Kentucky Name Change Without a Lawyer
How to Change Your Name in Kentucky Without a Lawyer
Court Process, Filing Fees, Timeline, and Total Cost (Complete Guide)
Introduction
In Kentucky, legally changing your name is handled through the county circuit court system. While the process includes filing paperwork, paying court fees, and publishing a public notice, most adults can complete everything on their own—without hiring a lawyer.
This guide explains exactly how to change your name in Kentucky, including where to file, how much it costs, how long it takes, and what mistakes commonly delay approval.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice.
Who Can Change Their Name in Kentucky?
You may apply for a legal name change in Kentucky if:
You are 18 years or older
You currently live in Kentucky
Your request is not for fraud, identity theft, or illegal purposes
You are not trying to avoid debts, judgments, or criminal responsibility
Name changes for minors follow a different legal process.
Which Court Handles Name Changes in Kentucky?
All adult name change cases in Kentucky are handled by the:
🏛️ Kentucky Circuit Court
You must file in the county where you live, such as:
Jefferson County Circuit Court
Fayette County Circuit Court
Kenton County Circuit Court
District courts do not process name changes.
Step-by-Step: Kentucky Name Change Process (Adults)
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Petition for Name Change
Kentucky requires a document usually titled:
“Petition for Change of Name”
The petition must include:
Your current legal name
The new name you want
Date of birth
County of residence
Reason for the name change (short and honest explanation)
You must sign the petition under oath.
✅ Step 2: File the Petition with the Circuit Court Clerk
You can file:
In person at the courthouse
By mail (some counties allow e-filing)
At filing, submit:
Completed petition
Valid photo ID
Filing fee
💰 Kentucky Name Change Cost (Full Breakdown)
Item
Cost
Court filing fee
$120 – $180
Certified copies (each)
$5 – $10
Publication notice
$50 – $200
Background check (if ordered)
$30 – $45
👉 Average Total Cost
$200 – $350
Kentucky is considered a moderate-cost state for name changes.
✅ Step 3: Publication Requirement (Very Important in Kentucky)
Kentucky usually requires:
Publishing a public notice in a local newspaper
Notice runs once a week for 3 consecutive weeks
You may request a publication waiver if:
You have safety concerns
You are a victim of domestic violence or harassment
Proof of publication must be filed with the court before approval.
✅ Step 4: Court Hearing (Common in Kentucky)
Most counties schedule:
A short court hearing
At the hearing, the judge may:
Confirm your identity
Ask basic questions
Verify no illegal intent
Hearings are usually brief and informal.
✅ Step 5: Judge Signs the Name Change Order
If approved:
The judge issues a Name Change Order
Request multiple certified copies
⏱️ Typical Timeline:
4–6 weeks from filing to approval
What to Do After Your Kentucky Name Change Is Approved
🔹 Social Security Administration
Free update
Must be completed first
🔹 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (DMV)
License/ID update fee: $12 – $24
New ID mailed within 10–14 days
🔹 Passport, Banks, Employer
Certified court order required
Common Kentucky Name Change Mistakes
❌ Filing in the wrong county
❌ Publishing in a newspaper outside your county
❌ Forgetting proof of publication
❌ Missing the court hearing
❌ Ordering only one certified copy
These mistakes cause delays, not rejection.
Do You Need a Lawyer in Kentucky?
No.
Most adults in Kentucky successfully complete the name change process without hiring a lawyer. Legal help is only recommended for complex cases.
How Long Does the Kentucky Process Take?
Stage
Time
Filing & publication
3–4 weeks
Hearing & approval
1–2 weeks
ID updates
2–4 weeks
FAQs – Kentucky Name Change
1️⃣ Can I change my name in Kentucky without a lawyer?
Yes. Self-representation is common.
2️⃣ Is publication mandatory?
Usually yes, unless waived by the judge.
3️⃣ How much does it cost?
Most adults spend $200–$350.
4️⃣ Is a court hearing required?
Yes, in most counties.
5️⃣ Can the judge deny my request?
Only if the request is fraudulent or incomplete.
Final Summary
Kentucky offers a clear and manageable process for adult name changes. By filing the correct paperwork, completing publication, and attending a short hearing, most residents can legally change their name without professional legal help.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court procedures and fees may change. Always verify details with your local Kentucky Circuit Court.
