And for domestic flights booked under your old name, consider postponing updates to your driver’s license or passport until after your journey for hassle-free boarding. Meanwhile, you can start the process of updating your Social Security card without delay.

HitchSwitch’s Divorce Name Change Checklist 

1. Obtain Your Divorce Decree

Your journey kicks off with snagging your Divorce Decree – that golden ticket often secured through a family court motion, either pre- or post-judgment. Typically, this involves enlisting the help of a divorce attorney to navigate the bureaucratic maze. 

 Your Divorce Decree or judgment should ideally include a clause allowing you to reclaim your maiden or birth name. Usually, no extra paperwork is needed besides your Divorce Decree affirming your name change. However, if the decree skips the name change memo, contact your attorney, or brace yourself for a court date to make it official. 

 Look for the part in your Divorce Decree that spells out your name restoration, or something to the effect of, “The petitioner is granted a restoration of the prior name Jane Doe Smith.”  

 The courtroom hustle might seem daunting, and having a legal eagle by your side could be a game-changer if you can swing it. If wallet woes stand in the way, tapping into your state’s bar association resources is a smart move. Take New Jersey, for instance – their NJSBA is a treasure trove of help for just such occasions. 

Prior to starting the process, you will need a certified or your original divorce decree hand.  If you lost your decree, or your dog ate it, The National Center for Health Statistics has your back with a handy state-by-state guide on snagging that certified copy of your divorce decree.  

2. Updating Your Social Media Platforms

Kickstart your new name by changing your social media profiles. It’s a breeze and takes a few clicks on each platform.  This is a great, easy first step in how to change your name after divorce. Here are the direct links:

• Facebook  
• Instagram 
• X 
• TikTok   

3. Updating Your Social Security Card 

One of the big moves in your name change journey is getting your Social Security Card updated, forging a crucial link with various state and government entities. To dive into this task, you’ll need to understand how to change your name on your Social Security card after divorce. Start by filling out the official SS-5 Form. Check out our detailed guide for further information on how to change your name on your social security card here.

 Grab these essentials:  

• Your Divorce Decree, showing your connection to your maiden or birth name.  
• Valid ID with your former name (like your passport or license).  
• The completed application. Remember, originals only! 

This update won’t cost you a dime. You can choose to do it in person or by mail at your local Social Security Administration office.   You will receive your new SS card within 2 weeks.  

HitchSwitch Pro Tip: To make things even smoother, if you opt to update your name in person, use the online Social Security Form to guide you through the card replacement process. Click here. Here is the cherry on top: once your SS card is updated, the IRS gets an automatic heads-up.

Next stop: updating your name on your passport (step 4) or license (step 5). If you popped into the SSA office in person, hold onto that receipt – it means your SS card is in the pipeline, and you’ll need to wait 48 business hours before hitting up the DMV for your new license. You will typically receive your new SS card within 2 weeks. For a hassle-free experience, use HitchSwitch.

4. Updating Your Passport

When it comes to traveling internationally, updating your passport is key. Learning how to change your name on your passport after divorce is vital for seamless trips. Check out our dedicated guide on how to change your name on your passport here. 

 Here are the three forms to consider for your passport update (costs vary):  

• Ds-82 Form: For passports issued over 1 year.  
• Ds-5504 Form: For passports issued within 1 year.  
• Ds-11 Form: For first-time passport applicants.  

For comprehensive details, head over to the State Department’s website here.  Or use HitchSwitch.   

To proceed, gather your essentials:

1. Your Divorce Decree.
2. A recent passport photo.
3. Your current passport.
4. Completed application.
5. Fee—check payable to the US Department of State.

HitchSwitch Pro Tip: Opt for tracked mail when sending your application. Anticipate receiving your new passport alongside other documents (in separate envelopes). Your old passport will return with a hole punch to mark it as invalid.

5. Updating Your Driver’s License (or state ID) and Vehicle Title/Registration

Driver’s License: Ensuring your driver’s license or state ID card is up to date is essential for various identification purposes.

Upgrade to a REAL ID or enhanced ID. Starting from May 2025, a REAL-ID or enhanced ID-compliant license will be mandatory for air travel. You can easily update your name and address (if needed) while upgrading to a REAL ID.

It should be noted that each state has its own set of rules, documentation requirements, and processes for how to change your name after divorce on your driver’s license. Hence, it is essential to check your local DMV website for details. The update must be completed in person, and you’ll typically need:

• Your updated Social Security card.  
• Valid passport (in your new or former name).  
• Current license or state ID.  
• Orignal or certified Divorce Decree.   
• Two proofs of address (in your new or former name).  
• Costs vary by state.   

HitchSwitch Pro Tip: Bring along your original documents, complete the necessary forms beforehand, and schedule an appointment to breeze through your DMV visit.  

Title/Registration:

• Procedures vary by state. Some states let you update your license and title/registration simultaneously, while others require separate steps.
• Generally, you’ll need your original title, proof of insurance, a completed form (found on your state’s DMV website), an applicable fee, an updated license, and a Divorce Decree.
• If your vehicle is leased or financed, reach out to the lienholder (lender) for specific guidance. Costs vary by state.

Updating licenses and registrations can feel like navigating a maze, but with HitchSwitch’s guidance, you’ll conquer the roadblocks with ease.

6. Updating Your Voter Registration

Ensuring your voter registration reflects your new name is essential for participating in elections. This is another key step in how to change your name after divorce.

• DMV update: In most states, you can update your voter registration information when you change your driver’s license or ID card at the DMV.
• Local Voter Registration Office: If your state doesn’t offer this at the DMV, head to your local voter registration office for assistance. It’s a freebie.
• Online Name Change: Many states allow you to smoothly transition online through their voter registration website. No cost involved.

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7. Updating your Address: Official Change of Address with USPS 

 To update your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS), click here.  

Note that USPS doesn’t have a specific form for name changes, but if your address is changing, make sure to update it using the provided link. It’s a free service ensuring your mail stays on track during your name change journey! 

8. Updating Your Professional License: Elevate Your Professional Identity 

Updating Your Professional License: Elevate Your Professional Identity If you hold a professional license, this step is key to solidifying how to change your name after divorce in your career. Reach out to your state board to kickstart the process. You’ll typically need an updated license and your Divorce Decree. The update is generally free and can often be done online.

9. Updating Your Financial Accounts & Insurance 

Take charge of your identity by reaching out to each issuer to update your name on credit cards, bank accounts, life insurance, other insurance policies, investment accounts, and more. The majority of updates can be completed online or in person. This crucial step ensures your financial stability and accurate records after you’ve learned how to change your name after divorce on your primary IDs.

10. Updating Your Personal Accounts 

Ensure your name change is consistent across all aspects of your life, including streaming services, online shopping platforms, rewards programs, and ride-sharing apps. These updates are typically free and can be completed online.

HitchSwitch offers comprehensive guidance for everything you need to know about how to change your name after divorce across all these personal accounts. With step-by-step instructions, we make the process efficient and hassle-free. Congratulations on your new beginning, and best of luck on your name change journey!