How to Change Your Name in Arkansas

If you’re looking to change your name in Arkansas following marriage, you can typically initiate this process when submitting your marriage license. However, it’s advisable to check with your county clerk as procedures and regulations can vary between counties.

Once married, your marriage certificate becomes the primary legal document for your name change. Upon filing your marriage license at the county courthouse, you can expect to receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate by mail within approximately two weeks. This certified copy can then be used to update your name with various agencies, institutions, and businesses.

In Arkansas, changing your name after a divorce is a straightforward process. The name change request can be included in the divorce decree. If the judge approves, the name change becomes official when the decree is signed. You’ll need to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other important documents to reflect your new name. Obtain certified copies of the divorce decree to present as legal proof of your name change. This ensures all your records and identification match your new name, helping you transition smoothly to your post-divorce identity.

To change your name via petition in Arkansas, you’ll need to file a Petition for a Change of Name in the county where you reside. The petition must include your current name, the new name you desire, and the reasons for the change. You may also need to undergo a background check. Once filed, a court hearing will be scheduled, where a judge will review your petition. If the judge approves your request, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. You’ll then use this court order to update your name on official documents like your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport.

To change the name of a minor in Arkansas, a parent or guardian must file a Petition for Change of Name of a Child in the county where the child resides. The petition must include the child’s current name, the desired new name, and the reasons for the change. Both parents typically need to consent, but if one parent does not agree, the court may still grant the change if it is in the child’s best interest. A court hearing will be scheduled, and if the judge approves, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. This order is then used to update the child’s official documents.

Here is the process for changing the name on your Arkansas Driver’s License.

1. Update Your Name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Before updating your driver’s license in Arkansas, you must first update your name with the SSA. This step is essential because the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) verifies your new name through the SSA.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following documents to bring to the DFA office:

• Your current Arkansas driver’s license or ID card.
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• Proof of your identity, which could be your updated Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate.
• Proof of Arkansas residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

3. Visit a Local Arkansas DFA Office

• To complete the name change process, you must visit a DFA office in person. It cannot be done online or by mail.
• Be prepared to pay a fee of $10 for the updated driver’s license.

4. Receive Your Updated License

After submitting your documents and paying the fee, you will receive your updated driver’s license with your new name. It typically takes up to two weeks for the name change to be processed and reflected on your new license.

Here is the process for changing the name on your Vehicle and Title Registration in Arkansas.

1. Prepare the Required Documents

You’ll need the following:

• Your current Arkansas vehicle title and registration.
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• A completed Application for Title or Registration (Form 10-381).

2. Visit an Arkansas DFA Office

To update your name on your vehicle title and registration, you must visit your local Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Revenue Office in person. This process cannot be done online or by mail.

3. Pay the Applicable Fees

The fee for updating your vehicle title in Arkansas is typically $10. Additional fees may apply for changes to your vehicle registration, so it’s advisable to confirm with the DFA office during your visit.

4. Receive Your Updated Title and Registration

Once your application is processed, the DFA will issue a new vehicle title and registration reflecting your updated name. These documents will be mailed to your address.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Voter Registration in Arkansas.

1. Complete a Voter Registration Application

To update your name on your voter registration, you will need to complete the name change section of the Arkansas Voter Registration Application form. This form can be obtained online from the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website, at a county clerk’s office, or at other voter registration locations like DMV offices and public libraries.

2. Submit the Form

You can submit your completed form in one of the following ways:

• By Mail: Send the completed form to your county clerk’s office. It’s essential to ensure the form is postmarked at least 30 days before an election to vote under your new name.
• In Person: You can deliver the form directly to your county clerk’s office, DMV, or another designated location.

3. Check Your Registration Status

After submitting your name change, you should receive a new voter registration card by mail. If you don’t receive this card, or if you want to verify that your name has been updated, you can check your registration status online through the Voter View website.

This process ensures that your voter registration reflects your new legal name, allowing you to vote without issues on Election Day. For more details, visit the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website or contact your local county clerk.

• Social Security Administration
• Passport 
• Postal Service

Criminal Background Check: If you are an adult petitioning for a name change, you may need to undergo a criminal background check. This helps ensure that the name change is not being requested to evade law enforcement or creditors.

Consent Requirements: For minors, both parents typically need to consent to the name change. If one parent does not consent, the court will consider whether the change is in the child’s best interest.

Court Discretion: The court has the discretion to deny a name change request if it believes the change is being requested for fraudulent or misleading purposes.

Notification Requirements: You may need to notify certain parties of your name change, such as creditors, employers, and schools.

Impact on Legal Documents: A name change will require updating all legal documents, including your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and any other identification or financial documents.

Restrictions on Frequency: While there are no specific limits on how often you can change your name, multiple name changes may raise suspicion and could be scrutinized by the court.

Legal Status: If you have any pending legal actions, such as bankruptcy or criminal charges, the court may consider these when reviewing your petition.

Debt and Financial Obligations: Changing your name does not absolve you of any existing debts or financial obligations. Creditors must still be able to track you, and you are required to notify them of your name change.

Immigration Status: If you are not a U.S. citizen, changing your name could affect your immigration status or documentation. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney before proceeding.