Divorce Decree Name Change

When a divorce is finalized, the judge issues a divorce decree — the official court document that ends the marriage. If the decree includes specific language restoring your former name (typically your birth name or a name from a previous marriage), that language alone gives you legal authorization to update your name everywhere. You don't need to file a separate name change petition or pay a separate filing fee.

The key phrase to look for in your divorce decree is something like: 'The former name [Old Name] is hereby restored to petitioner.' This clause is your legal authorization, equivalent to a standalone court order. Present a certified copy of the full divorce decree (not just the name restoration page) to each agency you're updating.

If your divorce was finalized without name restoration language and you now want to reclaim your former name, you can file a standard name change petition with the court. This is a simple, routine petition — courts almost always grant it when someone is simply reclaiming their pre-marriage name. The process adds time and cost, but it's straightforward.

Many people going through divorce don't realize they can request name restoration in their decree at no extra cost. If restoring your name is something you want, mention it to your attorney or document preparer before the final decree is signed — adding the language at that stage costs nothing and saves you a separate filing later.

Once your decree restores your name, you follow the same update sequence as any name change: Social Security Administration first, then driver's license, then passport. Each agency will accept a certified copy of your divorce decree containing the restoration language.