Wyoming Name Change: Complete Guide for All 5 Types

Changing your name in Wyoming involves different processes depending on your situation. A Wyoming name change can happen through marriage, divorce, court petition, minor name change, or gender identity transition. Whether you're updating your name after marriage, returning to a prior name after divorce, or seeking a complete legal name change through the courts, Wyoming has clear procedures to make it official. This guide walks you through all five types of name changes in Wyoming, plus how to update your documents afterward.

Quick Facts: Wyoming Name Change

Court Filing Fee	Varies by county — check with your local district court
Timeline	2-8 weeks (court order), immediate (marriage/divorce)
Driver's License Fee	$10 replacement fee
Publication Required	Yes, for court-ordered changes (additional cost varies by newspaper)
Court Jurisdiction	District court in county where you reside

Marriage Name Change in Wyoming

After getting married in Wyoming, your certified marriage certificate serves as legal proof of your name change — no court petition required. This makes marriage the most straightforward path for how to change your name after marriage in Wyoming.

Start by ordering certified copies of your marriage certificate from Wyoming Vital Statistics Services or the county clerk where you were married. You'll need multiple certified copies since most agencies require originals. The fee is $8 per certified copy from Vital Statistics Services.

Your first stop should always be the Social Security Administration. Update your Social Security card within a few weeks of your marriage, as this creates the foundation for all other name changes. Bring your driver's license, certified marriage certificate, and Social Security card to your local SSA office. The new card arrives in 2-4 weeks at no charge.

Next, update your Wyoming driver's license at the Department of Transportation (WYDOT). Wait 24-48 hours after your SSA visit to ensure their system reflects your updated name. You'll need your current license, certified marriage certificate, new Social Security card, and proof of Wyoming residency. The replacement fee is $10, and your new card arrives by mail in 1-4 weeks.

For your passport renewal, you can use Form DS-82 if your name change occurred within one year of passport issuance. Otherwise, you'll need to apply in person using Form DS-11. Both require your certified marriage certificate as proof of the name change.

Remember to notify the IRS using Form 8822, update your voter registration, and contact your banks and credit card companies. Most financial institutions accept a certified marriage certificate as proof of your name change.

Divorce Name Change in Wyoming

If you want to return to your prior name after divorce in Wyoming, the easiest method is to include the name restoration in your divorce decree. Wyoming courts routinely grant requests to restore a prior name as part of the divorce proceedings — no separate petition required.

When filing for divorce, include language in your petition requesting restoration of your prior name. The final divorce decree will contain an order stating your name is legally changed back to your prior name. This decree serves as your legal proof of name change for all agencies.

If your divorce is already final and the decree doesn't include name restoration, you'll need to file a separate court petition for a name change. This follows the same process as a general court-ordered name change, including publication requirements and court fees.

Once you have your divorce decree with name restoration, follow the same document update process as marriage name changes: start with Social Security, then your Wyoming driver's license, passport, and other documents. The divorce decree replaces the marriage certificate as your proof of name change.

Some agencies may require a certified copy of the divorce decree rather than a photocopy. Order multiple certified copies from the clerk of court where your divorce was finalized. The fee varies by county but typically ranges from $5-15 per copy.

Court-Ordered Name Change (Adult) in Wyoming

The entire court-ordered name change process typically takes 6-10 weeks from filing to final order. Once you have your court order, you can begin updating all your documents using this as legal proof of your name change.

Wyoming courts generally approve name change requests unless there's evidence of fraud, intent to avoid debts, or the new name would be confusing or inappropriate. The judge has discretion to deny requests that don't serve a legitimate purpose.

Minor Name Change in Wyoming

Changing a child's name in Wyoming requires a court petition filed by the parent or legal guardian. Child name change Wyoming requirements include additional protections since minors cannot petition for themselves.

If both parents have legal custody, both must consent to the name change or appear in court. If you're filing without the other parent's consent, you'll need to prove they've abandoned the child, had their parental rights terminated, or that the name change serves the child's best interests despite their objection.

The petition must include the child's current name, proposed new name, reason for the change, and information about both parents. You'll need to serve notice to the non-petitioning parent unless their whereabouts are unknown or parental rights have been terminated.

Publication requirements for minor name changes follow the same rules as adult changes — once weekly for four consecutive weeks in a local newspaper. However, some courts may waive publication if both parents consent and there are safety concerns.

At the hearing, the judge will consider the child's best interests, including their age and preference if old enough to express one. For teenagers, courts often give significant weight to the minor's wishes regarding their name change.

Once approved, the court order allows you to update the child's Social Security card, birth certificate (if born in Wyoming), school records, and other documents. The process typically takes 6-8 weeks from filing to final order.

If the child was born outside Wyoming, you'll need to check that state's requirements for updating their birth certificate with the new name.

Gender Identity Name Change in Wyoming

Transgender individuals seeking a name change in Wyoming follow the same court petition process as other adults, but may face additional considerations when updating gender markers on official documents.

For the name change itself, file a standard adult petition for change of name with your district court. Wyoming courts cannot deny name change petitions based solely on gender identity, and the process follows the same publication and hearing requirements as any adult name change.

When updating your Wyoming driver's license, gender marker changes may require additional documentation beyond your name change court order. Contact WYDOT directly to ask about current requirements, as policies can change. Some transgender individuals find it helpful to update their name first, then pursue gender marker changes separately.

For your birth certificate, if you were born in Wyoming, the state allows gender marker changes with appropriate medical documentation. Contact Wyoming Vital Statistics Services for current requirements and forms. If born in another state, you'll need to work with that state's vital records office.

Your updated name change court order will be sufficient for most agencies including Social Security, passport services, banks, and employers. The Social Security Administration allows gender marker updates through their standard process once you have supporting documentation.

Consider timing your document updates strategically. Many transgender individuals start with the court-ordered name change, update their Social Security records, then tackle driver's license and birth certificate changes. This ensures consistency across documents and reduces complications.

Wyoming's court system generally handles gender identity name changes respectfully and professionally. If you encounter any discrimination or unusual requirements, consider consulting with an attorney familiar with transgender rights in Wyoming.

Updating Your Documents After Your Wyoming Name Change

Once you have legal proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), you'll need to update your name with various agencies and organizations. Start with federal agencies, as they often require updated information from each other:

1. Social Security Administration — Visit your local SSA office with your name change document and current Social Security card. Your updated card arrives in 2-4 weeks at no charge.
2. Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) — Update your driver's license within 30 days. Bring your name change document, new Social Security card, and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $10.
3. U.S. State Department — Update your passport using Form DS-82 (by mail) or DS-11 (in person) depending on your situation.
4. Internal Revenue Service — File Form 8822 to notify the IRS of your name change, though they'll also update when you file your next tax return with your new name.
5. Wyoming Secretary of State — Update your voter registration online or at your county clerk's office before the next election.
6. U.S. Postal Service — Update your name at your local post office and consider mail forwarding if you're also moving.
7. Banks and Credit Unions — Update your accounts, debit cards, and checks by visiting branches with your name change document.
8. Credit Card Companies — Call or visit websites to update your name on all credit accounts to maintain your credit history.
9. Insurance Companies — Update auto, health, life, and homeowners insurance policies. Your insurance ID cards will need to be reissued.
10. Professional Licenses — Contact Wyoming licensing boards for any professional licenses you hold (medical, legal, real estate, etc.).

Most agencies will accept a certified copy of your name change document, but some require originals. Order multiple certified copies when you first obtain your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to avoid delays.

Wyoming DMV Name Change Process

Changing your name on your Wyoming driver's license requires an in-person visit to a WYDOT office. You cannot update your name online or by mail — all name changes must be processed face-to-face with proper documentation.

Before you go: Update your name with Social Security first. WYDOT verifies your name against SSA records electronically, and mismatches result in application denial. Wait at least 24-48 hours after your SSA visit before heading to WYDOT.

What to bring: Your current Wyoming driver's license, original or certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), your updated Social Security card, proof of Wyoming residency, and $10 for the replacement fee.

At the office: Complete the application form provided at the office, present your documents, pay the fee, and take a new photo. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail in 1-4 weeks.

No appointment is required at most WYDOT locations, which accept walk-ins during business hours. Find your nearest office and current hours at the WYDOT website or call 307-777-4800.

If you're also upgrading to a REAL ID (recommended for domestic air travel after May 2025), bring additional documents including your birth certificate or passport and two proofs of Wyoming residency.

Last verified: 2026-03-28