What you need to do to change your name on your Colorado license
To change your name on your Colorado driver's license, you must visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Colorado does not allow name changes by mail or online. The DMV will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can request a replacement license at the same time if your current one is damaged or expiring soon.
The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will pay a replacement license fee (currently $20.50 for an adult license valid for five years), and you will receive your new license on the spot or within a few business days depending on whether you choose the standard or expedited option.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change.
- Legal proof means a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers — the document that officially changed your name.
- The replacement license fee is $20.50, and you receive your new license when ready or within a few business days.
- You cannot change your name by mail, phone, or online; all changes must happen at a DMV office.
- If your address also changed, you can update both your name and address in the same visit.
Proof of legal name change Colorado accepts
Colorado DMV requires one of these documents to prove your name change is legal. A court order is the most common proof and covers name changes filed through the district court. A marriage certificate proves a name change through marriage. A divorce decree or dissolution decree proves a name change back to a former name or to a new name ordered by the court. An adoption decree or adoption papers prove a name change through adoption.
Bring the original document or a certified copy. The DMV will not accept a photocopy unless it is certified by the court or issuing agency. If your document is from outside Colorado, bring it anyway — the DMV can usually verify it, but call your local office first if you are uncertain.
Which Colorado DMV office to visit and what to bring
Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website under "Locations." Most cities have at least one office, and Denver has several. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling, which can reduce your wait time. Check your local office's page to see if scheduling is available.
Bring these documents: your current Colorado driver's license, your legal name change document (court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers), and one form of identification if your current license is expired or you are renewing at the same time. You will also need to provide your Social Security number verbally — the DMV will verify it with the Social Security Administration.
If you are changing your address at the same time, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address.
How to prepare your legal name change document
If you obtained your name change through a Colorado court, you should have received a certified copy of the court order. If you only have a photocopy, contact the district court in the county where you filed to request a certified copy. The court will mail it to you, usually within one to two weeks, for a small fee (typically $5 to $15).
If your name change document is a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers from another state, bring the original or a certified copy. Colorado DMV can verify documents from other states, but the process may take longer. If you are unsure whether your document is certified, call your local DMV office before you visit — they can tell you whether what you have will work.
What happens at the DMV office
When you arrive, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. Tell the clerk you are here to change your name on your license. Hand over your current license, your legal name change document, and any other required documents. The clerk will verify your information, take a new photo (unless you request to keep your current photo), and confirm your address.
You will sign a form confirming the information is correct. The clerk will then tell you whether you are receiving your new license when ready or whether it will arrive by mail within a few business days. Most offices issue licenses on the spot, but some locations mail them. Ask the clerk which applies to your office.
You will pay the replacement license fee at the time of your visit. Colorado accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices, but call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your location.
If your name change happened outside Colorado
If you changed your name in another state or country, you can still update your Colorado license. Bring your current Colorado license and the legal document proving your name change (court order, marriage certificate, or other official document). The DMV will verify the document with the issuing state or country, which may add one to two weeks to the process.
Some offices can complete the change on the spot if the document is clear and verifiable. Others will mail your new license once verification is complete. Ask the clerk at your visit which timeline applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my court order?
No, Colorado DMV requires an original or certified copy. If you only have a photocopy, contact the district court in the county where you filed your name change and request a certified copy. The court will mail it to you for a small fee, usually within one to two weeks.
Do I need to renew my license at the same time I change my name?
No, you can change your name without renewing. However, if your license is expiring within the next year, you may want to renew at the same time to avoid a second trip to the DMV. Renewal costs extra, so ask the clerk about the total fee if you want to do both.
What if I lost my legal name change document?
Contact the court or agency that issued it and request a replacement certified copy. For a court order, call the district court in the county where you filed. For a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk's office where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the court that issued it. Each agency charges a small fee for a certified copy.
How long does it take to receive my new license by mail?
Most Colorado DMV offices mail new licenses within three to five business days of your visit. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use until your plastic license arrives. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact your local DMV office to check the status.
Can I change my name on my license if I have a name change court order from another state?
Yes. Bring your current Colorado license and your court order from the other state. The DMV will verify it with that state's court system, which may take one to two weeks. Some offices can complete the change when ready if the order is clear; others will mail your new license once verification is done.