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Going back to your name · state-by-state · 2026

Name change after divorce by state

Going back to your name after a divorce works the same way in every state: Social Security first (it's free, using a certified copy of your decree), then your state DMV / REAL ID, then your passport. What changes by state is whether your decree already restored your former name — most states do that in the decree if you ask the court — and, if it didn't, how you petition your county or circuit court. Pick your state below for its official DMV link and the order to follow.

Choose your state

Pick yours for the order to change your name back, your state's official DMV page, and where to get your decree or petition your court if the decree didn't restore your name. We only publish a state once we've confirmed its DMV link and the routing for it, so you're never guessing.

Don't see your state?

You're not stuck. The federal steps are the same in every state, so start your free preview and you'll get the plan in the right order — certified decree, Social Security, then your DMV, then your passport — plus where to get your decree and petition your court.

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Answer a few quick questions and we'll tell you what to do first, second, and third for your exact situation — each step linked to the real .gov page. No account, no card.

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Frequently asked questions

Which states have verified divorce name-change guidance?
We publish .gov-verified federal steps plus the official DMV link for 33 states so far, listed above. For every other state we route you to the federal steps (Social Security, REAL ID, passport) and to where you get your decree and petition your court — we never present an unverified state decree rule as confirmed.
Does going back to my name after divorce differ by state?
The federal steps (Social Security, passport, REAL ID rules) are the same everywhere. What varies by state is whether your divorce decree restored your former name and, if it didn't, how you petition your county or circuit court to do it. Most states restore your former name in the decree if you ask the court for it.
Do I change my name at the DMV or Social Security first?
Social Security first, in every state. Your state DMV verifies your name against Social Security's records, so updating Social Security before the DMV keeps your license or REAL ID from being rejected on a mismatch. You bring a certified copy of your divorce decree.
What if my state isn't listed?
Start with the free preview — it gives you the correctly-sequenced federal steps that apply in every state, plus where to get your decree and petition your court. We add states as we verify their official DMV pages and the routing for them.

Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.