How to Change Your Name After Divorce in Maine

Changing your name after a Maine divorce is straightforward if you planned ahead — and significantly more complicated if you didn't. The process depends entirely on whether your divorce decree already includes a name restoration provision.

Two Paths: Decree Restoration vs. Probate Court

The fast path: Under 19-A M.R.S. § 1051, if either spouse requests a name restoration during the divorce proceeding, the judge is legally required to include it in the final judgment. This costs nothing extra and takes effect the moment the decree is entered (after the 21-day appeal window closes). You walk out of court with the legal authority to update every document.

The slow path: If the name restoration wasn't included in the decree, you cannot amend the judgment after the 21-day appeal window. Instead, you must petition the Probate Court in your county of residence under 18-C M.R.S. § 1-701. This requires a $40 filing fee, a formal petition, and the judge may order criminal background checks, motor vehicle record checks, and credit checks at your expense to confirm you're not changing your name for fraudulent purposes.

The lesson: always request the name restoration before the final hearing.

The Mandatory Update Sequence

Once your name change is legally effective, you must update your identity documents in a specific order. Skipping ahead will get your applications rejected.

Step 1: Social Security Administration

The SSA master database must be updated first because the Maine BMV verifies your name and Social Security number against SSA records in real time.

File Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) in person at your local SSA branch office. Bring the original certified copy of your divorce decree showing the restored name, plus a current photo ID. There is no fee for an updated Social Security card. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, but the database updates within 24–48 hours.

Step 2: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Under 29-A M.R.S. § 1407, you're legally required to notify the Secretary of State of a name change within 30 days. Name changes cannot be done through the BMV's online portal — you must visit a branch office in person.

Bring your new Social Security card, the certified divorce decree, and two documents proving Maine residency (utility bills, lease, or bank statements with your physical address). Fees: $5 for a duplicate non-compliant license or state ID, $30 for a REAL ID version.

Step 3: Vehicle Registration and Title

If your name has changed on a vehicle you own, update both the registration (Form MV-138) and the certificate of title (Form MVT-2, available only as a physical carbon-copy form from a BMV branch). Title application fee is $33.

Step 4: U.S. Passport

Your timeline determines the process:

• Under 1 year since issuance: Mail Form DS-5504 with your current passport, a new photo, and the certified name change document. No fee.
• Over 1 year, eligible for renewal: Mail Form DS-82 with your passport, new photo, and decree. Standard renewal fee is $130.
• Not eligible for mail renewal: Apply in person with Form DS-11. Fee: $130 plus a $35 execution fee.

Step 5: Everything Else

Once your federal and state IDs are updated, work through the rest in any order:

• Banks and credit cards — bring your new ID and certified decree to each institution
• Voter registration — update online through the Maine Secretary of State's office or at your town clerk
• Utility companies — call each provider with your account number and new legal name
• Insurance policies — auto, home, health, life
• Social media and email — update display names and account recovery information

The Maine After-Divorce Checklist includes the complete name-change sequence with every form number, fee, and agency contact so nothing gets missed.

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