What you need to do to change your name on your California driver license
To change your name on your California driver license, you must first have a legal name change document from a court, then submit that document to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with your current license. The DMV does not process name changes on its own — you cannot straightforward ask them to update your name. You need proof that a court has officially changed your name, whether through a family law case (like marriage or divorce), a petition for name change, or another court order.
Once you have the court document, you can update your license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on what type of court document you have and whether you need a new photo on your license.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain a court order or certified document proving your legal name change before the DMV will update your license.
- Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and court petitions for name change are the documents the DMV accepts as proof.
- You can update your name by mail if you do not need a new photo, or in person if you do.
- Processing times vary, but mail requests typically take two to three weeks after the DMV receives your documents.
- You will need to bring or mail your current driver license along with the court document and a completed process form.
Court documents the DMV will accept
The DMV accepts several types of court documents as proof of a legal name change. A certified marriage certificate showing your new married name is the most common. A divorce decree or judgment of dissolution that shows your name after divorce also works. If you filed a petition for change of name in superior court, the court will issue an order granting the change — that order is what you submit to the DMV.
All documents must be certified copies, meaning they bear the court's official seal and signature. A photocopy or uncertified version will not be accepted. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the superior court in the county where the order was issued. There is usually a small fee, typically between $5 and $15 per copy.
If your name change came through a family law case in another state, you may still be able to update your California license, but you will need to contact your local DMV office first to confirm what documents they will accept.
How to update your name by mail
Updating by mail is the simplest option if you do not need a new photo on your license. You will need to complete Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate or Amended Driver License or Identification Card), which you can read from the DMV website or pick up at any DMV office. Fill out the form, sign it, and gather your current driver license and the certified court document proving your name change.
Mail all three items — the completed form, your current license, and the court document — to the address listed on the DMV website for your region. Include a check or money order for the fee, which is typically $20 to $30 for a name change (fees vary slightly). Do not send cash. The DMV recommends using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the package arrived.
Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your documents. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to update your address at the same time, you can do that on the same form.
How to update your name in person at a DMV office
If you want a new photo on your license or prefer to handle the change face-to-face, you can visit a DMV office. Bring your current driver license, the certified court document, and a completed Form DL 43. You will also need to bring proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo if you want one, and process your name change on the spot. You will pay the fee at the counter — cash, check, debit card, and credit card are all accepted.
Your new license will be mailed to your address within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives and your current license is still valid, you can continue using it.
Updating your name online through the DMV website
California's DMV website offers an online name change service for certain situations. You can update your name online if you are changing it due to marriage and you have a valid, non-expired California driver license. You will need to provide your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You upload a photo of your certified marriage certificate, and the DMV reviews it electronically. If approved, your new license is mailed to you within two to three weeks. This option does not work for divorce, court-ordered name changes, or if your license is expired or suspended.
If you do not may have access to for the online option, you can still use the mail or in-person methods described above.
What happens to your old license and when you get your new one
When you submit your name change request by mail or in person, you must surrender your current driver license. The DMV keeps it and issues a new one with your updated name. If you submitted your license by mail, it will be destroyed by the DMV. If you went in person, the staff member will take it from you at the counter.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. The new license will have a new number and expiration date (typically 10 years from the date of issue for adults). Until your new license arrives, your old license is no longer valid for identification purposes, though you can still drive if your license was not expired before the name change.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old license is expired, you may want to visit a DMV office in person instead of using mail, so you can get a temporary license to use when ready.
Fees and what they cover
The fee for a name change on your California driver license is typically $20 to $30, depending on whether you are getting a new photo and whether you are renewing your license at the same time. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your name — that costs extra but means you do not have to return to the DMV twice.
Fees are non-refundable, even if the DMV denies your request (which is rare if your court documents are in order). Payment methods vary by location: mail requests require a check or money order, while in-person visits accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. The online name change service also charges a fee, typically $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I update my driver license?
No, you can do either first. However, it is often easier to update Social Security first, then bring your Social Security card to the DMV as proof of your new name. You can update your Social Security name by visiting your local Social Security office with your court document and current Social Security card.
What if my court document is from another state?
California will accept court documents from other states, but the document must be certified and show that your name change is final. Contact your local DMV office before you submit to confirm they will accept the specific type of document you have.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
If you visit a DMV office in person, you can request a temporary license (also called a temporary driver license) that is valid for 60 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. This is helpful if you need to drive before your new license reaches you.
What if I lost my court document after I got it?
You can request a replacement certified copy from the superior court in the county where your name change was ordered. Contact the court clerk's office and ask for a certified copy of your name change order or marriage certificate. There is usually a fee of $5 to $15 per copy.
Does my name change on my driver license automatically update my vehicle registration?
No, your vehicle registration is separate. You will need to update your registration with the California Department of Motor Vehicles separately. You can do this by mail or in person using Form REG 14 (process for Title or Registration), along with your new driver license as proof of your name change.