Name change after marriage in Kentucky
To change your name after marriage in Kentucky, update Social Security first, then your Kentucky driver's license / REAL ID, then your passport. Do it in that order and you won't get turned away at the counter on a name mismatch. Below are Kentucky's exact DMV steps and fees, each linked to the real .gov page it came from, then the federal steps that apply in every state.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet — Division of Driver Licensing (DRIVE)
Kentucky DMV name-change steps
Update your name with the Social Security Administration FIRST
Kentucky requires your name to be updated with SSA before you apply for an updated driver license/ID. Official text: "You must update your name with the Social Security Administration before applying for a new driver's license or permit." For a marriage name change, request a new Social Security card that matches your current legal name.
SourceGather required documents (certified marriage certificate + updated SSA card + identity/residency proofs)
You must bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate to link your prior name to your new legal name, plus your updated Social Security card showing your current legal name. The REAL ID FAQ states you must "bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate to link the documents" and show "a direct link between your name changes." Use the IDocument Guide tool to generate a personalized document list.
SourceApply IN PERSON at a Driver Licensing Regional Office
Name changes cannot be done online or by mail. Official text: "Name changes must be completed in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office and require supporting legal documentation." Optionally complete a pre-application through the myDrive portal beforehand to save time (not required).
SourcePay the credential fee and receive a temporary document
The cost of an updated or replacement credential is $15.00. A 30-day temporary document is issued on-site; the permanent REAL ID or standard credential is mailed and should arrive within 10-15 business days.
Source
What you need to bring
- Certified copy of your marriage certificate (proof of name change linking prior name to new legal name)
- Updated Social Security card showing your current (married) legal name — must be updated with SSA before applying
- Identity / lawful status documents and proof of Kentucky residency as required for a REAL ID or standard credential (use the IDocument Guide to confirm your personalized list)
Kentucky fees
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Updated or replacement credential (driver license / ID with name change) | $15.00 | drive.ky.gov |
Watch out for these in Kentucky
SSA FIRST: You must update your name with the Social Security Administration before applying for the new license/ID. Apply for a new Social Security card matching your married name first.
REAL ID NAME-MATCH: Your current legal name must match across your identity/lawful-status documents and SSA records. If your legal name differs from what is shown on your identity or lawful-status document, you must bring additional documentation (e.g., the certified marriage certificate) to link the names.
CERTIFIED DOCUMENT REQUIRED: A certified copy of the marriage certificate is required — a photocopy or non-certified copy is not sufficient.
IN-PERSON ONLY: A name change cannot be done online or by mail; you must visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office in person.
DEADLINE: After a name (or address) change, the applicant must apply for an updated credential within 10 days (per the REAL ID FAQ).
TEMPORARY CREDENTIAL: You receive a 30-day temporary document on-site; the permanent card is mailed within 10-15 business days.
The federal steps (every state)
Your Kentucky DMV step sits between Social Security and your passport. The three steps below are the same wherever you live.
Official Kentucky & federal sources
Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.
See your exact steps free
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.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a deadline to update my license name after marriage in Kentucky?
- DEADLINE: After a name (or address) change, the applicant must apply for an updated credential within 10 days (per the REAL ID FAQ).
- Do I change my name at the Kentucky DMV or Social Security first?
- Social Security first. Kentucky's DMV verifies your name and SSN against SSA's records, so updating SSA before the DMV prevents your license or REAL ID from being rejected on a mismatch.
- What documents does Kentucky need to change my license name after marriage?
- Certified copy of your marriage certificate (proof of name change linking prior name to new legal name) See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Kentucky page.
- How much does a Kentucky name change cost?
- Updated or replacement credential (driver license / ID with name change): $15.00. The federal Social Security update is always free.
- When was this Kentucky guidance last checked?
- 2026-06-14. We checked every step against Kentucky's official pages and show you the date so you know it's current — and we link every step to the real .gov page it came from.
Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.