Filing fees can vary depending on the county in which you file your Petition for Name Change. These fees typically range from $50 to $100. Additionally, there might be costs related to obtaining certified copies of the court order once your name change is granted.
Besides the initial filing fees, you should also consider any potential costs for updating your name across various personal and legal documents. These might include fees for updating your driver's license, state ID, passport, and any vehicle registration documents.
Changing Your Name On Financial Accounts
Updating your financial accounts ensures that your new name is reflected on all your banking and financial documents, minimizing any confusion or issues down the road. Here’s how you can make this change smoothly:
Gather Required Documents
First, collect the necessary documents to verify your name change. This usually includes your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, along with valid identification such as a driver's license or passport.
Contact Your Financial Institutions
Reach out to each of your financial institutions, which may include banks, credit unions, credit card companies, and investment firms. It's a good idea to list all accounts you need to update.
Visit In Person Or Online
Depending on your financial institution's policies, you may need to visit a branch in person, or you might be able to complete the process online through their website. Ensure you have your documentation ready in either scenario.
Check Automatic Payments And Linked Accounts
Don’t forget about any automatic payments or linked accounts you might have. This includes subscriptions, utility payments, and any account that automatically withdraws or deposits money.
Request New Checks And Cards
After your name update is processed, ask your bank for new checks and debit/credit cards displaying your new name to ensure consistency across all your financial tools.
Notifying Government Agencies And Institutions
It's essential to notify the relevant government agencies and institutions in Kentucky if you're in the process of changing your name. Here's a quick guide to help you understand which entities need to be informed and how you can simplify this task:
Social Security Administration
Your first stop should be the Social Security Administration (SSA). Before updating any other documents, you’ll need to inform the SSA of your new name. To initiate the process, fill out Form SS-5 and provide necessary documentation, such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Once updated, your social security card will reflect your new name, and you will retain the same number.
Kentucky Department Of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
After the SSA, update your name with the Kentucky DMV. To do this, visit your local DMV office with your updated social security card, current driver’s license, and the legal document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Passport Office
If you have a passport, you’ll want to update this with your new name as well. Depending on how recently your passport was issued, you might need to fill out a different form (DS-5504 for passports issued within the last year, and DS-82 for older passorts). Submit these along with your current passport, a recent photo, and any name change documents.
Voter Registration
Ensure your right to vote isn’t affected by your name change. You’ll need to update your voter registration with your new name. This can typically be done online, by mail, or in person at your local county clerk's office.
Additional Notifications
Don’t forget other critical institutions, like your banks, where you'll need to update your accounts, credit cards, and checks. Employer records, insurance policies, utility providers, and any memberships should also be revised to reflect your new name.
Having all necessary documentation ready will greatly simplify the process at each step. At NewlyNamed, we offer comprehensive name change kits that guide you through every stage, ensuring you don't miss any essential updates.
Read also:
