How to Change Your Name in Polk County, Florida
Changing your name in Polk County (county seat: Bartow) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Polk County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Polk County Clerk — $2.00 certification per document + $1.00 per 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 Polk 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 Polk County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court (below).
Polk County Clerk
Phone: (863) 534-4000
Certified copy fee: $2.00 certification per document + $1.00 per 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 (Polk County) | $2.00 certification per document + $1.00 per 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 verified $2 cert + $1/page; first copy free on recording (Polk Clerk site).
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Get my Polk County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Polk County, FL?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Polk 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 Polk County?
- The Polk County Clerk charges $2.00 certification per document + $1.00 per page for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Polk County Clerk's office?
- Phone: (863) 534-4000. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Polk 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: Polk County Clerk · Social Security Administration · how we verify this