What you need to do to change your name on your Washington license
To change the name on your Washington driver's license, you submit a form to the Department of Licensing (DOL) along with proof that your name has legally changed. Washington accepts name changes from marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal processes. You do not need to get a new license photo unless you want to — the DOL will update your record and issue a new card with your current photo on file.
The process takes place entirely through the mail or in person at a DOL office. You cannot change your name online. Most people complete this within two to four weeks from the date the DOL receives your documents, though processing times vary by office location and current volume.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit form DL 44 or DL 44E (depending on whether you are renewing at the same time) along with proof of your legal name change to the Department of Licensing.
- Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official document showing your new legal name.
- You can mail your documents to the DOL or bring them in person to any DOL office; mailing usually takes longer but requires no appointment.
- Your current license remains valid during processing, and you will receive a new card by mail once the name change is recorded.
- If you are also renewing your license, you may need to provide a new photo and pay the renewal fee in addition to the name-change fee.
Which form to submit and what documents to include
The form you use depends on whether your license is also expiring soon. If your license is not expiring within the next year, use form DL 44. If your license expires within the next year and you want to renew it at the same time, use form DL 44E instead. Both forms are available on the Washington Department of Licensing website.
Along with your form, you must include an official document that proves your name has legally changed. The DOL accepts a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document showing your new name. The document must be an official copy — a photocopy or printout is not enough. If your document is from outside Washington, it must be certified or notarized.
You will also need to include your current driver's license or ID card with your submission. If you are using form DL 44E to renew at the same time, you will need to provide a new photo and pay both the name-change fee and the renewal fee. Check the DOL website for current fee amounts, as they change periodically.
Mailing your documents versus going in person
You can submit your name-change request by mail or in person at any Washington Department of Licensing office. Mailing is slower but requires no appointment and no travel. In-person visits are faster — you can often complete the transaction the same day — but you need to find an office near you and may wait in line.
If you mail your documents, send them to the address listed on the DOL website for your region. Include a copy of your current license and keep copies of everything you send. The DOL recommends using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date they receive your packet, though some offices process faster during slower periods.
If you go in person, bring your original documents (the certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), your current license, and the completed form. Some DOL offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Check the office locator on the DOL website to see which offices are near you and whether appointments are needed.
What happens after you submit your request
Once the DOL receives your documents, they will review them to confirm your name change is legal and your paperwork is complete. If everything is in order, they will update your record in their system and mail you a new license card with your updated name. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue using it.
If the DOL finds a problem with your documents — for example, if a copy is not certified or if information does not match — they will contact you by mail or phone to ask for corrections. This can add one to two weeks to the process. If you provided a phone number on your form, they may call instead of writing.
Once your new card arrives, destroy your old license. You do not need to return it to the DOL. Your new license will have the same number as your old one, just with your updated name printed on it.
Name changes from marriage or divorce
If you changed your name through marriage, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This is different from the certificate you received at the wedding — you must request a certified copy from the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. The county clerk can mail it to you or you can pick it up in person.
If you changed your name through divorce, you will need a certified copy of your divorce decree that shows your new name. If your divorce decree does not list your new name, you may need a separate court order. Contact the court clerk in the county where your divorce was finalized to request a certified copy.
Both documents usually cost between $10 and $25 per copy, depending on the county. Most counties allow you to order certified copies online or by mail, though some require you to visit in person.
Name changes from court order
If you changed your name through a legal name-change court order (not related to marriage or divorce), you will need a certified copy of the court order showing your new legal name. This order comes from the superior court in the county where you filed the petition.
To get a certified copy, contact the court clerk's office in that county. You can usually request it by phone, mail, or in person. The clerk will provide you with an official certified copy that you can then send to the DOL along with your form.
If your name change was in another state
If your name legally changed in another state but you now hold a Washington license, you still need to update your Washington license. Submit the same documents you would use in Washington — your certified court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — along with form DL 44 to the Washington DOL.
If your document is from another state, it must be certified or notarized. Some states provide certified copies automatically; others require you to request them. Contact the court clerk or vital records office in the state where your name changed to find out how to get a certified copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new photo when I change my name?
No. The DOL will use your current photo on file unless you choose to provide a new one. If you want a new photo, you can request it when you submit your name-change form, but it is not required. If you are renewing your license at the same time using form DL 44E, you will need to provide a new photo.
Can I change my name on my license if my court order is from out of state?
Yes, but the document must be certified or notarized. Contact the court clerk in the state where your order was issued and request a certified copy. Once you have it, send it to the Washington DOL with your form DL 44.
How long does it take to get my new license card in the mail?
Processing usually takes two to four weeks from the date the DOL receives your documents. Mailing time adds another few days on each end. If you need your new license faster, visit a DOL office in person — many can issue a temporary license the same day.
What if I made a mistake on my form or my documents are incomplete?
The DOL will contact you by mail or phone if something is wrong. They will tell you what needs to be corrected or resubmitted. Resubmitting corrected documents usually adds one to two weeks to the process.
Can I use my old license while I wait for my new one?
Yes. Your current license remains valid during the entire name-change process. You can continue using it for identification and driving until your new card arrives.