How to Change Your Name in Pinellas County, Florida
Changing your name in Pinellas County (county seat: Clearwater) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Pinellas County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Pinellas County Clerk — Approx. $2 certification + $1/page (STANDARD FL fee — NOT confirmed on official page) 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 Pinellas 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 Pinellas County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court (below).
Pinellas County Clerk
Phone: (727) 464-7000
Certified copy fee: Approx. $2 certification + $1/page (STANDARD FL fee — NOT confirmed on official page)
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 (Pinellas County) | Approx. $2 certification + $1/page (STANDARD FL fee — NOT confirmed on official page) |
| 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 published on the Clerk site — flagged to confirm by phone (727) 464-7000.
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Get my Pinellas County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Pinellas County, FL?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Pinellas 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 Pinellas County?
- The Pinellas County Clerk charges Approx. $2 certification + $1/page (STANDARD FL fee — NOT confirmed on official page) for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Pinellas County Clerk's office?
- Phone: (727) 464-7000. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Pinellas 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: Pinellas County Clerk · Social Security Administration · how we verify this