How to change your name on a Washington driver's license
To change the name on your Washington driver's license, you submit a form to the Department of Licensing (DOL) along with proof of your legal name change. Washington accepts name changes from marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal processes. The process takes about two to three weeks once DOL receives your documents, and you can do most of it by mail or online through the DOL website.
You do not need to visit an office in person for a name change alone — only if you also need a new photo or are renewing your license at the same time. The fee is $20 for a replacement license with your new name.
Key Takeaways
- You need proof that your name change is legal — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official document showing the name change.
- Submit form DL 44 (process for Washington State Driver License) or form DL 43 (process for Replacement Driver License) along with your proof document to DOL by mail or through their online portal.
- Processing takes two to three weeks after DOL receives your complete submission, and you will receive your new license by mail.
- If you need a new photo or your license is expiring soon, you may want to visit an office in person instead of using the mail route.
- Washington does not require a court order for name changes due to marriage or divorce — a certified copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient.
What documents prove your name change is legal
Washington DOL accepts different documents depending on why your name changed. If you married, provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you divorced, provide a certified copy of the divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed your name through a court order (sometimes called a petition for name change), provide a certified copy of the court order.
All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You can request certified copies from the county clerk's office where the document was issued, or from the vital records office if it is a marriage or divorce record. Some counties offer online ordering.
If your document is from outside Washington, it must still be a certified copy. Washington will not accept a document certified by a notary public; it must be certified by the issuing government office.
How to submit your name change to DOL
You have two options: mail your documents to DOL, or use their online portal if you have a Washington ID or driver's license number.
By mail: Fill out form DL 43 (process for Replacement Driver License). Include your certified name-change document, a copy of your current driver's license or ID, and a check or money order for $20 made payable to "Department of Licensing." Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after they receive it.
Online: Visit the Washington DOL website and log in with your driver's license or ID number. Select "Replace Driver License" and follow the prompts to upload your certified name-change document and pay the $20 fee by card. You will receive a confirmation number. This route is faster because you skip mail delivery time, though processing still takes two to three weeks once submitted.
Do not send original documents — send certified copies only. Keep a copy for your records.
What happens after you submit
DOL will review your documents and send you a new license by mail within two to three weeks. Your new license will show your updated name and the same license number as your old one. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
If DOL needs more information or finds a problem with your documents, they will contact you by mail or phone. Check that they have your correct phone number and mailing address when you submit.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — there is no requirement to turn it in.
When to visit an office in person instead
You only need to visit a DOL office in person if you also want a new photo, if your license is expiring within the next few months, or if you prefer to handle everything at once. Visiting in person takes longer (you may wait 30 minutes to an hour) but you leave with a temporary license valid when ready.
Bring your certified name-change document, your current driver's license, and payment ($20 for a replacement, or the renewal fee if your license is expiring). Find your nearest office on the DOL website and check their hours before you go — some offices have limited hours or require an appointment.
Name changes from marriage or domestic partnership
Washington does not require a court order to change your name after marriage or domestic partnership registration. A certified copy of your marriage certificate or domestic partnership certificate is sufficient proof. You do not need to go to court or file any petition.
If you took your spouse's name at marriage, or if you and your spouse agreed on a different name together, either document works. If you want to change to a name other than your spouse's name, you will need a court order for a name change instead.
Name changes from divorce
If your divorce decree includes a name change (most do), a certified copy of the decree is all you need. You do not need a separate court order. The decree itself is your legal proof.
If your divorce was finalized but the decree does not show a name change, you can file a petition for name change in superior court. This is a separate process from the divorce and requires a court order. Contact your county superior court clerk for forms and filing fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license with the new name?
Two to three weeks after DOL receives your complete submission. Mail delivery adds a few days on each end, so the total time from when you mail your documents to when you receive your new license is typically three to four weeks. Using the online portal skips the first mail step, so you may receive your license in two to three weeks.
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
No, DOL requires a certified copy. Contact the county clerk's office or vital records office where you were married to request one. Most counties can mail it to you within one to two weeks, and some offer online ordering. The fee is usually $10 to $25 depending on the county.
What if my name change document is from another state?
It must still be a certified copy issued by the government office that handled the original document. Washington accepts name-change documents from other states as long as they are certified. The process is the same — submit the certified copy with form DL 43 and your $20 fee.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change my driver's license?
No, you can do them in either order. However, many people change their Social Security name first because the Social Security card is often used as proof of identity for other documents. Check with Social Security's website for their current process.
What if I made a mistake on my new license after it arrived?
Contact DOL when ready. If the error is their mistake, they will issue a corrected license at no charge. If the error was on the documents you submitted, you will need to submit a correction and may be charged another $20 fee.