What you need to do to change your name on your driver license
To change your name on your driver license, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency with proof of your legal name change and your current license. The DMV will issue you a new license with your updated name. The process takes one visit in most states, though the new card arrives by mail within one to three weeks. You cannot legally drive under your new name until you have the updated license in hand.
The exact documents required and fees vary by state. Some states let you change your name at the DMV window without a court order if you are changing it due to marriage or divorce; others require a court order for any name change. A few states allow you to change your name by mail if you have the right paperwork. Knowing your state's specific rules before you go saves a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a legal name change document — usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — before the DMV will issue a new license.
- Some states accept marriage or divorce documents at the DMV window without requiring a separate court order; others require a court order for any name change.
- You will need your current driver license, proof of identity, and proof of your legal name change when you visit the DMV.
- The new license is mailed to you within one to three weeks; you should not drive under your new name until it arrives.
- A few states allow name changes by mail if you submit the correct documents and fee, but most require an in-person visit.
Gather your legal name change document
Before you go to the DMV, you need proof that your name change is legal. The document that counts depends on why you changed your name. If you married or divorced, your marriage certificate or divorce decree is your proof. If you changed your name through a court order — for any other reason — you need a certified copy of that court order from the court that issued it.
Contact the court clerk's office or vital records office in the county where your name change was finalized. Ask for a certified copy of the document. Certified means the office has stamped it and signed it to confirm it is a true copy of the original. A photocopy you made yourself will not work. Expect to pay a small fee, usually between $5 and $25, and allow one to two weeks for the document to arrive by mail. Some courts let you pick up certified copies in person the same day.
Check your state's specific requirements
Each state's DMV has different rules about what documents they accept and whether you can change your name by mail or must visit in person. Visit your state's DMV website and search for "name change" or "update driver license information." The website will tell you exactly what to bring and whether your reason for changing your name (marriage, divorce, court order) affects what you need.
Some states, like California and Texas, let you change your name at the DMV window if you have a marriage certificate or divorce decree, without needing a separate court order. Other states require a court order for any name change, even if you married. A few states, including some that allow mail-in renewals, also allow name changes by mail if you submit the right documents. Calling your local DMV office is faster than searching the website if you have questions — they answer name-change questions every day and can tell you in minutes what you need.
Prepare your documents and visit the DMV
Bring your current driver license, your legal name change document (certified copy), and one additional form of identity such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. Bring your Social Security card if you have it — some states ask for it. Bring the fee, which ranges from $10 to $50 depending on your state; check your state's website to know the exact amount before you go. If you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of that document, not just a photocopy.
Visit your local DMV office during business hours. You may need to take a number and wait, or you may be able to book an appointment online through your state's DMV website. Tell the clerk you are updating your name on your license. Hand over your current license and your legal name change document. The clerk will verify the document, take a new photo if your state requires it, and process your new license on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing your new name and a temporary paper license you can use to drive while you wait for the card.
Understand what happens after you visit the DMV
The DMV mails your new license to the address on file within one to three weeks. The exact timeline depends on your state and how busy the DMV is. You can drive legally using the temporary paper receipt the DMV gave you, but you should not drive under your new name without the physical card if you are pulled over — the officer may not recognize the temporary document as valid. Keep the receipt in your wallet until the new card arrives.
If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact your state's DMV to check the status. Occasionally mail is lost or an address was entered incorrectly. The DMV can reissue the card or correct the address and send a new one. If you moved after you visited the DMV, contact them to update your address before the card is mailed, or it will go to your old address and you will have to request a replacement.
What to do if you cannot visit the DMV in person
Most states require you to visit the DMV in person to change your name on your license because they need to take a new photo and verify your identity. However, a small number of states allow name changes by mail if you meet certain conditions. Check your state's DMV website for "mail-in name change" or call the DMV to ask whether you can submit documents by mail instead of visiting in person.
If your state does not allow mail-in name changes and you cannot visit the DMV yourself, ask a trusted family member or friend to go on your behalf. They will need a notarized power of attorney document that you sign in front of a notary public, authorizing them to act for you. The notary will stamp and sign the document to confirm you signed it willingly. Your representative will bring this document, your current license, and your legal name change document to the DMV. Some states accept this arrangement; others do not. Call ahead to confirm your state allows it before you have the power of attorney notarized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a court order if I changed my name because I got married?
It depends on your state. Some states accept a marriage certificate at the DMV window without a court order. Others require a court order for any name change, even marriage. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out what your state accepts. If your state requires a court order, you will need to file one with the court in your county before you visit the DMV.
Can I drive with the temporary paper receipt before my new license arrives?
Yes, the temporary receipt the DMV gives you is a valid temporary license. You can drive legally with it. However, if you are pulled over, the officer may need to verify it in the system, so keep it in a safe place and do not lose it. Once your new card arrives, the temporary receipt is no longer valid.
What if I lost my current driver license?
You will need to report it lost and request a replacement before you can change your name. Visit the DMV with your legal name change document and proof of identity, and ask for a replacement license with your new name. You will pay both the replacement fee and the name-change fee, or your state may combine them into one fee. The process is the same as a regular name change visit.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Most states mail the new license within one to three weeks. Some states are faster, some slower, depending on how busy the DMV is and how far you live from the printing facility. Your receipt will show an estimated arrival date. If it does not arrive within four weeks, contact your state's DMV to check the status or request a replacement.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security and other agencies too?
Yes, changing your driver license name does not automatically change your name with Social Security, your bank, your employer, or other organizations. You will need to contact each one separately with your new license and legal name change document to update your records with them. Many people do this after they receive their new license in the mail.