What you need to do to change your name on your driver's license
To change your name on your driver's license, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency with proof of your legal name change and your current license. The process itself takes minutes at the counter, but you must first have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your new name — the DMV will not process a name change based on a document you plan to get later. Most states let you do this in person at any DMV office, though some allow mail-in requests for specific situations like marriage.
The exact documents you need and the fee (usually $10 to $30) vary by state. Some states require you to pass a new photo, others do not. You will receive a new license with your updated name, and your old license becomes invalid the moment you hand it over.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree proving your legal name change before the DMV will update your license.
- Most states require you to visit a DMV office in person, bring your current license and proof of name change, and pay a small fee.
- Some states allow you to mail in a name-change request if you are changing your name due to marriage, but you will still need to renew your photo in person later.
- Your new license arrives by mail within one to three weeks in most states, and your old license is no longer valid once you turn it in.
Gather the documents that prove your legal name change
The DMV will not change your name without official proof. The document you need depends on why your name changed. If you married, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring your divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed your name through a court order (sometimes called a petition for name change), bring that court order.
Certified copies are usually required — a photocopy or a document you printed from a website is not enough. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the court that issued the order or the vital records office in the county where you married or divorced. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail.
Visit your state's DMV with your documents and current license
Go to any DMV office in your state during business hours. Bring your current driver's license, the certified document proving your name change, and a form of identification if your current license is expired (though most DMVs will accept an expired license as ID for this transaction). Some states require you to fill out a form before you arrive; check your state's DMV website to see if you should print and complete it ahead of time.
Wait for your number to be called, hand your documents to the clerk, and tell them you want to update your name. The clerk will verify your documents, take a new photo (in most states), and process the change. The whole transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter.
Pay the fee and receive your temporary document
Most states charge $10 to $30 to change your name on your license. Some states do this at no cost if you are changing your name due to marriage or court order, while others charge the same fee regardless. Ask the clerk what the fee is before you hand over payment.
You will receive a temporary paper license or a receipt showing your new name and license number. This temporary document is valid for driving when ready. Your new plastic license card will arrive by mail within one to three weeks. Keep the temporary document with you until the new card arrives, because a police officer may not recognize it as valid if you do not have it.
Mail-in name changes for marriage in some states
A few states — including California, Florida, and Texas — allow you to change your name by mail if you are married and have a certified marriage certificate. You fill out a form, mail it with your current license, marriage certificate, and the fee to your state's DMV. The DMV processes the request and mails back a new license.
However, most of these states still require you to visit a DMV office in person for a new photo within a certain time frame (often 60 days). Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail-in is an option and what the photo requirement is. If you skip the photo appointment, your license may be suspended.
What happens if your name change was through a court order
If you changed your name through a legal petition (not marriage or divorce), you must bring the court order itself, not just a copy. The order must show your old name, your new name, and the judge's signature. If you lost your original, contact the court clerk's office in the county where you filed the petition and request a certified copy.
The DMV process is the same as for marriage or divorce — bring the order, your current license, and the fee. Some states ask you to bring additional identification to confirm you are the person named in the court order, so bring a passport or birth certificate if you have one.
What to do if you cannot find your certified documents
If you lost your marriage certificate or divorce decree, you can request a replacement from the vital records office or court that issued it. Contact the county clerk's office or vital records department in the county where you married or divorced. You can usually request a certified copy by mail, phone, or in person, and it typically costs $10 to $25.
Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need the document quickly. Once you have the certified copy, follow the standard DMV process. Do not try to use an uncertified copy or a document you printed from an online database — the DMV will reject it and you will have wasted a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a new photo when I change my name?
Most states require a new photo when you change your name in person at the DMV. A few states do not, so check your state's DMV website. If you are doing a mail-in name change, you will usually have to visit a DMV office within 60 days to have a new photo taken.
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
No. The DMV requires a certified copy, not a photocopy or a document you printed online. You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you married. It usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail.
What if my old license is expired?
You can still use an expired license as ID when you change your name at the DMV. Bring it along with your proof of name change and you will be able to complete the transaction. Your new license will have a current expiration date.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Most states mail your new license within one to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license or receipt at the DMV that is valid for driving until the new card arrives. Keep it with you in case you are stopped by police.
Can I change my name on my license if I changed it through a court order years ago?
Yes. Bring your original court order or a certified copy from the court clerk's office. The DMV does not care how long ago the order was issued — as long as you have the certified document, you can change your license name.