What you need to do to change your name on your driver's license
To change your name on your driver's license, you must visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, bring proof of your legal name change, and submit a new process. The process varies by state — some allow you to change your name at the same time you renew your license, while others require a separate trip. Most states charge a fee between $15 and $50 for the name change itself, though this varies.
The core requirement is the same everywhere: you must have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows your new legal name. The DMV will not process a name change based on a letter from you or a verbal request. You cannot change your name on your license until your name has been legally changed through the court system or through marriage or divorce.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an official document proving your legal name change — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — to the DMV in person.
- Most states require you to fill out a new driver's license process form when you change your name, even if nothing else about your license is changing.
- Processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on your state and whether you pay for expedited service.
- Some states allow you to change your name during a renewal; others require a separate transaction, so check your state's DMV website before you go.
- You will receive a new physical license card with your updated name, and your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring your current driver's license and the original or certified copy of the document that proves your legal name change. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court petition, bring the court order signed by the judge.
You will also need to bring a document that proves your identity and current address — this is separate from your driver's license. Acceptable documents vary by state but typically include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some states accept a passport or military ID as proof of identity instead.
Call your state's DMV before you go or check their website to confirm exactly which documents they accept. Some states have specific requirements about whether documents must be originals or certified copies, and some will not accept photocopies.
How to find your state's DMV and schedule an appointment
Visit your state's official DMV website — search "[your state] DMV" plus "name change" to find the right page. The website will list which forms you need to fill out ahead of time, which documents to bring, and the fee amount. Many states now let you schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time from hours to 15 or 20 minutes.
If your state does not offer online scheduling, you can call the DMV directly or visit a local office without an appointment. Walk-in times are usually longest in the morning and on Fridays. Some states have multiple DMV locations in each county, so you can choose the one closest to you or the one with the shortest current wait time.
A few states allow you to renew your license by mail or online, but name changes almost always require an in-person visit because the DMV needs to verify your identity and the document proving your name change.
What happens at the DMV during your visit
When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A DMV staff member will review your documents, verify that your name change is legal, and ask you to complete a new driver's license process form. The form will ask for your new name, address, and other basic information. You will also have a new photo taken unless your state allows you to keep your old photo for a name-only change — policies differ.
The staff member will collect your old license and take your payment. Most states charge between $15 and $50 for a name change. Some states charge the full renewal fee even if your license is not expiring soon; others charge only a small amendment fee. Ask about the cost when you call or check the website so you know what to expect.
You will receive a temporary paper license or receipt that you can use to drive while your new card is being printed. The new physical license card will arrive by mail within one to three weeks in most states, though some states print it on-site and hand it to you before you leave.
Timeline and processing speed
If your state prints licenses on-site, you can walk out with your new license the same day. If your state mails licenses, the new card typically arrives within one to three weeks. A few states take longer — up to six weeks — especially if they are processing a high volume of requests.
Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25. Expedited service typically cuts the mailing time in half. Check your state's DMV website to see whether expedited service is available and whether it is worth the cost for your situation.
While you are waiting for your new license to arrive, you can drive using your temporary paper license or receipt. Do not throw it away — you will need it if you are stopped by police. Once your new license arrives, your old license is no longer valid and should be destroyed.
Name changes through marriage or divorce
If you changed your name through marriage, your marriage certificate is your proof of the legal name change. You do not need a court order. Bring the original or a certified copy issued by the county clerk's office where you were married. Some states accept photocopies; others do not, so check ahead.
If you changed your name through divorce, your divorce decree is your proof. The decree must show your new legal name. If your divorce papers do not list your new name, you will need a separate court order from the judge authorizing the name change. Contact the court that handled your divorce to request this order if you need it.
If you changed your name through a court petition (not marriage or divorce), bring the signed court order from the judge. This order is the only document the DMV will accept as proof of your legal name change.
What to do if you have already changed your name but your license still shows your old name
If your legal name changed months or years ago and your license still shows your old name, the process is the same: bring your proof of the name change and your current license to the DMV. There is no time limit on when you must update your license after a legal name change, though it is a good idea to do it as soon as you can to avoid confusion with other documents.
If you have lost the document proving your name change — for example, you lost your marriage certificate or divorce decree — you can request a replacement from the county clerk's office or the court that issued it. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. Some courts and clerk's offices allow you to request replacements online or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my driver's license without going to the DMV in person?
No. All states require you to visit a DMV office in person to change your name on your license. The DMV needs to verify your identity and see the original document proving your legal name change. You cannot do this by mail or online.
What if I changed my name but do not have the original document anymore?
Contact the county clerk's office or the court that issued the document and request a certified copy. For marriage certificates, contact the county clerk where you were married. For divorce decrees, contact the court that handled your divorce. For court-ordered name changes, contact the court that issued the order. Certified copies usually cost $10 to $25 and arrive within one to two weeks.
Do I have to get a new photo when I change my name on my license?
It depends on your state. Some states require a new photo for any license change. Others allow you to keep your old photo if you are only changing your name. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to find out whether you will need a new photo.
Can I change my name on my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, as long as you have a valid driver's license and proof of your legal name change. The DMV does not require citizenship to update your name. Bring the same documents you would bring if you were a citizen — your current license, proof of your legal name change, and proof of your current address.
What if my state's DMV lost or damaged my documents?
If the DMV loses or damages a document you brought, ask to speak with a manager when ready and request that they document the incident in writing. Ask them to provide you with a replacement document or a letter stating what happened. Keep this letter for your records. If the DMV refuses, you can contact your state's DMV complaint office or your state's attorney general's office to file a complaint.