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

To change your name on your Colorado driver's license, you submit a form to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with a document that proves your legal name change. Colorado accepts a court order, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption decree as proof. You do not need to appear in person at a DMV office — you can mail your request or use the online portal if you have a REAL ID-compliant license.

The process takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your paperwork. You will receive a new license in the mail with your updated name. If you need the license sooner, you can visit a DMV office in person and request expedited processing, though this may carry an additional fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form DL-43 (process for Colorado Driver's License) along with proof of your legal name change — a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree.
  • You can mail your request to the DMV, submit it online through the Colorado DMV portal if your license is REAL ID-compliant, or deliver it in person at a DMV office.
  • Processing takes approximately two weeks by mail; visiting in person can be faster if you need the license urgently.
  • Your current license remains valid until your new license arrives, so you do not lose your ability to drive during the change.

Which document proves your name change

Colorado DMV accepts four types of documents as proof of a legal name change. A court order is the most common proof if you changed your name through a court petition. A marriage certificate proves a name change through marriage. A divorce decree or dissolution decree proves a name change through divorce. An adoption decree proves a name change through adoption.

The document must be an official copy — not a photocopy you made yourself. If you do not have an official copy, you can request one from the court that issued it or from the vital records office in the county where the event occurred. Bring the original or an official certified copy to the DMV office, or mail it with your form if you are submitting by mail.

How to submit your name change request

You have three ways to submit your request: by mail, online, or in person. To submit by mail, fill out Form DL-43, include a copy of your proof document, and mail both to the address listed on the form. The DMV processes mail requests in the order received, and you should expect your new license within two to three weeks.

If your license is REAL ID-compliant (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), you can submit your request through the Colorado DMV online portal at dmv.colorado.gov. You will upload an image of your proof document and pay the fee online. To submit in person, visit any DMV office with your Form DL-43 and proof document. Bring your current license and be prepared to have a new photo taken.

The fee for a name change on your license is the same as the fee for a standard license renewal in Colorado. Check the DMV website for the current amount, as fees change periodically.

What happens to your current license while you wait

Your current license with your old name remains valid and legal to use while your new license is being processed. You do not need to stop driving or carry any temporary document. Police will recognize your old license as valid identification during traffic stops or other situations where you need to show it.

Once your new license arrives in the mail, your old license is no longer valid. You should destroy it or return it to the DMV if you prefer, though this is not required. Some people keep the old license as a record, but it cannot be used for identification purposes.

Changing your name if you have a REAL ID license

A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. If your Colorado license has this star, you can change your name online through the DMV portal without visiting an office. You will upload an image of your proof document, pay the fee, and your new license will be mailed to you.

If your license is not REAL ID-compliant, you can still change your name by mail or in person. If you want to upgrade to REAL ID at the same time you change your name, you can do so in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of name change, and proof of identity and residence. The REAL ID upgrade may have a separate fee.

What to do if you need the license faster

If you need your new license before the standard two to three weeks, visit a DMV office in person and ask about expedited processing. Some offices can issue a temporary license or process your request the same day, though this depends on office workload and may cost extra. Call your local DMV office before you go to ask whether expedited service is available and what it costs.

Another option is to request a temporary paper license at the DMV office while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. This temporary license is valid for driving and identification for a limited time and can bridge the gap if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to go to the DMV in person to change my name?

No. If your license is REAL ID-compliant, you can submit your request online. Otherwise, you can mail your form and proof document to the DMV. You only need to visit in person if you want expedited processing or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.

What if my proof document is from another state?

Colorado accepts name-change documents from other states as long as they are official copies. A court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree from another state is valid proof. Make sure it is an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

Can I change my name on my license if I have an outstanding ticket or suspension?

A name change is a separate transaction from license suspensions or tickets. You can change your name on your license even if you have an outstanding ticket, but you must still resolve any suspensions before you can renew or update your license. Contact the DMV if you are unsure about your license status.

How long does it take to get my new license if I submit online?

Online submissions are processed the same way as mail submissions — typically two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your request. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on file with the DMV.

What if I changed my name but never got a court order?

Colorado requires official proof of a legal name change. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or adoption, you have a document that proves it. If you changed your name informally without a court order, you will need to go through a court petition to make it legal before the DMV can update your license. Contact your county district court for information about name-change petitions.