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) office in person, bring proof of your legal name change, and submit a form. The process itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the DMV counter. You will pay a fee — usually between $10 and $30 depending on your state — and receive a temporary paper license while your new card is printed and mailed to you, which takes one to three weeks.
The key difference from other name changes is that your driver license must match a legal name change that already exists. You cannot change your name on the license itself; the license reflects a name change you have already completed through court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. The DMV verifies that document before they issue a new license.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a legal document proving your name change — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before the DMV will issue a new license.
- Visit your state's DMV office in person with your current license, the legal name-change document, and proof of your current address.
- The DMV will give you a temporary paper license when ready and mail your new plastic card within one to three weeks.
- The fee varies by state but is typically between $10 and $30, and some states waive the fee if you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce.
How to get the legal name-change document you need
If you are changing your name because of marriage, your legal name-change document is your marriage certificate. You do not need a separate court order. Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy of your marriage certificate — this is the official version with a raised seal, not a photocopy. Most states mail this within one to two weeks and charge $10 to $25 for it.
If you are changing your name because of divorce, your legal name-change document is your divorce decree, specifically the page that shows your new name. Request a certified copy from the court that issued the divorce. If you no longer have your divorce papers, contact the clerk's office in the county where the divorce was finalized.
If you are changing your name for any other reason — personal choice, religious reasons, or to correct an error — you must obtain a court order. This requires filing a petition with your state or county court. The process, cost, and timeline vary significantly by state. Some states charge $200 to $500 and take four to eight weeks; others charge less and move faster. Contact your county courthouse or search your state's court website for "name change petition" to find the form and filing instructions specific to your location.
What documents to bring to the DMV
Bring your current driver license or state ID card. Bring the legal document proving your name change — the certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states also require a Social Security card or a birth certificate, so check your state DMV website before you go.
If you have changed your name more than once, bring all the legal documents in order. For example, if you changed your name by court order and then married, bring both the court order and the marriage certificate. The DMV needs to see the chain of name changes to verify your identity.
The DMV form and what happens at the counter
Your state DMV website has a form for name changes on driver licenses — often called an "process for Driver License" or "process for Identification Card." read it and fill it out before you go, or ask for it at the counter. The form asks for your current name, your new name, your date of birth, and your address. It is usually one page.
When you arrive at the DMV, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are changing your name on your license. Hand over your current license, the legal name-change document, the proof of address, and the completed form. The clerk will scan your documents, take a new photo if your state requires it, and collect your fee. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready while your new plastic card is printed.
Timeline and what to expect after you leave the DMV
Your new driver license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. Most states mail it within one to three weeks, though some take up to four weeks during busy periods. The temporary paper license is valid for driving during this time. Do not throw it away — you will need it if you are pulled over.
If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact your state DMV. Have your temporary paper license number ready. The DMV can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
Name changes due to marriage or divorce
Some states waive the license renewal fee if you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce within a certain time frame — often 60 days after the marriage or divorce is finalized. Bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree to show the date. Even if your state does not waive the fee, the process is the same: you still visit the DMV in person with the legal document and your current license.
If you are married and want to keep your maiden name on your license, you do not need to do anything. Your license remains in your maiden name unless you file a separate name-change petition with the court. Marriage does not automatically change your legal name on government documents; it only gives you the option to change it.
What to do if you cannot visit the DMV in person
Most states require you to appear in person at the DMV to change your name on your license because they need to take a new photo and verify your identity. A few states allow you to mail in the process if you are renewing your license at the same time and meet other conditions — check your state DMV website for mail-in options.
If you are unable to visit the DMV yourself, some states allow a family member or authorized representative to submit the paperwork on your behalf, though you will still need to visit in person for the photo and identity verification at a later date. Call your local DMV office to ask whether this is an option in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name on other documents before I change it on my driver license?
No. You need the legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) before you visit the DMV, but you do not need to have already changed your name on Social Security, bank accounts, or other documents. Many people change their driver license first because it is the fastest step, then update other documents afterward.
What if my marriage certificate or divorce decree does not have a raised seal?
The DMV requires a certified copy, which has a raised seal or an official stamp. A photocopy or an uncertified copy will not work. Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced and request a certified copy. It costs a small fee and takes one to two weeks by mail.
Can I change my name on my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Yes. Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent you from changing your name on your license. However, the DMV may flag your record, and you should pay any outstanding fines to avoid complications when you renew your license in the future.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving until your new plastic card arrives in the mail, which is typically one to three weeks. If your new card arrives and you still have the temporary, you can throw it away. If your new card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV to report it missing.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact your state DMV and provide your new address. They can update your mailing address so your new license goes to the correct location. You may need to visit the DMV in person again to update your address on the license itself, depending on your state's rules.