How to Legally Change Your Name in Kentucky
Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in Kentucky is filed in the District Court (filed through the Circuit Court Clerk) and costs about $40–$120 (typical $120, varies by county). In Kentucky, no newspaper publication is required, and most cases finish in 2–6 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
Kentucky Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Kentucky name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Kentucky Court of Justice and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Circuit Court / Family Court (through the dissolution decree) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | District Court (filed through the Circuit Court Clerk) | $40–$120 | Not required | 2–6 weeks |
| Minor child | District Court (or Family/Circuit Court if it already has a related case) | $40–$120 | Not required | 4–9 weeks |
| Gender identity | District Court (standard KRS 401.010 petition — no separate gender track) | $40–$120 | Not required | 2–6 weeks |
Choose your situation
Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.
No court petition
Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.
$0 · Circuit Court / Family Court (through the dissolution decree)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$40–$120 · District Court (filed through the Circuit Court Clerk)
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$40–$120 · District Court (or Family/Circuit Court if it already has a related case)
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$40–$120 · District Court (standard KRS 401.010 petition — no separate gender track)
The Kentucky name-change process
Most legal name changes in Kentucky that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the District Court (filed through the Circuit Court Clerk). You file where you live — District Court in the county where you live (petitions are filed through the Circuit Court Clerk's office, which serves both courts). The filing fee is $40–$120 (typical $120, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.
You do not have to publish a notice in a newspaper. From filing to a signed order usually takes 2–6 weeks.
Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies right away — you'll hand one to Social Security, the DMV, and the passport agency, in that order.
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Kentucky driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Kentucky name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Kentucky?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Kentucky?
How long does a name change take in Kentucky?
Which court handles name changes in Kentucky?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Kentucky?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- kycourts.gov
- www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb/Pages/marriage-divorce.aspx
- apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=1447
- apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=41791
- apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=41792
- drive.ky.gov
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.
We're re-confirming some fee details for this state against the county court. Always confirm the exact current fee with your court clerk before you file.