Under state law, drivers must apply for a drivers license name change in Kentucky whenever they change their legal name. When motorists change name on driving license documents or identification cards, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet updates the information in its driver-licensing database and issues a new driving license or identification card. To complete the process, drivers must present proof of the legal name change and proof of state residency.

However, drivers cannot apply for a change of name on driving license materials until they change their name through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Kentucky will not modify names on state-issued documents if it does not match what the federal SSA agency has on file. To learn more about how to change name on drivers license documents including identification cards and Social Security cards, review the information below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Kentucky Drivers License

Drivers must apply for a name change on drivers license documents and obtain a replacement driver license after changing their legal name in the state. Several instances where motorists must change the name on their Kentucky driving license include name changes after marriage, divorce, legal separation, court order or adoption. Additionally, motorists who undergo a gender change may choose to file a name change as well. As such, drivers must begin the process of changing name on drivers license materials or identification cards whenever their current legal name differs from the name on their original birth record.

Kentucky Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

You must complete the process of changing your name on driving license documents within 10 days of making the legal name change in the state. For instance, if you need to change your name after marriage, then you must apply for the name change within 10 days of the marriage date. However, you must change the name on your Social Security card before you may correct the name on your driver license or identification card. For this reason, you must notify the SSA of your KY change of name immediately after the name change occurs.

If you do not complete a DMV name change or obtain a new Social Security card within 10 days of changing your legal name, then you may acquire driving penalties, fines or citations from local law enforcement officials. Additionally, you may not receive future correspondence from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, including driver license renewal notices. Furthermore, the SSA cannot track your earnings and work credits if you do not notify them of your name change.

How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration

Before changing your name on your KY driving license, you must report the name change to the SSA. To apply for a change of name through the SSA, motorists must complete the following steps:

• Visit a local Social Security office to submit an application for a Social Security card or submit the form by mail
• Provide the SSA with proof of identity, such as a U.S. passport, driver license or state-issued identification card
• Submit proof of the legal name change, including a certified or original marriage certificate, court order document, or divorce decree.

When changing your name and completing the application for a Social Security card, you must provide your full name (former and current), Social Security Number, citizenship status, ethnicity and place and date of birth. Additionally, you must provide the names and Social Security Numbers of your parents if known.

After you change your name with the SSA, the administration updates the information in the federal Social Security database and mails you a new Social Security card. Drivers may only change the name on their Kentucky drivers license after they notify Social Security of the name change. Drivers who need to apply for a drivers license name change must submit proof of completing the name change through the SSA. However, you must wait at least 24 hours before correcting the name on your driver license.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

Changing name on driver license cards requires motorists to visit a circuit court clerk’s office to complete the process in person. Motorists cannot apply for a change of name online or by mail at this time. However, circuit clerk offices are conveniently located in counties throughout the state. For specific office hours, the state recommends contacting the office before heading in.

When filing a DMV name change, applicants must submit the following information:

• Proof of state residency, which includes a property tax bill, deed, utility bill, rental housing agreement, mortgage statement or utility agreement
• Proof of the legal name change, including a birth certificate, name change court order, divorce decree, marriage license or any other legal document
• The new Social Security card, as proof of reporting the name change to the SSA
• Payment for obtaining a duplicate license or identification card

If you also need to complete a change of address on your driving record, then you should do this at the same time as your name change.

Kentucky DMV Name Change Fees

When applying for a name change on drivers licenses in Kentucky, applicants must pay a duplicate license fee, which is $12. The fee includes the driver license change of name and the replacement of the license or ID card. However, there is no fee to obtain a new Social Security card with your new or corrected name.

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