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.

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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.

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

www.polkclerkfl.gov/175/Marriage-Services

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

Lakeland (1520 Kathleen Rd) — confirm nearest at ssa.gov/locator

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

Polk County Tax Collector offices (Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven) — driver license name change in person

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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Frequently 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.