What you need to do after marriage

After you marry, your driver's license still shows your previous name until you update it. You cannot straightforward use a marriage certificate instead — the license itself must be changed. The process starts with getting an official copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk's office where you were married, then taking that certificate and your current license to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.

The exact steps and documents required vary by state. Some states let you change your name online or by mail; others require you to appear in person. Some charge a fee for the name change, while others waive it. The timeline also differs — some states process the change in a few days, while others take several weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an official certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk where you were married, not a photocopy or the document you received at the ceremony.
  • Your state's DMV is where you submit the marriage certificate and request the name change on your license; the process and required documents vary by state.
  • Some states charge a fee for a name change on your license, while others do not, and some offer a reduced fee if you change your name within a certain time after marriage.
  • You will receive a new physical license with your updated name, and your old license becomes invalid once the new one arrives.

Getting your marriage certificate

Your marriage certificate is a public record kept by the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. The document you received at your wedding ceremony is usually not an official certified copy — it is typically a commemorative version. You need the certified copy, which has an official seal and signature from the county clerk.

Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married and request one or more certified copies of your marriage certificate. You can usually do this by phone, mail, email, or in person. There is a fee, which typically ranges from $10 to $25 per copy, though this varies by county. Order at least one extra copy — you will need it for other documents beyond your driver's license, such as updating your Social Security record or changing your name with your bank or employer.

Processing time varies. Some county clerks mail certified copies within a few days; others take two to three weeks. If you need the certificate quickly, ask if the clerk's office offers expedited service or if you can pick up the copy in person.

What to bring to the DMV

When you go to your state's DMV (or equivalent — some states call it the Secretary of State's office or Department of Licensing), bring your current driver's license, your certified marriage certificate, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. Some states also require you to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Check your state's DMV website before you go. Each state lists exactly what documents it requires for a name change. Some states have additional requirements — for example, a few states ask for a completed process form, which you can usually read from the DMV website or fill out when you arrive. Bringing everything at once saves you a trip back.

In-person versus mail or online options

Some states require you to appear at a DMV office in person to change your name on your license. Others allow you to mail in your documents or complete the process online. Your state's DMV website will tell you which option is available where you live.

If your state allows mail-in changes, you typically mail your current license, certified marriage certificate, proof of address, and a completed process form to the address listed on the DMV website. Include a prepaid return envelope if the state requires it. Processing by mail usually takes longer than in-person service — often two to four weeks instead of a few days.

A few states now offer online name changes for driver's licenses. If your state offers this, you upload images of your documents through the DMV website and pay any fee online. This is usually the fastest option, with processing in a few days.

Fees and processing time

Most states charge a fee to change your name on a driver's license, though the amount varies widely. Some states charge $10 to $20; others charge $50 or more. A few states waive the fee if you change your name within a certain time after marriage — often 30 to 60 days. Check your state's DMV website to find out whether a fee applies and whether you may have access to for a waiver.

Processing time depends on how you submit your request. In-person changes at a DMV office usually take a few minutes to a few hours, and you may receive a temporary license on the spot while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Mail-in requests typically take two to four weeks. Online requests, where available, usually process within three to five business days.

What happens to your old license

Once your new license arrives in the mail, your old license is no longer valid. You should not use it for identification. Some states ask you to return your old license; others do not. Your DMV website will tell you whether to mail it back or destroy it.

Your new license will have your updated name, your same license number (in most states), and your same address unless you also requested an address change. The expiration date usually stays the same as your old license — changing your name does not extend how long your license is valid.

Updating other documents after your license changes

Your driver's license is just one document that needs your updated name. After you receive your new license, update your name with the Social Security Administration, your employer, your bank, your insurance companies, and any other organizations that have your information on file. You will typically need to show your new driver's license and your marriage certificate as proof of the name change.

Start with Social Security, because your Social Security record is used to verify your identity for many other updates. You can update your name with Social Security by visiting a local Social Security office with your new driver's license and marriage certificate, or by mailing the same documents to your regional Social Security office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my name on my driver's license after marriage?

No. Changing your name is optional. You can keep your maiden name on your license and all other documents if you choose. However, if you do change your name legally, your driver's license must reflect that change — you cannot use a marriage certificate as proof of your current legal name on a license.

Can I change my address at the same time I change my name?

Yes. Most DMV offices allow you to update both your name and address in the same transaction. Bring proof of your new address along with your marriage certificate and current license. Some states may charge a separate fee for an address change, so check your state's DMV website.

What if I lost my marriage certificate?

Contact the county clerk's office where you were married and request a replacement certified copy. You will need to provide your name, your spouse's name, and the date and location of the marriage. There is usually a fee for a replacement copy, similar to the fee for an original certified copy.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

This depends on your state and how you submitted your request. In-person requests usually result in a license arriving within one to two weeks. Mail-in requests typically take two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited printing for an additional fee. Check your state's DMV website for specific timelines.

Can I use my old license while I wait for my new one?

No. Once you submit your name change request, your old license is deactivated. Some DMV offices issue a temporary paper license or receipt that you can use for identification while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Ask at your DMV office or check the website to see if your state offers this option.