How to Change Your Name in Manatee County, Florida
Changing your name in Manatee County (county seat: Bradenton) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Manatee County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Manatee County Clerk — Approx. $2 certification + $1/page (STANDARD FL fee — confirm exact marriage-copy fee) each. Then update Social Security, then your Florida FLHSMV license, then your passport, in that order. No court filing is required.
After a divorce or a court order: your certified copies come from the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court instead. The rest of the sequence is identical.
Order matters. Social Security has to be updated before the Florida FLHSMV — the license office checks your SSA record, and if it still shows your old name they will turn you away.
Step 1 — Get your certified copies
Every agency needs to see an original certified document. For a marriage name change, order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Manatee County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court (below).
Manatee County Clerk
Phone: (941) 749-1800
Certified copy fee: Approx. $2 certification + $1/page (STANDARD FL fee — confirm exact marriage-copy fee)
Step 2 — Update Social Security
Update your Social Security record first — it must come before your driver's license. It's free, but bring your certified document and a current photo ID.
Local Social Security office
Step 3 — Update your Florida FLHSMV license
Once your Social Security record is updated, visit the Florida FLHSMV to reissue your driver's license or state ID with your new name.
Florida FLHSMV office
Driver's license / ID fee: $31.25 (replacement license)
Step 4 — Update your passport
Submit the correct passport form with a certified copy of your name-change document. Passport services are available in Routine renewals via local USPS/clerk/library passport acceptance facilities (see iafdb.travel.state.gov); Miami regional Passport Agency for urgent travel only..
Fees at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copies (Manatee County) | Approx. $2 certification + $1/page (STANDARD FL fee — confirm exact marriage-copy fee) |
| Social Security card update | Free |
| Driver's license reissue | $31.25 (replacement license) |
| U.S. passport update | $0–$130 (depends on timing) |
Local note: Florida marriage name change: NO court filing — the certified marriage certificate IS the legal name-change document. Order of operations: (1) certified marriage certificate from the Clerk, (2) SSA card update (in person, by appointment), (3) FL driver license in person at the county Tax Collector/FLHSMV office (cannot be done online), (4) U.S. passport, (5) voter & vehicle registration. Certified-copy fee not itemized online for marriage copies — flagged to confirm by phone (941) 749-1800. Important: SSA requires a PAPER certified copy (not the e-Certify electronic version).
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Get my Manatee County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Manatee County, FL?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Manatee County Clerk, then update your Social Security record, your Florida FLHSMV driver's license, and your passport — in that order.
- How much does a certified copy cost in Manatee County?
- The Manatee County Clerk charges Approx. $2 certification + $1/page (STANDARD FL fee — confirm exact marriage-copy fee) for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Manatee County Clerk's office?
- Phone: (941) 749-1800. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Manatee County?
- No for a marriage or divorce name change — your certificate or decree is your legal document. A court-order name change requires filing a petition with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and attending a hearing.
Sources: Manatee County Clerk · Social Security Administration · how we verify this