Changing your name in Georgia involves different steps depending on your situation, but the process is straightforward once you know the requirements. Whether you're changing your name after marriage, divorce, through a court order, for a minor, or as part of your gender identity journey, Georgia has established procedures for all five types of name changes.

This guide walks you through every Georgia name change scenario, from the initial paperwork to updating all your documents afterward. You'll learn exactly what forms to file, where to go, how much it costs, and what documents you need to bring.

Quick Facts: Georgia Name Change

Court Filing Fee	Varies by county (typically $200-400)
Processing Time	30-60 days from filing to court order
Driver's License Fee	$32 (replacement license)
Publication Required	Yes, for court-ordered changes (4 weeks)
Court Jurisdiction	Superior Court in your county of residence

Marriage Name Change in Georgia

Changing your name after marriage in Georgia is the most straightforward type of name change because you don't need a court order. Your certified marriage certificate serves as your legal proof of name change.

Here's how to change your name after marriage in Georgia:

1. Get certified copies of your marriage certificate. You'll need multiple copies (usually 3-4) since many agencies require originals. If you were married in Georgia between June 9, 1952 and 1996, request copies from the Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records for $10 each. For marriages outside this date range, contact the Probate Judge in the county where your license was issued.
2. Update your Social Security card first. Visit your local Social Security office with your driver's license, certified marriage certificate, and proof of citizenship. This is free and takes 2-4 weeks to receive your new card.
3. Change your Georgia driver's license. Wait 24-48 hours after your SSA visit, then go to a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Center. Bring your current license, marriage certificate, new Social Security card, and two proofs of Georgia residency. The replacement license costs $32.
4. Update your passport. If your current passport was issued within the last year, you can renew by mail using Form DS-82. Otherwise, you'll need to apply in person with Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility.

The entire process typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete all your primary documents. You can use your certified marriage certificate immediately to update most accounts, but having your new Social Security card and driver's license makes everything smoother.

Georgia doesn't require you to change your name after marriage — keeping your prior name, hyphenating, or creating a new combined name are all legal options. Whatever you choose, your marriage certificate proves your legal right to use either name.

Divorce Name Change in Georgia

If you want to restore your prior name after divorce in Georgia, the easiest approach is to include this request in your divorce proceedings. Your divorce decree will then serve as your legal proof of name change, just like a marriage certificate.

When filing for divorce in Georgia, specifically request name restoration in your petition. The court will typically grant this request automatically, and your final divorce decree will include language restoring your prior name. This costs nothing extra beyond your divorce filing fees.

If your divorce is already finalized and didn't include name restoration, you'll need to file a separate petition for name change in Georgia Superior Court. This follows the same process as any court-ordered name change, including:

• Filing a petition in your county's Superior Court
• Paying court filing fees (varies by county)
• Publishing notice in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks
• Attending a court hearing

The separate petition route takes 30-60 days and costs several hundred dollars when you include filing fees and publication costs. That's why requesting name restoration during your original divorce proceedings is much more efficient.

Once you have your divorce decree with name restoration, follow the same document update process as marriage: Social Security first, then your driver's license, passport, and other accounts.

Court-Ordered Name Change (Adult) in Georgia

A court-ordered name change in Georgia is required when you want to change your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce. This includes personal preference, gender identity, family reasons, or professional purposes.

The entire court process typically takes 30-60 days from filing to receiving your name change order. Total costs usually range from $300-600 when you include filing fees, publication costs, and certified copies.

Georgia courts generally approve name change requests unless there's evidence of fraudulent intent. Common reasons that might lead to denial include attempting to avoid debts, escape criminal liability, or infringe on someone else's rights.

Some counties have specific forms available, while others accept a standard petition format. Contact your local Superior Court clerk's office for specific requirements and current fees in your county.

Minor Name Change in Georgia

Changing a minor's name in Georgia requires a court petition, but the process includes additional safeguards to protect the child's interests. The requirements depend on the child's age and family situation.

For children under 18, both biological parents must typically consent to the name change, even if they're divorced or separated. If one parent is deceased, you'll need to provide a death certificate. If one parent is absent or has had their parental rights terminated, you'll need court documentation proving this.

Here's what the minor name change process involves:

• Petition filing: File in the Superior Court of the county where the child lives. Include both parents' names, the child's current and desired names, and reasons for the change.
• Parental consent: Both parents must sign consent forms, or you must prove why one parent's consent isn't required.
• Publication: Like adult name changes, you must publish notice for four consecutive weeks in a local newspaper.
• Court hearing: A judge will review the petition and may ask questions about the name change being in the child's best interest.

Children aged 14 and older must also consent to their own name change in Georgia. The court may ask the child questions during the hearing to ensure they understand and agree with the decision.

Special circumstances that might affect minor name changes include adoption proceedings (which have their own name change processes), guardianship situations, or cases involving domestic violence where publication might pose safety risks.

The timeline and costs are similar to adult name changes: 30-60 days and $300-600 total. However, the court scrutinizes minor name changes more carefully to ensure they serve the child's best interests rather than just parental preferences.

Gender Identity Name Change in Georgia

Georgia recognizes the right to change your name as part of your gender identity journey. The process combines a court-ordered name change with updates to your gender marker on various documents, creating a comprehensive approach to legal gender recognition.

The name change portion follows the standard court petition process: file in Superior Court, publish notice for four weeks, attend a hearing, and receive your court order. When requesting a name change as part of gender identity affirmation, you'll want to be prepared to discuss this openly with the court, as Georgia judges generally respect these requests when presented respectfully.

Updating your gender marker involves different requirements depending on the document:

Georgia Driver's License: The Department of Driver Services generally requires a court order or amended birth certificate to change gender markers. Self-attestation is not currently accepted. Contact your local DDS Customer Service Center for current requirements, as policies can evolve.

Birth Certificate: Georgia allows amendments to birth certificates for gender marker changes, but requires a court order and may require medical documentation. The process involves petitioning the Superior Court in the county where you were born (if born in Georgia) or where you currently live.

U.S. Passport: Federal passport rules allow gender marker changes with a self-selected X, M, or F marker. You can update your passport gender marker when renewing with your new name, making this often the easiest document to update.

Social Security Records: The Social Security Administration updates gender markers when you provide acceptable documentation, which typically means a court order, updated birth certificate, or medical certification from a licensed physician.

Many people find it helpful to work with local LGBTQ+ organizations or attorneys experienced in gender identity legal issues. They can provide guidance on the most effective order for updating documents and current requirements that may not be widely publicized.

The legal process respects your privacy — court records are public, but many counties are sensitive to safety concerns and may limit access when appropriate. Your new documents will reflect your chosen name and gender marker without indicating that changes were made.

Updating Your Documents After the Court Order

Once you have your legal proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), you'll need to update your name with multiple agencies and organizations. Here's the recommended order:

1. Social Security Administration: Start here since most other agencies require your updated Social Security card as proof. Visit your local SSA office with your identification, name change document, and citizenship proof.
2. Georgia Department of Driver Services: Update your driver's license and state ID after completing your SSA change. The Georgia DDS requires your new Social Security card plus your name change document.
3. U.S. Passport: Update your passport using Form DS-82 (by mail) or DS-11 (in person), depending on your situation and timing.
4. Internal Revenue Service: Notify the IRS using Form 8822 (Change of Address form, which also handles name changes) or simply file your next tax return with your new name.
5. Voter Registration: Update your voter registration with your county's Board of Elections to ensure your voting records reflect your new name.
6. U.S. Postal Service: Update your name with USPS at your local post office and consider mail forwarding if you want mail in both names delivered temporarily.
7. Banks and Credit Unions: Update all your accounts, debit cards, and credit cards. Most financial institutions accept your new driver's license as sufficient proof.
8. Employer and Payroll: Notify your HR department to update payroll records, benefits, and your W-2 information for tax purposes.
9. Insurance Companies: Update your health, auto, home, and life insurance policies to ensure claims are processed correctly under your new name.
10. Professional Licenses: If you hold professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate, etc.), contact the licensing boards to update your credentials.

The entire document update process typically takes 2-3 months to complete everything, though you can handle the most important items (Social Security, driver's license, passport) within the first month.

Georgia DMV Name Change Details

Changing your name on your Georgia driver's license requires an in-person visit to a Department of Driver Services Customer Service Center. Georgia DDS verifies your new name against Social Security records electronically, so complete your SSA name change first and wait 24-48 hours before visiting DDS.

What to bring to your DDS appointment:

• Your current Georgia driver's license or ID card
• Your name change document (certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
• Your Social Security card showing your new name
• Two proofs of Georgia residency (utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements)
• Payment of $32 for the replacement license fee

Appointments are strongly recommended — schedule online at dds.georgia.gov or call 678-413-8400. Walk-ins are accepted but expect longer wait times, especially at busy locations.

During your visit, you'll complete an application, present your documents, pay the fee, and take a new photo. You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7-10 business days.

If you're also upgrading to a REAL ID, bring additional documentation including your birth certificate or passport. Vehicle registration and titles are handled separately through your county Tag Office, not through DDS.

Most DDS Customer Service Centers operate Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. Check the specific hours for your chosen location before visiting.

Last verified: 2026-03-28