How to Change Your Name After Divorce in Indiana

Restoring your former name after an Indiana divorce is straightforward — but only if you request it at the right point in the process. Skip the request in your petition, and you'll need a separate legal name change proceeding that costs more time and money.

Request It in the Verified Petition

The easiest way to change your name is to include a maiden name restoration request in your original Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Indiana law allows either spouse to request restoration of a former name (maiden name or a name from a prior marriage) as part of the divorce decree.

The request goes directly in the petition, not in a separate filing. When the judge signs the Decree of Dissolution, the name restoration order is built into it — giving you a single court document that proves the change.

If you're filing pro se, make sure this request is included before submitting the petition. Adding it after the fact requires amending your petition, which creates delays.

If You Forgot to Include It

If the decree was signed without a name restoration order, you have two options:

Request a modification. In some cases, you can file a motion to amend the decree to include the name change. Whether this is available depends on your county and how recently the decree was entered.

File a separate name change petition. Under Indiana Code § 34-28-2, you can petition the court for a legal name change as a standalone proceeding. This requires filing a Verified Petition for Change of Name, publishing a public notice, attending a hearing, and paying a separate filing fee. It's more expensive and time-consuming than including the request in the divorce.

Updating Your Records After the Decree

Once you have the certified decree with the name restoration order, update your identification and accounts in this order:

Social Security Administration — Apply for a new Social Security card with your restored name. You'll need the certified decree, your current Social Security card (or the number), and a government-issued photo ID. Visit your local SSA office or apply by mail. This is the foundation — many other agencies require the updated Social Security card before processing their own name change.

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) — Bring your certified decree and current license to a BMV branch to get a new driver's license or state ID. Indiana charges a standard replacement fee.

U.S. Passport — Submit Form DS-5504 (for passports issued within one year) or DS-82 (renewal) with the certified decree. If your passport was issued more than one year ago, you'll need to apply as if it's a new passport using DS-11.

Bank and financial accounts — Bring the certified decree and updated government ID to each institution. Update checking, savings, credit cards, investment accounts, and any loans in your name.

Employer and payroll — Notify HR to update your W-4, direct deposit, health insurance, and retirement account beneficiary designations.

Utilities, insurance, and subscriptions — Update your name on auto insurance, health insurance (if not through an employer), homeowner's or renter's insurance, utility bills, and any recurring services.

Voter registration — Update through the Indiana Voter Registration portal or at your county clerk's office.

What the Name Change Doesn't Affect

The name restoration in your decree only changes your legal name going forward. It does not:

• Alter your children's surnames (that requires a separate court order)
• Automatically update any pre-existing legal documents, contracts, or property titles
• Change professional licenses — you'll need to contact each licensing board separately

Keep Certified Copies

Order multiple certified copies of the decree from the county clerk (a small per-copy fee applies). You'll need a separate copy for the SSA, BMV, passport office, and possibly your bank. Some institutions won't accept photocopies — they require the court-certified original.

The name change is one of several post-decree logistics that follow finalization. The Indiana Divorce Filing Process Guide includes a post-divorce checklist covering name changes, account updates, and benefit modifications.

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