Yes, you can change your name on your driver's license, and the process is straightforward once you have the legal document that proves the change
You will need a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your new name. With that document in hand, you go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency — it may be called the Secretary of State's office or Bureau of Motor Vehicles depending on where you live), submit the document along with your current license, and pay a fee. The fee and processing time vary by state, but most states charge between $10 and $30 and complete the change within two to four weeks.
The key is having the right proof. A driver's license is a government ID, so the DMV will not change the name on it based on your word alone or on an unofficial document. You need the legal paperwork that created the name change in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows your new legal name before the DMV will change your license.
- You can change your name in person at your local DMV office, by mail in some states, or through an online portal if your state offers one.
- Processing times range from a few days to four weeks depending on your state and whether you choose in-person or mail service.
- You will need to pay a fee (usually $10 to $30) and may need to provide additional documents like proof of residency or your Social Security number.
What documents prove your name change
A marriage certificate is the most common proof. If you were married and took your spouse's last name, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate to the DMV. Some states accept a photocopy; others require the certified copy. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask which they need.
A divorce decree or final divorce judgment works the same way. If you changed your name back to your maiden name or to a different name as part of the divorce, the decree is your proof. Again, ask whether your state needs the original or a certified copy.
A court order for name change is what you get if you went through a legal name-change process outside of marriage or divorce. This is a separate court petition that you file, usually in your county court. Once the judge approves it, you receive an order. This is the document you bring to the DMV. The process for getting a court order varies by state and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on court schedules and whether anyone objects to the change.
Some states also accept other documents — for example, a birth certificate showing a different name than your current license, or a name change document from another state if you moved. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm what they will accept.
How to submit your name change to the DMV
Most states let you change your name in person at a local DMV office. Bring your current driver's license, the legal document proving the name change, and a form (usually called an process for Driver License or similar). You will fill out the form, pay the fee, and have your photo taken for the new license. The new license is usually mailed to you within two to four weeks.
Some states allow you to submit the change by mail. You send your current license, the legal document, the completed form, and payment to the address listed on the DMV website. Processing by mail typically takes longer — sometimes four to six weeks — because the DMV has to verify your documents before issuing the new license.
A growing number of states offer online name changes through their DMV portal. You upload a photo of your legal document, fill out the form on the website, and pay the fee by credit card. This is usually the fastest option, with processing times of a few days to two weeks. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available to you.
Whichever method you choose, do not send your original legal document unless the DMV specifically asks for it. Bring a certified copy or photocopy instead, and keep the original for your records.
What happens to your old license and when you get the new one
If you change your name in person, the DMV will take your old license and destroy it. You will receive a temporary paper license or receipt that you can use as ID while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail. This temporary document is valid for a set period — usually 30 to 60 days — so you will have legal ID to use during the processing time.
If you change your name by mail or online, the DMV will keep your old license and issue a new one with your new name. The new license will have a new number in some states and the same number in others — this varies. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one unless your state requires you to renew at the same time.
Once your new license arrives, destroy the old one or return it to the DMV if they ask. Do not carry both, as having two licenses in different names can cause confusion with police or other officials.
Additional documents the DMV may ask for
Beyond the legal proof of your name change, the DMV may ask for proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. They may also ask for your Social Security number or a copy of your Social Security card. Some states require a new photo; others use your existing photo from your current license.
A few states ask for a second form of ID when you change your name — for example, a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. This is to confirm that you are who you say you are. Check your state's DMV website for the full list of documents to bring, or call your local office before you go.
Changing your name if you are under 18
If you are a minor, a parent or legal guardian must usually be present when you change your name on your license. The process is the same — you still need the legal document proving the name change — but the adult has to sign the process or consent form. Some states allow the parent to submit the change on behalf of the minor by mail or online.
If you are changing your name through a court order (not marriage or divorce), the court process itself may require parental consent depending on your state's laws. Check with your county court or your state's DMV to understand the rules for minors in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name legally before I can change it on my driver's license?
Yes. The DMV will not change your name without legal proof. If you are married and took your spouse's name, the marriage certificate is that proof. If you want to change your name for any other reason, you need a court order. You cannot straightforward decide to use a different name and ask the DMV to update your license.
How long does it take to get a new license after I submit my name change?
Processing times vary by state. In-person changes usually take two to four weeks. Mail submissions often take four to six weeks. Online submissions, where available, may be processed in a few days to two weeks. Some states are faster than others, so check your state's DMV website for their specific timeline.
What if I made a mistake on the name change form?
Contact your DMV when ready. If they have not yet processed your process, you may be able to correct it before your new license is printed. If your new license has already been issued with an error, you will usually need to explore for a correction, which may involve another fee. It is worth calling to ask before paying again.
Can I change my name on my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Most states will still process a name change even if you have unpaid tickets or fines. However, some states may flag your account or require you to address the issue first. Call your DMV to ask about your specific situation before you go in.
What if my state does not recognize my name change from another state?
If you changed your name in one state and moved to another, the new state's DMV should recognize the name change if it was done legally. Bring the court order or other legal document from the first state along with your old license. If there is a problem, ask to speak with a supervisor or contact your state's DMV office directly to resolve it.