Nevada requires you to submit a new process with your legal name change document and pay a replacement fee

To change your name on your Nevada driver license, you need to visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring proof of your legal name change, complete an process, and pay the replacement fee. Nevada does not process name changes by mail or online. The entire process typically takes one visit, though the new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Your legal name change must be documented. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If you changed your name through court order (divorce, legal name change petition, or other judicial process), bring the certified court order. If you are a transgender person who changed your name through court order, that same court document is what you need. Nevada does not recognize name changes based on common law usage alone.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Nevada DMV office in person with your current license, proof of legal name change, and payment for the replacement fee.
  • Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree showing your new name, or a certified court order for a legal name change.
  • The DMV will not process name changes by mail, phone, or online, and you cannot renew your license at the same time as changing your name.
  • Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two to three weeks after your visit.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current Nevada driver license or ID card. If you do not have one, bring a valid form of identification such as a passport or military ID. You will also need the original or certified copy of your legal name change document. The DMV will not accept photocopies or uncertified copies for name changes.

If you changed your name through marriage, your marriage certificate must be an official certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the final divorce decree that shows your new name. If you obtained a court order for a legal name change, bring the certified order from the district court. Some people also bring a Social Security card or Social Security Administration letter showing the new name, though this is not required by the DMV.

Finding the right DMV office and making an appointment

Nevada has DMV offices in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Sparks, and several smaller cities. You can find the full list and hours on the Nevada DMV website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours in some locations. Call ahead or check online to confirm current hours, as they vary by location.

Nevada DMV offices accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long, especially in Las Vegas and Reno. Many offices now offer appointment scheduling through their website. Making an appointment is not required but will reduce your wait time. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day, as offices often reach capacity by mid-afternoon.

The process and fee

At the DMV office, you will complete form DL 43 (process for Driver License or Identification Card). The staff will help you fill it out if you need information. You will provide your new legal name, current address, and other standard license information. The form takes about five minutes to complete.

The replacement fee for a name change is the same as a standard license renewal. As of 2024, a four-year license costs $42.50 and an eight-year license costs $85. Fees may vary, so confirm the current amount when you call or visit. The DMV accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your new plastic card to arrive by mail.

What happens after your visit

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within two to three weeks. The temporary paper license the DMV gives you is valid for driving and identification during this time. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied to report it.

Your old license becomes invalid once your new license is issued. You do not need to return the old license to the DMV, but you should destroy it or keep it for your records. If you move before your new license arrives, you can request a remail at any DMV office, though this may delay delivery by another week or two.

Name changes through marriage or divorce

If you changed your name through marriage, you have no time limit to update your driver license. You can do it when ready after marriage or years later. Bring your marriage certificate and your current license. The process is the same as any other name change.

If you changed your name through divorce, the name change must appear on your final divorce decree. Some divorce decrees do not include a name change; if yours does not, you will need to file a separate legal name change petition with the district court. Once you have the decree showing your new name, bring it to the DMV along with your current license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license by mail?

No. Nevada requires all name changes to be done in person at a DMV office. You must bring your legal name change document and current license to complete the process.

What if my legal name change document is from another state?

Nevada will accept a certified court order or marriage certificate from another state. It must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. If you are unsure whether your document is certified, bring it to the DMV and staff can advise you.

Can I renew my license and change my name at the same time?

No. Name changes and renewals are separate transactions in Nevada. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it after your name change is processed, or you can do both in separate visits.

How long does the new license take to arrive?

Your new license will be mailed within two to three weeks. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days that you can use for driving and identification while you wait.

What if I need my license before it arrives?

The temporary paper license the DMV issues is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and most identification purposes. If you need an ID sooner, you can request an expedited license, though this may cost extra and availability varies by office.