How to change your name on a Michigan driver's license
To change the name on your Michigan driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Michigan does not allow name changes by mail or online. The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, and you will receive a new license with your updated name on the same day if you pay the fee.
The state requires you to show documentation that proves your name has legally changed — usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name on the license based on how you prefer to be called; the name must match an official document.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change.
- Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order from a judge.
- The fee for a replacement license is $18 if you are under 65, or $9 if you are 65 or older.
- You will receive your new license with the updated name the same day you visit, as long as you arrive before the office closes.
- If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of the certificate or decree.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current Michigan driver's license and one of the following documents that shows your legal name change: an original or certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A certified copy means the document has an official seal or stamp from the court or vital records office that issued it.
If you changed your name through marriage, the marriage certificate must show both your old name and your new name. If you changed your name through divorce, the divorce decree must list your new name. If you obtained a legal name change through the court (not marriage or divorce), bring the court order signed by a judge.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or proof of residence. Bring only your current license and the name-change document.
Where to go and what to expect
Find your nearest Secretary of State office on the Michigan Secretary of State website. You can search by city or zip code to see office locations and hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have Saturday hours. A few offices are open on certain evenings — check the website for your location.
Walk in during office hours; you do not need an appointment. Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to update your driver's license with a name change. They will check your documents, take a new photo if your license photo is more than four years old, and process the replacement. The entire visit usually takes 10 to 20 minutes unless the office is very busy.
The fee and payment methods
A replacement driver's license costs $18 if you are under 65 years old, or $9 if you are 65 or older. The Secretary of State office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.
You pay at the time you visit. If you do not have the fee with you, you cannot complete the transaction that day and will need to return.
When you will receive your new license
You receive your new license with your updated name on the same day you visit the office, before you leave. The license is printed on-site and given to you when ready after you complete the transaction.
Your old license becomes invalid once you receive the new one. Keep the new license in a safe place. If you lose it, you will need to pay another replacement fee to get a duplicate.
Name changes through marriage or divorce
If you changed your name because you got married, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. The certificate must show your maiden name and your married name.
If you changed your name because of a divorce, bring your original divorce decree or a certified copy from the court that handled your case. The decree must show your new name after the divorce. Some people return to a former name through divorce; make sure the document shows the name you want on your license.
If you were married or divorced outside Michigan, the certificate or decree is still valid as long as it is an official document from the state or country where the event took place.
Legal name changes through the court
If you changed your name through a court petition (not marriage or divorce), you must bring the court order signed by a judge. This order must be from a Michigan court or, if you obtained it outside Michigan, must be recognized as valid in Michigan.
To get a certified copy of a court order, contact the clerk's office of the court that issued it. They can provide a certified copy for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You need a valid Michigan driver's license and proof of your legal name change, just as any other person does. Your citizenship status does not affect the name-change process on your license.
What if my marriage certificate or divorce decree is from another state?
It is still valid. Bring the original or a certified copy from the state where you were married or divorced. The Secretary of State office will accept it as proof of your legal name change.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change my driver's license?
No. You can change your driver's license name first. However, it is a good idea to update your Social Security record as well so your name matches across government documents. You can do this at your local Social Security office.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the county clerk's office or vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced. They can issue a certified copy for a fee. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy the office is.
Can I change my name on my license by mail?
No. Michigan requires you to visit a Secretary of State office in person. You cannot complete a name change by mail or online.