How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Arkansas

The winning sequence in Arkansas is: certified marriage certificate → Social Security (free, first) → wait 24–48 hours → Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Office of Driver Services → passport → notify everyone. Each step verifies against the one before it, so order matters.

Order 3–5 certified copies from the Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records (Slot 44, 4815 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205). Photocopies aren't accepted.

Good to know for Arkansas: Order online, by mail, by phone (866-209-9482), or walk-in. Fee is $10 per copy (online orders add a $5 processing fee plus $1.85 identity verification fee and optional expedited shipping). Processing 7-14 business days plus shipping; same-day service available for walk-ins arriving by 4:00 PM with required ID.

File the free SS-5 with Social Security first, wait 24–48 hours, then update your license at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Office of Driver Services (typically about $10 (confirm with the agency)). Bring:

• Current Arkansas driver license or ID card
• Certified marriage certificate (or court order/divorce decree) proving legal name change
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Proof of Arkansas residency (may be requested for REAL ID compliance)
• Completed Affidavit of Legal Name Change form (if applicable)

Update your passport, then your Arkansas voter registration (Arkansas does not offer online voter registration updates. To report a name change, complete the name-change portion of the voter registration application and submit it to your county clerk. Applications (including changes) must be received no later than 4 days before a scheduled election (Arkansas's registration deadline, called a "grace period" state).), and finally your bank, employer, and insurers.