What you need to do to change your name on your Pennsylvania driver's license
To change your name on your Pennsylvania driver's license, you must first have a legal name change document, then visit a PennDOT driver's license center in person with that document and your current license. Pennsylvania does not allow name changes by mail or online — you have to appear in front of a staff member. The whole process takes about 30 minutes at the location, though you may wait depending on how busy the center is that day.
The state does not charge an extra fee for a name change on an existing license. You pay only the standard renewal fee, which is $33.50 for a four-year license or $66.50 for an eight-year license, even though you are not renewing yet. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your legal name change before PennDOT will issue a new license.
- Visit any PennDOT driver's license center in person with your legal name change document, current license, and proof of your Social Security number.
- Bring a document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or lease, because PennDOT will verify where you live.
- Your new license costs the same as a renewal and arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the center.
What legal documents PennDOT will accept as proof of name change
PennDOT accepts three types of documents to prove your name has legally changed. A court order for name change is the most common — this is a document issued by a Pennsylvania court after you file a petition. A marriage certificate showing your new married name is also accepted. A divorce decree that shows your name reverting to a former name or changing to a new name will work as well.
The document must be an original or a certified copy. A photocopy you made yourself will not work. If your name change happened outside Pennsylvania, you will need a certified copy from the state or country where the change was official. Bring the document itself to the license center — do not mail it ahead.
Documents and information to bring to the PennDOT center
Bring your current Pennsylvania driver's license or ID card, your legal name change document (original or certified copy), and proof of your Social Security number. For proof of your Social Security number, PennDOT accepts your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it.
You also need to show proof of your current address. PennDOT accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The address on this document must match the address you want on your new license. If you have moved recently and your utility bill has not caught up, a lease or mortgage document works just as well.
Bring these items in person — you cannot submit them by mail or email. If you are missing any document, the staff member will tell you what is missing and you will have to return another day with it.
How to find a PennDOT driver's license center near you
Visit the PennDOT website and use their Driver's License Center Locator tool. Enter your city or zip code and the tool will show you every center within a reasonable distance, their hours, and their phone numbers. Some centers are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. A few larger centers stay open until 7 p.m. on certain weekdays.
You do not need an appointment at most centers — you walk in and take a number. However, some centers now offer online appointment scheduling through the PennDOT website. If your local center offers appointments, you can reserve a time slot to reduce your wait. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your center takes appointments or walk-ins.
What happens during your visit to the license center
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will call your number and ask you to sit at their window. They will review your legal name change document, check your current license, and verify your Social Security number and address proof. They will ask you to confirm your new name and check that it is spelled correctly.
You will then have a new photo taken for your license. Wear what you normally wear — there are no special photo rules for name changes. The staff member will process your process and collect the renewal fee. You will receive a receipt showing your new license number and the expected arrival date. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided, and you can use your receipt as proof of your license status until it arrives.
What to do if your name change happened in another state
If you legally changed your name in a different state and now live in Pennsylvania, you still need a certified copy of that name change document. Contact the court or vital records office in the state where the change happened and request a certified copy of your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail.
Once you have the certified copy, follow the same process: visit a PennDOT driver's license center with that document, your current Pennsylvania license, and your proof of Social Security number and address. PennDOT will accept the out-of-state document as long as it is certified and shows your name change was legal in that state.
What happens if you lose your legal name change document
If you cannot find your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, you will need to get a replacement certified copy before PennDOT can issue your new license. For a court order, contact the court clerk's office in the county where you filed the petition. For a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the court clerk in the county where your divorce was finalized.
Each office can issue a certified copy, though it may take one to three weeks and cost between $10 and $30. You cannot proceed with your license name change until you have this document in hand. Once you receive it, you can visit the PennDOT center and complete your name change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license by mail?
No. Pennsylvania requires you to appear in person at a PennDOT driver's license center. You must bring your legal name change document and current license to the center so staff can verify the documents and take a new photo.
How long does it take to get my new license after I visit the center?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a receipt at the center showing your new license number. You can use this receipt as proof of your license status until the physical card arrives.
Do I have to pay a fee to change my name on my license?
You pay the standard renewal fee ($33.50 for four years or $66.50 for eight years), even though you are not renewing. There is no separate charge for the name change itself. This fee is collected at the time you visit the center.
What if I got married but do not have my marriage certificate yet?
Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This usually takes one to three weeks. You cannot change your license name until you have this document, so order it as soon as possible after your wedding.
Can I change my address at the same time I change my name?
Yes. When you visit the center, tell the staff member if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and they will update both your name and address on your new license at the same time.