What you need to do to change your name on your Colorado license

To change the name on your Colorado driver license, you must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Colorado does not allow name changes by mail or online. The DMV will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can choose to keep your current license number or receive a new one.

The process itself is straightforward, but the documents you bring matter. You need both proof that your name legally changed and proof of your current identity. What counts as proof depends on why your name changed — whether through marriage, divorce, court order, or another reason.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change.
  • Acceptable proof of name change includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified birth certificate showing your new name.
  • You will need to complete an process for Identification (Form DL 43) at the DMV office.
  • The new license is issued on the spot, though you may wait several weeks if you request a duplicate by mail instead.
  • There is a fee for the new license, which varies depending on whether you renew your license at the same time.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current Colorado driver license and one document that proves your name legally changed. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If you changed it through divorce, bring your divorce decree. If you changed it through a court order, bring that order.

If your name change is recent and you do not yet have an official document, contact the office that issued the change. For a marriage, that is the county clerk in the county where you were married. For a divorce, it is the court that finalized it. For a legal name change petition, it is the district court that approved it. They can issue you a certified copy, which is what the DMV needs.

You will also need to bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address on your license is already current, you may not need this, but bringing it prevents delays.

How to find your nearest DMV office and make an appointment

Colorado DMV offices are located throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website under the Driver License section. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day.

You do not need an appointment for a name change, but making one can reduce your wait time. You can schedule an appointment through the same website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during peak hours, which are typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays.

What happens at the DMV office

When you arrive, you will be given an process for Identification form (Form DL 43) to complete. This form asks for your current information and your new name. A DMV employee will review your documents, verify that your name change is legal, and process your process. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

You will be asked to have your photo taken for the new license. If you want to keep the same photo from your current license, you can request that, though the DMV may ask you to take a new one if your current photo is very old or does not meet current standards.

Once your process is processed, you will receive your new license when ready in most cases. Your old license becomes invalid. If you prefer to receive your new license by mail instead of taking it on the spot, you can request that, but it will take several weeks to arrive.

The fee and what it covers

The fee for a name change on your driver license depends on when your license expires. If your license is not expiring soon, the fee is lower than if you renew it at the same time. You can choose to renew your license while you are there, which costs more but means you will not need to return to the DMV as soon.

The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Call your local DMV office or check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for the exact current fee, as it can change.

If your name change was through marriage or divorce

A marriage certificate or divorce decree is the most common proof of name change. Make sure the document you bring is an original or certified copy from the county clerk or court. If you were married or divorced outside Colorado, the document must still be an official one from that state or country.

If you were married and took your spouse's name, you do not need a court order — the marriage certificate is enough. If you were divorced and returned to a previous name, the divorce decree showing your name change is enough. If you want to change to a name other than your spouse's name or your previous name, you will need a separate court order for that change.

If your name change was through a court order

If you legally changed your name through a petition to the district court, bring the certified court order approving the change. This order must show your old name, your new name, and the judge's signature and the court's seal. A photocopy is not acceptable — it must be a certified copy from the court.

If you have lost your court order, contact the district court in the county where the order was issued. They can issue you a certified copy for a small fee. This usually takes a few days to a week, so plan ahead if you need it quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate or court order?

No. The DMV requires an original or certified copy. Contact the county clerk (for marriage certificates) or the court (for divorce decrees or name change orders) to request a certified copy. They can usually mail it to you within a week or two.

Do I have to renew my license at the same time I change my name?

No. You can change your name without renewing your license. However, if your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time to avoid a second trip to the DMV. The fee is higher if you renew, but you will not need to return for several more years.

What if I changed my name but do not have a current Colorado driver license?

You can still get a new license with your updated name. Bring your proof of name change and two forms of identification showing your new name, or one form of identification and two documents showing your address. Visit your local DMV office to learn which documents they will accept in your situation.

How long does it take to receive my new license if I request it by mail?

If you request your new license by mail instead of taking it at the office, it typically arrives within two to four weeks. During busy periods, it may take longer. You can check the status of your license on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.

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

No. Colorado requires you to visit a DMV office in person for a name change. You cannot do this by mail, phone, or online.