What you need to do to change your name on your driver's license
To change your name on your driver's license, you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, bring proof of your legal name change, and submit a new process. The exact documents required and the fee vary by state, but every state requires you to show that your name change is legal — usually through a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before they will issue a new license.
The process itself is straightforward: you cannot do it by mail or online in most states. You go to the DMV, show your documents, fill out a form, have your photo taken (unless your state allows you to keep your existing photo), pay the fee, and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit the DMV in person with proof of your legal name change — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before they will issue a new license.
- Most states require you to fill out a new driver's license process form and have a new photo taken, though a few states allow you to keep your existing photo.
- The fee for a name change varies by state, typically ranging from $15 to $50, and some states charge extra if you also need a new photo.
- You will receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within one to three weeks.
- Check your state's DMV website before you go to confirm which documents they accept as proof of name change and whether you need an appointment.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
The document that proves your name change is the most important thing you will bring. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree that shows your new name. If you changed your name through a court order, bring the certified court order itself.
You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof of your address — usually a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Some states also ask for your birth certificate. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because a few states have different rules about which documents they accept, and some will not accept photocopies.
If you do not have a certified copy of your name-change document, you can usually order one from the court that issued it or from your state's vital records office. This takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25. If you are in a hurry, some courthouses will issue a certified copy the same day for an extra fee.
How to find your state's DMV and make an appointment
Go to your state's DMV website and search for "name change" or "update driver's license." The website will tell you which documents your state requires, what the fee is, and whether you need an appointment. Most states now require appointments, and many let you book one online. A few states still accept walk-ins, but wait times are often two to four hours.
If you cannot find the information on your state's website, call the DMV directly. The phone number is on the website. Have your current license number ready when you call. Ask whether you need an appointment, whether you can keep your existing photo, and exactly which documents they will accept — do not assume that a certified copy is the same as an original, because some states have specific rules about this.
What happens at your DMV appointment
When you arrive, bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. The DMV staff will check that your name-change document is valid and that your other documents match. They will ask you to fill out a new driver's license process form — usually the same form you filled out when you first got your license. You will sign the form and provide your signature again.
In most states, you will have a new photo taken. A few states — including California, Florida, and New York — allow you to keep your existing photo if you request it, which saves time and money. Ask the staff whether your state allows this before you sit for the photo. After the photo, you will pay the fee, and the staff will give you a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail.
Fees and how long it takes
The fee for a name change on your driver's license varies by state. Most states charge between $15 and $50. Some states charge extra if you need a new photo — usually $5 to $15 more. A few states charge the same fee whether you keep your photo or get a new one. Check your state's DMV website to find the exact fee before you go, and bring cash or a debit card, because not all DMV offices accept credit cards.
Your temporary license is valid when ready and can be used for travel, voting, and identification. Your permanent license usually arrives within one to three weeks. If it does not arrive after four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status. If you need your new license urgently — for example, if you are traveling soon — ask the DMV staff whether your state offers expedited mail service, which costs extra but arrives in five to seven business days.
Changing your name if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you will need a parent or legal guardian to go with you to the DMV. They will need to bring proof of their identity and proof of guardianship — usually your birth certificate. The process is otherwise the same: you bring your name-change document, fill out a new process, have a photo taken, and pay the fee. Your parent or guardian will sign the process alongside you.
If your parents are divorced and only one parent has custody, bring the custody order or divorce decree that shows who has the right to make decisions about your license. If you have a court-ordered name change (rather than a name change through your parents' marriage or divorce), the process is the same as for an adult.
What to do if your name-change document is from another state or country
If you were married, divorced, or received a court order in a different state, you can still use that document to change your name on your driver's license. Bring the original or a certified copy of the document from that state. Most DMV offices accept name-change documents from any U.S. state without any extra steps.
If your name change was finalized in another country, the process is more complicated. You will need to bring the original document plus an English translation certified by a professional translator. Some states also require you to bring proof that the document is valid in your current state of residence — usually a letter from the court or government office that issued it. Call your state's DMV before you go to ask what they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my driver's license without a court order?
Yes, if your name change is through marriage or divorce. A marriage certificate or divorce decree counts as legal proof of your name change in every state. If you want to change your name for any other reason, you will need a court order from a judge.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the courthouse or vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced. You can order a certified copy by mail, phone, or in person. Most offices charge $10 to $25 and take one to two weeks. If you need it faster, some courthouses offer same-day service for an extra fee.
Do I have to get a new photo when I change my name?
Most states require a new photo, but a few states — including California, Florida, and New York — let you keep your existing photo if you ask. Check your state's DMV website or call before your appointment to find out whether you can keep your photo.
Can I change my name on my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Most states will still issue you a new license with a name change even if you have unpaid tickets or fines. However, some states may hold your new license until you pay. Call your state's DMV to ask whether any outstanding violations will affect your name change.
How long is my temporary license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving, voting, and identification until your permanent license arrives. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Keep both documents until you receive your permanent license, in case there is a delay in the mail.