You can change your name on your California driver's license through the DMV by mail, online, or in person

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you update your name on your driver's license without renewing the entire license. The process depends on why your name changed — marriage, divorce, court order, or personal choice — and which method you choose. Most name changes can be done by mail or through the DMV's online portal, though some situations require an in-person visit to a DMV office.

You do not need a new license photo or to pay a renewal fee for a name-only change. The DMV will issue you a replacement license with your new name at no charge, and it will keep your current expiration date. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks by mail, or a few days if you use the online option.

Key Takeaways

  • A name-only change on your California driver's license costs nothing and does not require you to renew your photo or pay a renewal fee.
  • You will need proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document — depending on the reason for the change.
  • The DMV accepts name changes by mail, online through their portal, or in person at a local office.
  • Your new license will have the same expiration date as your current license and will arrive in two to four weeks by mail.

What documents you need for each type of name change

The documents required depend on why your name changed. If you married, you need an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you divorced or had a name change through a court order, bring the divorce decree or the court order itself. If you changed your name for any other reason — including personal choice — you need a certified court order from a California court authorizing the change.

You also need to bring your current California driver's license or ID card. If you do not have one, you will need to bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease). The DMV will not accept photocopies of your marriage certificate or divorce decree; they must be originals or certified copies obtained from the county clerk or vital records office where the document was issued.

If your name change document is from outside California — for example, you were married in another state — you can still use it, but it must be an original or certified copy. Some documents may need to be certified by the Secretary of State if they were issued outside the United States.

How to change your name by mail

To change your name by mail, fill out Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate or Renewal Driver's License or Identification Card) or Form DL 44 (process for a Driver's License or Identification Card). You can read these forms from the DMV website or pick them up at a DMV office. Check the box for "name change" on the form and write your new name clearly.

Include your current driver's license, your original or certified name-change document, and a completed form in an envelope addressed to the DMV. Do not send cash; if there is any fee (which there should not be for a name-only change), you can include a check or money order. Mail your packet to the address listed on the DMV website for your region. The DMV will send your new license to the address on file within two to four weeks.

Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If your packet does not arrive or gets lost, you will have proof of what you submitted. The DMV does not send a receipt or confirmation for mail submissions, so tracking your own copy is important.

How to change your name online through the DMV portal

The California DMV allows name changes online for certain situations through their official website. You can use the online option if your name change is due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, and if your current license is not expired and you have not had a name change in the past 10 years. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

Once you log in, select the option to change your name and follow the prompts. You will upload an image of your name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will review your submission, and if approved, your new license will be mailed to you within a few days. This is the fastest option and requires no in-person visit.

If the online system rejects your submission — for example, because your document image is unclear or your license is expired — you will be notified and can either resubmit or use the mail or in-person option instead.

When you must visit a DMV office in person

You must visit a DMV office in person if your current driver's license is expired, if you have had more than one name change in the past 10 years, if your name-change document is not in English, or if the online system flags your submission for manual review. You also need to go in person if you are changing your name for reasons other than marriage, divorce, or court order, and you do not have a court order to show.

Bring your current driver's license, your original or certified name-change document, and any other identification the DMV requests. You can make an appointment through the DMV website to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are also accepted. The appointment system lets you choose a date and time at your nearest office.

At your appointment, a DMV representative will verify your documents, take a new photo if needed, and process your name change on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two to four weeks.

What happens after you submit your name change

Once the DMV processes your name change, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address with the DMV before submitting your name-change request, or your new license may go to an old address. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Your new license will show your new name and will have the same expiration date as your old license. You do not need to destroy your old license, but you should stop using it once your new one arrives. If you need to prove your name change to banks, employers, or other institutions before your new license arrives, you can bring your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree along with your old license.

If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status. You can call the DMV customer service line or visit a local office. If your license was lost in the mail, the DMV can reissue it at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a fee to change my name on my driver's license?

No. A name-only change on your California driver's license is free. You do not pay a renewal fee, a replacement fee, or any other charge. If the DMV asks for a fee, contact their customer service line to confirm, as this may indicate an error in your submission.

Can I change my name if my driver's license is expired?

You can change your name by mail or online if your license expired within the past five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it at the same time you change your name, which will cost a renewal fee. You can do this in person at a DMV office or by mail using Form DL 44.

How long does it take to get my new license with my new name?

By mail, expect two to four weeks. Online submissions are faster — usually a few days for approval, then two to four weeks for mailing. In-person visits give you a temporary paper license when ready, with your permanent license arriving by mail within two to four weeks.

What if my name-change document is from another state or country?

You can use a name-change document from another state or country, but it must be an original or certified copy. If it is from outside the United States, it may need to be certified by the Secretary of State. Contact the DMV before submitting to confirm your specific document will be accepted.

Can I change my name on my driver's license without a court order?

Yes, if your name changed due to marriage or divorce. A marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient. For any other reason — including personal choice — you need a court order from a California court. You can file for a name change through your county superior court; the process and cost vary by county.