Changing Your Name in Connecticut: Everything You Need to Know

A Connecticut name change can happen for many reasons — marriage, divorce, personal preference, or gender identity affirmation. Connecticut allows adults to change their names through court petition, while married couples can use their marriage certificate, and divorced individuals can restore their prior name through their divorce decree. Whether you're updating your name after a major life event or simply want a fresh start, Connecticut's process is straightforward once you understand the requirements. This guide walks you through all five types of name changes available in Connecticut, from filing the initial paperwork to updating your driver's license and Social Security card.

Quick Facts: Connecticut Name Change

Requirement	Details
Court Filing Fee	Varies by county — check with your local Superior Court
Processing Time	4-8 weeks for court-ordered changes
Driver's License Fee	$30 replacement fee
Publication Requirement	Required for court-ordered changes (unless waived for safety)
Court Jurisdiction	Connecticut Superior Court in your county of residence

Marriage Name Change in Connecticut

If you're changing your name after marriage in Connecticut, you don't need to go to court. Your certified marriage certificate serves as legal proof of your name change. This is the most straightforward path to updating your name.

Step 1: Get your certified marriage certificate. Order copies from the town clerk where you were married or from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. You'll need at least 2-3 certified copies since some agencies keep the original.

Step 2: Update Social Security first. Visit your local Social Security office with your certified marriage certificate, current driver's license, and proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport). This typically takes 2-4 weeks, and most other agencies require your updated Social Security card as proof.

Step 3: Update your Connecticut driver's license. Visit the DMV with your marriage certificate, updated Social Security card, current license, and proof of Connecticut residency. The $30 replacement fee gets you a new license with your married name.

Step 4: Update everything else. Use your updated driver's license and Social Security card to change your name with banks, employers, insurance companies, and your passport. The marriage certificate remains your legal proof of name change for all future updates.

Connecticut allows you to take your spouse's surname, keep your prior name, hyphenate, or create a completely new combined surname. The choice is yours — just make sure it's reflected correctly on your marriage certificate.

Divorce Name Change in Connecticut

Connecticut makes it easy to restore your prior name after divorce. You can request name restoration as part of your divorce proceedings, which saves time and money compared to filing a separate name change petition later.

During divorce proceedings: Ask your attorney to include name restoration language in your divorce complaint. The final divorce decree will include a specific provision restoring your prior name. This serves as your legal proof of name change.

After divorce is final: If name restoration wasn't included in your original decree, you'll need to file a separate petition with the Connecticut Superior Court. This follows the same process as a court-ordered name change, including filing fees and potential publication requirements.

Use your divorce decree with name restoration clause to update your Social Security card first, then your Connecticut driver's license, and finally all other documents. The process mirrors marriage name change but uses your divorce decree as proof instead of a marriage certificate.

Connecticut law presumes that divorced individuals want to restore their prior name, but it's not automatic — you must specifically request it. If you want to keep your married name after divorce, you don't need to do anything. If you want to choose a completely different name (not your prior name), you'll need to file a separate court petition for name change.

Court-Ordered Name Change in Connecticut (Adult)

Connecticut courts rarely deny name change petitions unless the request is for fraudulent purposes, to avoid criminal prosecution, or to avoid debts and legal obligations. The process takes about 6-8 weeks from filing to final decree.

Minor Name Change in Connecticut

Changing a child's name in Connecticut requires court approval and careful attention to parental consent requirements. The process protects both the child's interests and parental rights.

Consent requirements: If both parents have legal custody, both must consent to the name change. If one parent has sole custody, that parent can petition alone, but the court will notify the other parent unless their rights have been terminated. If you can't locate the other parent, the court may appoint an attorney for the child.

Filing process: The petition is filed by the parent or legal guardian in the Superior Court where the child lives. Include the child's current name, proposed new name, reason for the change, and proof of parental consent. The filing fee is the same as adult name changes.

Best interests standard: Connecticut courts evaluate whether the name change serves the child's best interests. Common approved reasons include adoption, family unification, safety concerns, or correcting spelling errors. The court may deny requests that could cause confusion or harm to the child.

Publication requirements: Notice must be published in a local newspaper unless waived by the court. This allows any interested parties to object to the name change.

The court may require a hearing, especially if there's any disagreement between parents or questions about the child's best interests. Once approved, use the certified decree to update the child's Social Security card, school records, and other documents.

Gender Identity Name Change in Connecticut

Connecticut welcomes individuals seeking to affirm their gender identity through name changes. The state has inclusive policies that respect your right to live authentically, and the legal process is designed to be affirming rather than burdensome.

Name change process: Follow the standard court-ordered name change process described above. Connecticut courts routinely approve name changes for gender identity reasons. You don't need to provide medical documentation or proof of gender transition — simply stating that the name change is for gender identity purposes is sufficient.

Gender marker changes: Connecticut allows gender marker changes on driver's licenses through self-attestation — no court order or medical documentation required. Visit the DMV with your updated documents and request the change. Connecticut offers male (M), female (F), and non-binary (X) options.

Birth certificate updates: Connecticut allows gender marker corrections on birth certificates for transgender individuals. You'll need to file a petition with the Superior Court along with an affidavit from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that you've undergone clinically appropriate treatment for gender dysphoria. The court process is confidential and supportive.

Privacy protection: Connecticut law protects the privacy of transgender individuals. Court records can be sealed upon request, and you can request waiver of publication requirements if you have safety concerns about public notice of your name change.

The entire process typically takes 6-10 weeks from filing to receiving your certified name change decree. Connecticut's approach prioritizes dignity and safety while ensuring the legal name change meets all requirements for federal document updates.

Updating Your Documents After Your Connecticut Name Change

Once you have your legal proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), you'll need to update your documents in a specific order. Start with federal agencies, then state agencies, then private entities:

1. Social Security Administration — Update first since other agencies verify against SSA records. Visit in person with your name change document, current ID, and proof of citizenship.
2. Connecticut DMV — Update your driver's license and vehicle registration. Bring your updated Social Security card, name change document, and current license.
3. U.S. Passport — Use form DS-82 if eligible, or DS-11 for new applications. Include your certified name change document and updated driver's license.
4. IRS — File Form 8822 to notify the IRS of your name change, or simply file your next tax return with your new name and same Social Security number.
5. Voter Registration — Update with your local registrar of voters or through the Connecticut Secretary of State's office online.
6. U.S. Postal Service — Update your name at your local post office and set up mail forwarding if needed to ensure delivery.
7. Banks and Credit Unions — Visit in person or call to update your accounts. You'll need your updated driver's license and Social Security card.
8. Employer/HR Department — Update your employment records, direct deposit, benefits, and tax withholding information.
9. Insurance Companies — Update auto, health, life, and property insurance policies. This may affect premiums, so review your coverage.
10. Professional Licenses — Update any professional licenses, certifications, or memberships with your new name.

Connecticut DMV Name Change Details

Changing your name on your Connecticut driver's license requires an in-person visit to the DMV. Connecticut doesn't allow online or mail-in name changes for security reasons.

What to bring: Your current Connecticut driver's license, certified name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), updated Social Security card, and proof of Connecticut residency. You'll also need $30 for the replacement license fee.

Appointment recommended: Connecticut DMV offices accept walk-ins, but appointments move much faster. Schedule online at portal.ct.gov/dmv or call 860-263-5700. Most offices are open Monday through Friday with limited Saturday hours.

Same-day service: You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately and your permanent card arrives by mail within 1-4 weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving and most identification purposes.

REAL ID upgrade: If you don't already have a REAL ID, consider upgrading during your name change visit. Bring your birth certificate or passport along with the other documents. REAL ID is required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.

Connecticut also allows self-attestation for gender marker changes on driver's licenses. No court order or medical documentation is needed — simply request the change when updating your name. Male (M), female (F), and non-binary (X) options are available.

Last verified: 2026-03-28