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Restoring Your Maiden Name After Divorce

Last reviewed July 16, 2026 against official court and .gov sources.

Quick answer

You can restore your former or maiden name as part of your divorce, usually at no extra cost — just ask for it in the divorce petition or judgment. If your divorce is already final and you forgot to ask, most states let you file a short request to restore your name. Then update Social Security, the DMV, and your passport.

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Ask for it in the divorce

The easiest path is to request restoration of your former name inside the divorce itself. Most divorce petitions and judgments have a box or line for it, and there is no separate fee — the divorce decree becomes your legal proof of the name change. This works whether you're returning to a maiden name or any former legal name.

Order a few certified copies of the decree (or the specific order restoring your name). Social Security, the DMV, and the passport agency will each want to see a certified copy.

If your divorce is already final

If the divorce is done and you didn't request your former name, you're not stuck. Many states let you file a short, low-cost motion or application to restore a former name in the same case — for example, California uses Form FL-395. Others may point you to a standard adult name-change petition. The calculator above shows which applies in your state.

Then update your records

Restoring a former name doesn't require a newspaper publication. Update Social Security first with Form SS-5 (free), then your driver's license, passport, banks, and any accounts still in your married name. Review beneficiaries on insurance and retirement accounts while you're at it.

Find your state

Each state hub has its exact fee, court, forms, and all five change types.

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After your name change: who to notify

Update Social Security first, then the DMV, then your passport — in order.

Who-to-notify guide →Build my checklist →

Frequently asked questions

Can I restore my maiden name for free after divorce?
Usually yes. If you request it in the divorce petition or judgment, the decree restores your name at no extra cost. A separate request after the divorce is final may carry a small fee, which varies by state.
What if I forgot to ask for my former name in the divorce?
Most states let you file a short request to restore a former name in the same divorce case, or a standard name-change petition. Check your state page for the exact form.
Do I have to go back to my maiden name after divorce?
No. Restoring a former name is optional. You can keep your married name indefinitely if you prefer.
Do I need to publish a notice to restore my name after divorce?
No. Restoring a former name through a divorce decree does not require newspaper publication in any state.

Last reviewed July 16, 2026. Methodology · Sources.