Kentucky Petition for Name Change

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A Kentucky petition for name change is a legal form filed with the circuit court to request approval to change the name of an adult or a minor. It provides the court with the petitioner’s personal details, the proposed new name, and the reason for the change. A judge will grant the petition if the request is lawful and not intended to avoid debts or other obligations.

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Kentucky Petition for Name Change

Last updated November 13th, 2025

A Kentucky petition for name change is a legal form filed with the circuit court to request approval to change the name of an adult or a minor. It provides the court with the petitioner’s personal details, the proposed new name, and the reason for the change. A judge will grant the petition if the request is lawful and not intended to avoid debts or other obligations.

Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 18 years old
  • Be a resident of the county where filing
  • If under 18, must have parental consent

How to Legally Change a Name in Kentucky

Step 1 – Prepare Paperwork

The person looking to change their name or their child’s name (“petitioner”) must first fill out the Petition for Name Change (AOC-295).

Important:

  • The Petition must be typed, not handwritten.
  • The petitioner must not sign until appearing before the circuit court clerk.

Note: Some courts may require additional forms or supporting documents. Petitioners should contact a circuit court clerk to confirm all filing requirements.

Step 2 – File Petition

Once the Petition has been prepared, it must be printed and filed in person with the circuit court clerk in the county where the petitioner resides.[1]

The petitioner will be required to present a valid photo ID and sign the Petition in the clerk’s presence. A filing fee must also be paid at this time (fees vary by county).

Step 3 – Confirm Hearing (if necessary)

The clerk will schedule a court hearing for the name change request only if either of the following applies:

  1. The petitioner was unable to provide a valid photo ID.
  2. The name change is for a minor.

If a hearing is required, the clerk will provide the date, time, and courtroom information after the Petition is filed.

Step 4 – Notify Other Parent (if applicable)

If the name change is for a minor and one of the parents was unable or unwilling to sign the Petition, that parent must be served with legal notice of the court hearing.[2]

Petitioners can request that the court clerk or the sheriff’s office serve the papers. In either case, a fee will be charged to the petitioner.

Step 5 – Obtain Judgment

If the judge grants the petitioner’s request after reviewing the paperwork and conducting a hearing (if applicable), they will issue a Name Change Order (AOC-296) to signify approval. Petitioners should request several certified copies of the Name Change Order.

Step 6 – Update Personal Records

Certified copies of the Name Change Order may be presented as proof when obtaining a new Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, and other official identification.

Under Kentucky law, drivers are required to update their records with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet within 10 days after a name change.[3]

Marriage and Divorce

An individual may adopt a new name through marriage by listing the desired name on the marriage license application. After the wedding ceremony, the marriage certificate will serve as legal documentation of the name change.

Before a divorce is finalized in Kentucky, a request to restore a former or maiden name may be made in the divorce papers. The court may then order the name change when issuing the divorce decree.[4]

Sources

  1. § 401.010
  2. § 401.020(2)
  3. § 186.540(1)
  4. § 403.230