One of the most common questions clients ask after a Nevada divorce is finalized: what do I do about my name? Whether you want to return to your maiden name or a previous legal name, Nevada law gives you two clear paths — and the process is more straightforward than most people expect.
Bottom line: The easiest time to change your name is during the divorce itself. If you miss that window, a separate name change petition filed in Nevada district court typically costs under $300 and takes 4–8 weeks.
Nevada allows you to request a legal name change as part of your divorce proceedings under NRS 125.130. If the court grants it, your divorce decree will specifically state that your name is restored to your chosen name. This is the simplest approach because:
If you want to use this option, tell your attorney before the divorce is finalized. The name change language must be included in the final decree — it cannot be added after the fact without a separate motion.
If your divorce decree did not include a name change, or if you decided later that you want to change your name, you can file a separate name change petition in Nevada district court under NRS 41.270.
The entire process typically takes 4–8 weeks from filing to the court order, depending on court scheduling and caseload.
Once you have either a divorce decree with a name change provision or a separate court order, update your records in this sequence — each agency often requires proof from the previous step:
Visit your local SSA office or apply at ssa.gov. Bring your court order (or divorce decree), a photo ID, and proof of citizenship. Your updated Social Security card arrives within 10–14 business days and is free.
Once you have your updated Social Security record, visit a Nevada DMV office with your court order, current license, updated Social Security card, and proof of Nevada residency. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
If your current passport was issued less than a year ago, you can update it for free. For older passports, apply for a new one (fee: $130–$165) using Form DS-5504 (recent) or DS-11 (new) along with your court order.
Contact each bank directly. Most require your court order plus your updated government-issued ID. Update accounts, credit cards, investment accounts, and beneficiary designations.
Notify your employer's HR department, update voter registration through the Nevada Secretary of State, and update any professional licenses, insurance policies, and subscription services.
Important: Do not sign any legal documents with your new name until after you have received the court order.
Changing a child's last name is a completely separate process requiring its own court petition. Nevada courts apply the "best interests of the child" standard — considering the child's relationship with each parent, the child's preference (if old enough), and how the name change would affect the child's wellbeing. The other parent must be notified and has the right to object.
Nevada law allows you to restore any name you have previously used — your maiden name, a name from a prior marriage, or a middle name used as a last name. You generally cannot change to a name intended to defraud creditors, one that is obscene, or one that includes numbers or symbols.
PRO LAW GROUP has handled thousands of Nevada family law matters since 2000. Contact us for a free initial consultation. Call (702) 474-0500 — Monday through Thursday 8:30am–5pm, Friday 8:30am–3pm.