What you need to do to change your name on your driver license
To change your name on your driver license, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in person, bring proof of your legal name change, and submit a form requesting the update. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter, though your new license arrives by mail in one to three weeks. You do not need a court order in every state — some accept marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or certified birth certificates as proof — but the documents required vary by state.
The key difference from other DMV transactions is that you must prove the name change is legal. This means bringing the actual document that changed your name, not just telling the DMV your new name. If you do not have that document yet, you will need to obtain it first before the DMV can process your request.
Key Takeaways
- Visit your state DMV in person with a government-issued ID and proof of your legal name change — usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Different states accept different documents as proof, so check your state DMV website before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
- You will fill out a form at the DMV (often called a license renewal or amendment form) and pay a fee that ranges from $0 to $50 depending on your state.
- Your new license arrives by mail within one to three weeks; you can usually continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
- If your name change came from a court order, bring the certified copy from the court, not a photocopy.
What documents count as proof of a legal name change
The documents the DMV accepts depend on why your name changed. A marriage certificate (the official certified copy, not a photocopy) proves a name change through marriage. A divorce decree or divorce judgment proves a name change through divorce. A court order for name change — issued by a judge in a civil court case — proves a name change you requested through the courts. Some states also accept certified birth certificates if the name on your birth certificate differs from the name on your current license.
Each state's DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept. Before you go to the DMV, visit your state's official DMV website and search for "name change" or "update name on license." The site will tell you which document you need and whether it must be a certified copy (an official copy with a seal or stamp from the issuing agency) or whether a photocopy is acceptable. Bringing the wrong document is the most common reason people have to return to the DMV a second time.
If your name change came from a court order and you no longer have the certified copy, contact the court that issued it. The court clerk can provide a certified copy for a small fee, usually $5 to $25. This step takes one to two weeks by mail, so plan ahead if you need your license updated quickly.
The form you fill out and the fee you pay
At the DMV, you will complete a form that requests the name change on your license. This form is usually called a license renewal form, license amendment form, or process for license — the exact name varies by state. The form asks for your current name, your new name, your date of birth, and your address. You will also need to provide your current license number or your Social Security number so the DMV can locate your existing record.
The fee for a name change on your license ranges from $0 to $50 depending on your state. Some states charge nothing if you are changing your name through marriage or divorce. Others charge a standard license renewal fee even though you are only updating the name. A few states charge a separate amendment fee. Check your state DMV website to find out what you will owe before you arrive, so you know whether to bring cash or whether they accept cards.
You will also need to bring a government-issued photo ID — your current driver license, passport, or state ID card — so the DMV can verify your identity. Bring the original documents (not photocopies) that prove your name change, along with any copies the DMV requires.
How long the process takes from start to finish
The in-person visit at the DMV usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called to the counter. You hand over your documents, fill out the form, pay the fee, and have your photo taken for the new license. Some DMVs are faster; others have longer waits depending on how busy they are. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday (rather than Friday or Saturday) usually means a shorter wait.
After you leave the DMV, your new license is mailed to the address on file. This takes one to three weeks depending on your state and the speed of the postal service. During this time, your old license remains valid, so you can continue using it for identification or driving. When your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to the DMV if your state requires it.
If you need your new license faster than the mail allows, some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee (usually $10 to $25). Ask the DMV clerk whether this option is available in your state.
What to do if you do not have the proof document yet
If your name changed through marriage but you have not yet received your marriage certificate, contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. You can request a certified copy by mail, in person, or sometimes online. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some counties offer rush processing for an extra fee.
If your name changed through divorce but you do not have a certified copy of your divorce decree, contact the court clerk in the county where your divorce was finalized. Request a certified copy of the final judgment or decree. This also takes one to two weeks and costs $5 to $25.
If you are changing your name through a court order and the order is recent, the court may have given you a certified copy at the hearing. Check any paperwork you received from the court. If you cannot find it, the court clerk can issue another certified copy.
Changing your name on your license if you have a court order
A court order for name change is a formal legal document issued by a judge when you petition the court to change your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce — for example, to change your name for personal reasons or to change a child's name. To obtain a court order, you file a petition in civil court in your county, pay a filing fee (usually $200 to $500), and attend a brief hearing where a judge approves the change.
Once you have the certified copy of the court order from the clerk, take it to the DMV along with your current license and a government-issued ID. The process is the same as for a marriage certificate or divorce decree: fill out the form, pay the fee, and your new license arrives by mail in one to three weeks.
If you are considering a court-ordered name change and want to understand the process first, contact your county courthouse or search your state's court website for "petition for name change." Many courts have forms and instructions available online.
What happens if you move to a different state
If you change your name and then move to a different state, you will need to update your license in your new state. When you explore for a license in the new state, bring the same proof documents you used before — your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The new state's DMV will issue a new license with your current name.
You do not need to update your license in your old state first. The new state's DMV will accept your proof documents directly. However, if you want to keep a valid license in your old state (for example, if you still own property there), you would need to visit that state's DMV separately to update the name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license by mail or online?
Most states require you to visit the DMV in person for a name change. A few states allow you to mail in the form and documents, but this is uncommon. Check your state DMV website to see whether mail-in or online options are available. If they are not, you must go in person.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the county clerk's office where you were married (for a marriage certificate) or the court where your divorce was finalized (for a divorce decree). Request a certified copy. This takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. You cannot use a photocopy or a photo of the document — the DMV requires the official certified copy.
Do I need to change my name on other documents too?
Yes. After you update your driver license, you should also update your name with Social Security (by visiting your local Social Security office), your bank, your employer, and any insurance companies. Your new driver license serves as proof of your name change for these organizations. However, updating your driver license is the first step and the one the DMV handles.
Can I use a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
The DMV does not usually issue a temporary license for a name change. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives by mail. If you need proof of your name change before the new license arrives, ask the DMV clerk for a receipt or confirmation document showing the name change was processed.
What if my name change was very recent and I do not have the certified document yet?
You must wait until you have the certified proof document before you can update your license. Contact the issuing agency (the county clerk for a marriage certificate, the court for a divorce decree or court order) and ask how long it will take to receive a certified copy. Plan to visit the DMV after you receive it.