How to Change Your Name After Divorce in Rhode Island

Changing your name after a Rhode Island divorce requires hitting agencies in a specific order. Go to the DMV before the Social Security Administration, and the system rejects you. Skip the name restoration clause in your decree, and you're looking at a separate probate court petition that costs hundreds of dollars.

Here's the sequence that gets it done without wasted trips or surprise fees.

Step 1: Make Sure the Decree Includes Name Restoration

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-17, the court can authorize restoration of a maiden or prior legal name as part of the divorce decree. This language must appear in the Decision Pending Entry of Final Judgment before the nisi period begins.

If it wasn't included, you'll need to file a separate name change petition (Form PC-8.1) through your local municipal probate court. This alternative route triggers:

• $30 filing fee plus $4 surcharge
• $5 certified copy fee
• Mandatory newspaper publication ($25–$40 depending on your municipality)
• BCI criminal background check through the Attorney General's Office ($5)

The total runs $65 to $85 compared to $0 if the decree already contains the restoration order. Ask your attorney or self-help coordinator to include it before the nominal hearing.

Step 2: Update the Social Security Administration

This must happen first. The Rhode Island DMV runs a real-time verification against SSA records — if the names don't match, the DMV will reject your application.

Visit your local Social Security office with:

• Completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card)
• Certified copy of the Final Judgment showing the name change order (original, not photocopy)
• Proof of identity (current driver's license or state ID)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or passport)

The SSA processes the name change at no charge. Wait at least 24 hours before proceeding to the DMV so the federal database has time to sync.

Step 3: Update Your Rhode Island Driver's License

Schedule an appointment at a Rhode Island DMV branch or a participating AAA location (AAA members can avoid DMV wait times). Bring:

• Completed Form LI-1 (License/ID/Permit Application)
• Your current driver's license
• Certified copy of the divorce decree
• Newly issued Social Security card showing the updated name

The fee for a duplicate or updated license is $28.50. The DMV will issue a new license with your restored name.

Step 4: Update Your Passport

If your passport was issued more than a year ago, submit Form DS-82 (renewal application) with the certified divorce decree, a new passport photo, and the standard renewal fee. If issued within the past year, use Form DS-5504 for a free correction.

Step 5: Everything Else

Once you have the updated Social Security card and driver's license, update your name with:

• Banks, credit card companies, and investment accounts
• Employer payroll and benefits
• Health and auto insurance carriers
• Voter registration
• USPS (mail forwarding if address changed)
• Professional licensing boards (Rhode Island Department of Health, RI Bar, etc. — many require notification within 10 to 30 days)

The Rhode Island After-Divorce Checklist includes a name change sequence card with every form number, fee, and agency address pre-filled for Rhode Island's specific requirements.

See more Rhode Island guides →