Updated May 2026
How to Change Your Name in Kentucky (2026 Cost + Steps)
The cost of a legal name change in Kentucky is $128, which includes a $113 court filing fee, and $15 for certified copies of the court order.
Court filing fee: $113 · Processing time: ~4 weeks
Estimated costs by reason
Totals include Social Security (free), driver’s license, and adult passport selections—matching the calculator defaults.
| Reason | Estimated total cost | Timeline | Publication required |
|---|---|---|---|
| After Marriage | $162 | ~2 weeks | No |
| After Divorce | $162 | ~2 weeks | No |
| Court Order (Adult) | $275 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Child Name Change | $325 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Gender Marker Change | $275 | ~10 weeks | Sealed |
Which state are you in?
Why are you changing your name?
Which documents do you need to update?
How to Change Your Name in Kentucky
Kentucky Circuit Court filing fees for name changes run $113-$165 depending on the county. Jefferson County (Louisville) is around $165 while many rural counties are closer to $113. After-marriage name changes in Kentucky use your marriage license directly without any court involvement, making the process straightforward for newlyweds.
Kentucky does not require newspaper publication for standard adult name changes, which keeps the process affordable and relatively quick. You file your petition in the Circuit Court of the county where you live. Kentucky courts have self-help resources available, and the Kentucky Court of Justice website provides name change form guidance.
Kentucky has a straightforward name change process with no unusual state-specific quirks for most petitioners. The court reviews your petition for any fraud indicators and conducts a background check. Processing times typically run 4-8 weeks from filing to receiving your court order.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) charges $20 for a corrected Kentucky driver's license with a name change. Visit any Kentucky driver's license regional office with your court order or marriage certificate, current Kentucky license, and proof of SSA update. Kentucky has regional driver's licensing offices throughout the state.
Kentucky divorce decrees can include name restoration clauses. Kentucky courts are receptive to this request during divorce proceedings. Including the name restoration language in your original divorce decree avoids the need and cost of a separate name change petition later.
Key Kentucky links: Kentucky Courts self-help (kycourts.gov/court/self-service-legal-resource-center), Kentucky KYTC driver's licenses (drive.ky.gov), Legal Aid of the Bluegrass (lablaw.org) and Louisville Legal Aid Society (laslou.org) for free assistance.
Kentucky name change fees at a glance
| Court filing fee | $113 |
| Certified copies (3 × $5 each) | $15 |
| Newspaper publication(not required) | N/A |
| Fingerprinting / background check(not required) | N/A |
| Driver's license / State ID | $17 |
| Processing time | ~4 weeks |
| Fee waiver available | At or below 130% federal poverty level |
Common reasons in Kentucky
Name Change Guides for Kentucky
FAQ: Kentucky name changes
- How much does it cost to change your name in Kentucky?
- Court filing fees in Kentucky start around $113 for a petition (counties may differ). Add certified copies (3 × about $5 each), optional publication ($0), DMV fees, and passport fees depending on your path.
- How long does a name change take in Kentucky?
- Many Kentucky court petitions finish in about 4 weeks, but crowded dockets, publication, or fingerprinting can add time. After-marriage updates using a certificate are often faster because they skip the petition.
- Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Kentucky?
- Most standard adult name change petitions in Kentucky do not require newspaper publication, but a judge can still impose notice requirements in some cases.
- Can I change my name for free in Kentucky?
- You may qualify for a reduced or waived court filing fee in Kentucky if you meet the court’s income guidelines (At or below 130% federal poverty level). Certified copies, DMV fees, and passports still usually cost money.
- What documents do I need to change my name in Kentucky?
- Commonly: a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; government-issued photo ID; proof of Kentucky residency for court filings; and Social Security verification before DMV updates.
- How do I change my name after marriage in Kentucky?
- If you take your spouse’s surname as shown on your Kentucky marriage certificate, you typically update Social Security first, then your driver’s license, then banks and payroll. Hyphenated or new invented names may still require a court petition—check local court rules.
Voter Registration After Your Name Change
After legally changing your name in Kentucky, you should update your voter registration so it matches the name on your government-issued ID. In Kentucky, voter registration updates are commonly handled by mail or in person with your county or municipal election office—confirm the fastest option for your address. If your registration still shows an old name close to an election, you may face additional checks at the polling place. See the full 50-state voter registration guide for deadlines, typical documents, and official Vote.gov links.
Related: SAVE Act & name change overview