The basic process: what you need to do
To change your name on your driver's license, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), bring proof of your legal name change, and request a replacement license with your new name. The DMV does not change your name for you — you must have already changed it through a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree before you arrive. The DMV's job is to issue a new license that reflects the name you have already legally adopted.
The exact steps and documents required vary by state. Some states let you change your name by mail or online; others require an in-person visit. Some charge a fee for the replacement license; others do not. Some states issue a temporary license on the spot; others mail it to you. You will need to know your state's specific rules before you go.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a legal name change document — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before the DMV will change your license.
- Each state's DMV has different rules about whether you can change your name by mail, online, or only in person.
- The fee for a replacement license ranges from free to around $50 depending on your state and whether you also need a new photo.
- Bring the original or certified copy of your name change document; a photocopy is usually not accepted.
- Your new license will have a new number in most states, though a few states keep the same number and just update the name.
How you legally change your name before visiting the DMV
The DMV requires proof that you have already changed your name through one of three routes: a court order, a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree. You cannot change your name at the DMV itself — the DMV only updates its records to match a name change you have already completed elsewhere.
If you are changing your name through marriage, your marriage certificate is your proof. You do not need a separate court order. If you are changing your name through divorce, your divorce decree must show your new name. If you are changing your name for any other reason — including a legal name change unrelated to marriage or divorce — you must file a petition in your state's district or circuit court and obtain a court order. The court issues an official document, usually called a "Decree of Name Change" or "Order to Change Name," which you then bring to the DMV.
The court process typically takes two to eight weeks depending on your state and whether anyone objects. You will pay a court filing fee, usually between $100 and $300. Some states allow you to file the petition online or by mail; others require you to appear in court. Your state court's website or your county clerk's office can tell you the exact process and cost for your location.
What documents to bring to the DMV
Bring your original or certified copy of your name change document. A photocopy is not accepted. If your marriage certificate or divorce decree is a certified copy (stamped by the court or vital records office), that works. If it is a plain photocopy you made yourself, it will not. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced, or from the court that issued your divorce decree.
You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Some states also require a Real ID-compliant document, such as a passport or birth certificate. Check your state's DMV website for the complete list before you go — requirements differ by state and sometimes by which DMV office you visit.
Whether you can change your name by mail, online, or in person
About half of U.S. states allow you to change your name on your driver's license by mail or online. The other half require an in-person visit. A few states offer all three options depending on your situation.
States that allow mail-in or online changes typically ask you to submit your name change document, your current license, and a form through their online portal or by postal mail. Processing takes two to four weeks. States that require an in-person visit usually do so because they need to take a new photo for your license or verify your identity in person. You can schedule an appointment at most DMV offices online, though some still operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your state's DMV website to see which method applies to you.
Fees and what your new license will look like
The cost of a replacement license varies by state. Some states charge nothing for a name-only change. Others charge $10 to $50. A few states charge more if you also request a new photo or if your license is expiring soon and you want to renew it at the same time. Check your state's DMV fee schedule before you visit.
Your new license will have a new number in most states. A few states — including California, New York, and Texas — keep your existing license number and straightforward update the name on file. Your new license will have a new expiration date in some states and will keep your current expiration date in others. The photo on your new license will be the same as your current license in most states unless you request a new photo, which may cost extra or require an in-person visit.
Timeline: how long the process takes
If you are changing your name through marriage or divorce, you already have your proof document, so the timeline depends only on the DMV. If you are changing your name through a court order, add two to eight weeks for the court process first.
Once you submit your name change to the DMV, the timeline depends on your state's method. Mail-in and online changes typically take two to four weeks. In-person visits usually issue a temporary license on the spot or within a few days, with the permanent license arriving by mail in one to two weeks. Some states issue the permanent license when ready at the DMV office. Check your state's DMV website for the specific timeline.
What to do if your name change document is from another state
If you obtained your name change through a court order in one state but now live in another state, you can still change your driver's license in your new state. Bring your certified copy of the court order from the original state. The DMV in your new state will recognize it as valid proof of your legal name change.
If you were married or divorced in one state but now live in another, bring your certified marriage certificate or divorce decree from the state where the event occurred. Again, the DMV in your current state will recognize it. You do not need to re-file anything or obtain a new court order in your new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change my driver's license?
No, but it is a good idea to do it around the same time. You can change your name at the DMV and with Social Security in either order. However, if you change your name at the DMV first, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your old name so the DMV can verify your identity. If you change your name with Social Security first, you will have a Social Security card with your new name, which makes the DMV process smoother.
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my name change document?
No. The DMV requires an original or certified copy. If you lost your marriage certificate or divorce decree, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced, or from the court that issued the decree. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. A photocopy you made yourself will not work.
What if my name change document has a different spelling than what I want on my license?
The DMV will put on your license exactly what appears on your legal name change document. If the spelling is wrong, you need to correct it through the court that issued the document, not at the DMV. Contact the court clerk to ask how to file a correction or amendment. This is usually a straightforward process that takes a few weeks.
Will changing my name on my license affect my car registration or insurance?
Your car registration and insurance are separate from your driver's license. You will need to notify your insurance company and your state's DMV separately to update your vehicle registration. Contact your insurance agent and your state's DMV to find out what documents they need. Some states update your registration automatically when you renew your license; others require you to file a separate form.
Can I change my name on my license if I am under 18?
Yes, but you will need a parent or guardian to sign off on the request. The exact process varies by state. Some states require a parent to appear in person at the DMV; others allow a parent to sign a form that you bring with you. Check your state's DMV website for the rules that explore to minors.