How to Change Your Name
in Kentucky
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Kentucky.
Filing Fee
$128-$175
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
District Court
Where you file
Kentucky Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
District Court
Where to File
File in the District Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$128-$175
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Kentucky
Kentucky requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county for at least two weeks prior to the hearing.
Kentucky-Specific Rule
Kentucky requires publication in a newspaper of general circulation for at least two weeks before the hearing. The judge will grant the change unless it would be contrary to public interest or defraud creditors.
Required Documents in Kentucky
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Kentucky residency
Affidavit of publication
6-Step Name Change Process in Kentucky
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the District Court in the county where you reside. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Kentucky residency, Affidavit of publication.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Kentucky is approximately $128-$175. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Kentucky requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county for at least two weeks prior to the hearing.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Kentucky courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Kentucky Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, you file in the District Court. File in the District Court in the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Kentucky?
The filing fee in Kentucky is approximately $128-$175. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county for at least two weeks prior to the hearing.
How long does a name change take in Kentucky?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Kentucky. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in Kentucky?
For your name change petition in Kentucky, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Kentucky residency, Affidavit of publication. JustiPal™ provides a complete Kentucky-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Kentucky. Takes 2 minutes.
Check My ReadinessFull Service · $97
Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Kentucky-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Kentucky document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in Kentucky.
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