Georgia requires you to update your driver's license name through the Department of Driver Services, and the process depends on whether you have a court order or are changing your name for marriage or divorce

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will not change your name on your license based on a verbal request or a document you bring in. You need either a court order showing the name change, or you can use a marriage certificate or divorce decree as proof if your name change comes from one of those events. If you have none of these documents, you must go to court first to get a legal name change order before DDS will update your license.

The process itself is straightforward once you have the right paperwork: you visit a DDS office in person, bring your current license and your proof document, fill out an process, pay a fee, and receive a new license. The whole visit usually takes under an hour. You cannot do this by mail or online.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia DDS requires a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree to change your name on your driver's license — no other documents will work.
  • If you do not have one of these documents, you must file for a legal name change in Superior Court in your county before you can update your license.
  • You must visit a DDS office in person with your current license and your proof document; the change cannot be done by mail or phone.
  • The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a license renewal, and your new license will have a new expiration date.

What documents Georgia DDS will accept for a name change

DDS accepts three types of documents as proof of a legal name change. A court order for name change is the most common and works for any reason — you file a petition in Superior Court, a judge signs an order, and you bring that order to DDS. A marriage certificate showing your new married name works if you took your spouse's last name or hyphenated your name at marriage. A divorce decree works if you changed your name back or to a different name as part of the divorce.

DDS will not accept a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card, a name change document from another state, or a letter from an employer or school. They will not accept a marriage license — you need the actual marriage certificate issued after the marriage was performed. If you have a court order from another state, you will need to file a new petition in Georgia Superior Court to get a Georgia court order.

How to get a court order for name change in Georgia

If you do not have a marriage certificate or divorce decree, you must file a petition for name change in the Superior Court of the county where you live. You can file the petition yourself without a lawyer. The process involves filling out a form, paying a filing fee (which varies by county but is usually between $200 and $300), and appearing before a judge.

Some counties allow you to file the petition online through their court system, but most still require you to file in person at the courthouse. After you file, the court will set a hearing date, usually within four to eight weeks. At the hearing, you tell the judge why you want to change your name. The judge will ask basic questions and then sign an order if there is no legal reason to deny it. Georgia law does not require you to publish a notice in a newspaper or notify anyone else — you just need the court order.

Once the judge signs the order, you receive a certified copy. You bring that certified copy to DDS along with your current driver's license to update your name on your license.

Steps to update your name at a Georgia DDS office

Visit any DDS office in Georgia with your current driver's license, your proof document (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree), and a completed process for Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card (form DL 44). You can read and print this form from the DDS website before you go, or you can fill it out at the office. Bring a pen.

Tell the DDS staff member that you are updating your name. They will check your documents, verify that the name on your proof document matches the name you want on your new license, and scan your documents into their system. You will have your photo taken (unless your current license photo is less than five years old and you choose to keep it). You will pay the fee and receive your new license on the spot, usually within 15 to 20 minutes.

Your new license will show your new name and will have a new expiration date. If your current license expires soon, your new license will expire on the same date as your old one would have. If your current license has several years left, your new license will also have several years left.

DDS office locations and what to bring

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DDS website by entering your county or city. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, while others have extended hours or Saturday hours. A few offices are open by appointment only. Call ahead or check online before you go to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.

Bring your current driver's license, your proof document (certified copy of court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree), and a completed form DL 44. Bring a pen. If you are using a marriage certificate or divorce decree, bring the original or a certified copy — a photocopy will not work. If you are using a court order, bring the certified copy that the court gave you.

The fee and timeline for your new license

The fee for updating your name on your driver's license is the same as the fee for a standard license renewal. As of 2024, a four-year license costs $32 and an eight-year license costs $64. The fee may change, so confirm the current amount when you visit the office or check the DDS website.

You receive your new license when ready when you leave the DDS office. You do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail. Your new license is valid as soon as you receive it. If you need your old license for any reason after the name change, keep it — it is no longer valid for driving, but some organizations may ask to see it as proof of your previous name.

What happens if you change your name but do not update your license

If you legally change your name but do not update your driver's license, your license will still show your old name. You can drive with an out-of-date name on your license, but you may face confusion or questions from police officers, rental car companies, or others who check your ID. More importantly, your license will not match other documents you update, like your Social Security card, passport, or bank accounts, which can create problems when you need to prove your identity.

Georgia law does not require you to update your license within a specific timeframe after a name change, but DDS recommends doing it as soon as possible to avoid complications. If you are stopped by police and your license name does not match your legal name, you may need to explain the situation, though this is usually not a legal problem if you can show your court order or other proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my Georgia license if I changed my name in another state?

No. Georgia DDS will only accept a court order from a Georgia court, a Georgia marriage certificate, or a Georgia divorce decree. If you changed your name in another state, you must file a new petition for name change in Georgia Superior Court and get a Georgia court order before DDS will update your license.

Do I need to go to court in person for a name change hearing?

Yes. Georgia requires you to appear in person before the judge at your name change hearing. You cannot do this by phone or video. The hearing is usually brief — the judge asks a few questions and signs the order if everything is in order.

What if my marriage certificate or divorce decree is from another country?

DDS may accept a foreign marriage certificate or divorce decree if it has been certified and translated into English by an official translator. Contact your local DDS office before you visit to confirm whether they will accept your specific document, as policies can vary.

Can I change my name on my license if I have an outstanding child support obligation or court order against me?

Georgia does not automatically deny a name change based on child support or other court orders. However, if there is an active case against you, the court may require you to notify the other party or may delay the name change. Speak with the court clerk or a lawyer before you file if you have concerns about outstanding obligations.

How long does it take to get a court order for a name change?

From the time you file your petition to the time you receive a signed court order usually takes four to eight weeks, depending on how busy your county court is. Some counties are faster, some slower. Once you have the court order, you can update your license when ready at any DDS office.