How do I change my name in Kentucky?

Get certified copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, then update Social Security, your Kentucky driver's license, and your passport in that order. Exact offices and fees vary by county — pick your county below.

How long does a name change take in Kentucky?

A marriage or divorce name change usually takes a few weeks once you have certified copies. A court-order name change takes longer because of the petition and hearing.

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How to Change Your Name in Kentucky

Every Kentucky county handles name changes a little differently — different clerk offices, fees, and processing times. Below are detailed, county-specific guides plus the steps that apply statewide.

Pick your Kentucky county

Every Kentucky county is covered. Pick yours for the offices, fees and forms that apply where you live.

Adair County Allen County Anderson County Ballard County Barren County Bath County Bell County Boone County Bourbon County Boyd County Boyle County Bracken County Breathitt County Breckinridge County Bullitt County Butler County Caldwell County Calloway County Campbell County Carlisle County Carroll County Carter County Casey County Christian County Clark County Clay County Clinton County Crittenden County Cumberland County Daviess County Edmonson County Elliott County Estill County Fayette County Fleming County Floyd County Franklin County Fulton County Gallatin County Garrard County Grant County Graves County Grayson County Green County Greenup County Hancock County Hardin County Harlan County Harrison County Hart County Henderson County Henry County Hickman County Hopkins County Jackson County Jefferson County Jessamine County Johnson County Kenton County Knott County Knox County Larue County Laurel County Lawrence County Lee County Leslie County Letcher County Lewis County Lincoln County Livingston County Logan County Lyon County Madison County Magoffin County Marion County Marshall County Martin County Mason County McCracken County McCreary County McLean County Meade County Menifee County Mercer County Metcalfe County Monroe County Montgomery County Morgan County Muhlenberg County Nelson County Nicholas County Ohio County Oldham County Owen County Owsley County Pendleton County Perry County Pike County Powell County Pulaski County Robertson County Rockcastle County Rowan County Russell County Scott County Shelby County Simpson County Spencer County Taylor County Todd County Trigg County Trimble County Union County Warren County Washington County Wayne County Webster County Whitley County Wolfe County Woodford County

The Kentucky name-change steps

1. Certified copies. Get them from your county clerk (marriage) or the Circuit Court Clerk (divorce or court order).
2. Social Security. Update your SSA record first — it's free.
3. Kentucky DDL. Reissue your license with your new name.
4. Passport. Submit the correct form with a certified copy.

Get your exact Kentucky county guide

Personalized to your county and reason — offices, fees, forms, clickable links, and a fillable tracker, emailed straight to you.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I change my name in Kentucky?: Get certified copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, then update Social Security, your Kentucky driver's license, and your passport in that order. Exact offices and fees vary by county — pick your county below.
How long does a name change take in Kentucky?: A marriage or divorce name change usually takes a few weeks once you have certified copies. A court-order name change takes longer because of the petition and hearing.