What you need to do to change your name on your NJ driver's license

To change your name on your New Jersey driver's license, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. The MVC will not process name changes by mail or online. You'll fill out Form BA-298 (process for Identification Card or Driver's License), pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The entire process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot drive with an old license that shows your former name once you've submitted the process — the MVC will keep your old license and issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVC office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current driver's license.
  • Proof of legal name change means a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document showing your new name.
  • You will pay a fee (currently $24 for a standard license renewal with a name change, though fees can vary) and have a new photo taken.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you'll receive a temporary paper license to use until it arrives.

Proof of legal name change: what documents the MVC accepts

The MVC requires official documentation showing your name change is legal. The document you bring depends on why your name changed. A court order from a name change proceeding is the most common proof, but the MVC also accepts marriage certificates (if you took your spouse's name), divorce decrees (if you changed back to a former name), and adoption papers.

If you were married and changed your name, bring your original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you divorced and resumed a former name, bring the certified divorce decree. If you legally changed your name through the court system, bring the court order. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. If your document is from outside the United States, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator.

The Form BA-298 and what to bring to the MVC office

You can fill out Form BA-298 before you go to the MVC office or fill it out there. The form asks for your current name, your new name, your address, date of birth, and other identifying information. You can read it from the MVC website (nj.gov/mvc) or pick one up at any MVC office.

Bring these items to the office: your current driver's license, your proof of legal name change (court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers), Form BA-298 completed, and proof of your address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days). You will also need to bring your Social Security number — have it memorized or written down. If you have changed your address since your current license was issued, bring proof of your new address.

Finding an MVC office and scheduling an appointment

New Jersey has MVC offices throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the MVC website at nj.gov/mvc. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer waits than suburban or rural locations.

You can schedule an appointment online through the MVC website, which reduces your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 1 to 2 hours depending on the office and time of day. Appointments are free. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early. The MVC office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some offer Saturday hours.

The fee and what happens after you submit your process

The fee for a name change on your driver's license is currently $24 if you are renewing your license at the same time. If your license is not expiring soon and you only want to change the name, the fee is $12. Fees are subject to change, so confirm the current amount when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the office. The MVC accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

After you submit your process and pay the fee, you will have a new photo taken. The MVC will keep your old license and give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal standing as your regular license and can be used to drive, board a plane, or prove your identity. Your new license with your correct name will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the MVC office where you applied.

What to do if your name change was recent or still pending

If your name change is very recent and you do not yet have an official document, you cannot change your license until the document is issued. For example, if you were married last week but have not yet received your certified marriage certificate, you must wait for it to arrive before visiting the MVC. Most vital records offices (which issue marriage certificates) mail them within 5 to 10 business days of the request.

If your name change is still pending in court, you cannot change your license until the court order is finalized and issued. Once you receive the final court order, you can visit the MVC when ready. Do not wait — there is no important date, but changing your license as soon as possible after your name change is legal prevents confusion with banks, employers, and other institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license by mail or online?

No. The MVC requires you to appear in person at an office with your current license and proof of your legal name change. There is no mail-in or online option for name changes.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You will need to report it lost and get a replacement before you can change your name. Bring a police report or other proof that you reported it lost, along with your proof of name change. The MVC can issue a replacement and process the name change in the same visit.

Do I need to change my name on my vehicle registration too?

Yes, but that is a separate process. Once you have your new driver's license, you can update your vehicle registration through the MVC website or by mail. Bring your new license and your current registration to an MVC office if you prefer to do it in person.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you should have it well before the temporary expires. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the MVC office where you applied.

What if my new name has special characters or is hyphenated?

The MVC can accommodate hyphenated names and most special characters. If you have questions about how your specific name will appear on your license, ask the MVC staff member when you arrive at the office. They can show you how it will print before you finalize your process.