How to Change Your Name in Georgia — Complete 2026 Guide

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. Check the vital records office. 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 5-10 business days by mail after SSA processes your request to receive your new card.
3. Change your Georgia driver's license. After your SSA update, 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 license fee varies; check your state's DMV.
4. Update your passport. To find out which passport form applies to you and what you'll pay, use the State Department's passport fee calculator and form guide.

How long the court process takes varies by county; check your court (official source). 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.

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 a separate court step (rules vary by state). In many states this works like a regular court name change, which can include a petition, fees and sometimes publication; check your state's court site.

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.

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.

Here's the step-by-step process for adult court-ordered name changes in Georgia:

The entire court process varies in length. Publication costs vary. Check with the newspaper.

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.

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 the required period in a local newspaper. Fees and timing vary by court (official source).
• 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.

Costs vary; check your court. However, the court scrutinizes minor name changes more carefully to ensure they serve the child's best interests rather than just parental preferences.

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 the required period, 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. Fees and timing vary by court (official source).

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.