Is Name Change Legal in Kansas? (2026)
Yes. In Kansas, name change is legal. After a legal name change, update your Social Security record using SSA’s evidence and application requirements. This federal record-update guidance does not establish state court name-change procedures or eligibility.. A permit or license is required.
Key facts
- Status
- Legal
- Permit required
- Yes
- Jurisdiction
- Kansas
- Last reviewed
- 2026-04-09
Name Change laws in Kansas
This overview covers updating a federal Social Security record after a legal name change. It does not establish how to obtain a court order in Kansas, state filing fees, publication requirements, eligibility, or rules for changing a child’s legal name. SSA says to notify it after a legal name change arising from marriage, divorce or a court order. To receive a corrected Social Security card, provide evidence of identity, the new legal name and the name-change event. SSA may also need evidence of current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status. For U.S. citizen adults, SSA’s April 2026 checklist lists a marriage document, divorce decree, naturalization certificate showing the new name, or a court order as evidence of the legal change. SSA may request identity documents showing both the old and new names; identity documents in the old name may be expired. The checklist lists a U.S. driver’s license, state non-driver identification card or U.S. passport as identity evidence, and says certain employee, school, health-insurance or military identification cards may also be acceptable. Provide original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency; photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted. This adult citizen checklist does not establish the evidence rules for children or every immigration situation. Use SSA’s replacement-card questions to find the application route for your situation. The adult checklist describes completing the application online or starting online and bringing required documents to an SSA office or Card Center within 45 calendar days. If you cannot start online, arrange an office visit and complete Form SS-5. Do not assume every name change can be completed entirely online. SSA provides the corrected or replacement Social Security card for free. Its regulation allows a replacement card bearing the same Social Security number and the new name for a verified legal name change, and exempts name-change replacement cards from the ordinary replacement-card limits. These federal services do not create a state court order or set the fee for a separate state proceeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is name change legal in Kansas for travelers?
For travelers visiting Kansas, name change is currently legal. This overview covers updating a federal Social Security record after a legal name change. It does not establish how to obtain a court order in Kansas, state filing fees, publication requirements, eligibility, or rules for changing a child’s legal name. SSA says to notify it after a legal name change arising from marriage, divorce or a court order. To receive a corrected Social Security card, provide evidence of identity, the new legal name and the name-change event. SSA may also need evidence of current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status. For U.S. citizen adults, SSA’s April 2026 checklist lists a marriage document, divorce decree, naturalization certificate showing the new name, or a court order as evidence of the legal change. SSA may request identity documents showing both the old and new names; identity documents in the old name may be expired. The checklist lists a U.S. driver’s license, state non-driver identification card or U.S. passport as identity evidence, and says certain employee, school, health-insurance or military identification cards may also be acceptable. Provide original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency; photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted. This adult citizen checklist does not establish the evidence rules for children or every immigration situation. Use SSA’s replacement-card questions to find the application route for your situation. The adult checklist describes completing the application online or starting online and bringing required documents to an SSA office or Card Center within 45 calendar days. If you cannot start online, arrange an office visit and complete Form SS-5. Do not assume every name change can be completed entirely online. SSA provides the corrected or replacement Social Security card for free. Its regulation allows a replacement card bearing the same Social Security number and the new name for a verified legal name change, and exempts name-change replacement cards from the ordinary replacement-card limits. These federal services do not create a state court order or set the fee for a separate state proceeding.
Do I need a permit for name change in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas requires a permit or license for name change. Contact the relevant state agency for application details.
Can I transport name change through Kansas?
Transport laws for name change in Kansas depend on the specific item and your route. Generally, transport is allowed if you comply with state regulations. Always check states you pass through.
What are the penalties for name change violations in Kansas?
Penalties for name change violations in Kansas vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.