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Name change after marriage in Kentucky: checklist and DMV steps
The order to change your name after marriage in Kentucky, and what the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Vehicle Regulation (DRIVE) asks for, from its own pages. Each step links its source.
How to change your name after marriage in Kentucky
Get certified copies of your marriage certificate first. Then change your name with Social Security, then at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Vehicle Regulation (DRIVE) for your license or ID, then on your passport, then with your bank, employer and everything else.
The steps, in order
- Certified copies of your marriage certificate. Ask the office that recorded your marriage; the Kentucky marriage license page links the official page.
- Social Security. You change your name with Social Security by requesting a replacement card. Depending on your situation you may be able to request it online; if not, you make an appointment at a local office. (Source: ssa.gov, checked October 26, 2026)
- Your Kentucky driver's license or ID. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Vehicle Regulation (DRIVE): what its pages say is below.
- Your passport. The U.S. Department of State handles passports. Its site did not let us read it automatically when we checked, so open its passport pages for the form that fits your passport.
- Everything else. Bank and credit accounts, your employer, insurance, voter registration and the rest: the name change after marriage checklist lists them in order.
USAGov lists the agencies to tell after a name change, including Social Security, your state driver license office and the U.S. passport office, and says to use certified copies of documents such as a marriage certificate as proof. (Source: usa.gov, checked October 26, 2026)
Changing your name at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Vehicle Regulation (DRIVE)
From the agency’s own pages, last checked October 30, 2026. Open the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Vehicle Regulation (DRIVE) page. Fees and rules change: confirm on that page before you go.
- What to do
- Update your name with Social Security first, then visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office with your updated Social Security card and a legal name-change document. (Source: drive.ky.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Documents accepted as proof of the new name
- Updated Social Security card plus a legal name-change document such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order. (Source: drive.ky.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Fee
- $15.00 fee applies. (Source: drive.ky.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- In person or online
- Must be completed in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office; online name changes are not offered. (Source: drive.ky.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Social Security first
- Yes. Update your name with Social Security before applying. (Source: drive.ky.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Deadline
- No deadline for a name change is stated on the pages we read. Official page
Common questions
How do I change my name on my Kentucky driver's license after marriage?
Update your name with Social Security first, then visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office with your updated Social Security card and a legal name-change document.
How much does it cost to change the name on a Kentucky license?
$15.00 fee applies.
What documents do I need to change my name at the Kentucky DMV?
Updated Social Security card plus a legal name-change document such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.
Do I need to update Social Security before the Kentucky DMV?
Yes. Update your name with Social Security before applying.
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