What you need to do to change your name on your Pennsylvania driver's license
To change your name on your Pennsylvania driver's license, you must visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Pennsylvania does not allow name changes by mail or online. The process itself is straightforward — you fill out a form, provide documents, and pay a fee — but the documents you bring depend on why your name changed.
The state recognizes name changes through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means. Each route requires different paperwork, which is why knowing your situation before you go saves a trip. PennDOT will not process your request without the right documents, so this step matters.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change.
- If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate; if through divorce, bring your divorce decree; if through court order, bring the court order itself.
- You will need to complete form DL-44 (process for Driver's License or Learner's Permit) at the center.
- The fee for a name change on a standard license is the same as renewing your license, which varies depending on your license type and how many years remain on your current license.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.
Documents you need for a name change through marriage
If you changed your name when you married, bring your original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. A photocopy will not work — PennDOT requires an official document issued by the county clerk or vital records office where you were married.
You will also need your current Pennsylvania driver's license and a form of identification that shows your current legal name. If your marriage certificate shows a different name than what appears on your current license, bring both documents so the agent can see the connection.
Documents you need for a name change through divorce
If you changed your name as part of a divorce, bring your original or certified copy of your divorce decree. The decree must clearly show your new legal name. A photocopy is not accepted.
Some divorce decrees do not explicitly state a name change — they may only reference "resumption of maiden name" or similar language. If your decree is unclear, contact the court that issued it and ask for a certified copy that specifically lists your new legal name. Bringing an unclear document will delay your visit.
Documents you need for a name change through court order
If you obtained a legal name change through a court petition (not related to marriage or divorce), bring your original or certified copy of the court order granting the name change. This document must come from the court that issued it, not a photocopy.
Court orders for name changes are issued by the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you filed your petition. If you no longer have your copy, contact that court's prothonotary office and request a certified copy. The cost is usually between $5 and $15.
How to find and visit a PennDOT Driver License Center
PennDOT operates Driver License Centers across Pennsylvania. You can find the center nearest you and check its hours on the PennDOT website at www.dmv.pa.gov. Search for "Driver License Centers" and enter your county or city.
Most centers operate Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment for a name change — you walk in and take a number. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. The agent will ask to see your current license, your proof of name change, and your identification. Have these ready before you reach the counter.
What happens at the Driver License Center
When you reach the counter, tell the agent you are changing your name on your license. They will ask you to complete form DL-44 (process for Driver's License or Learner's Permit). The form asks for your current information and your new name. The agent will help you if you have questions.
The agent will review your documents to confirm the name change is legal. They will take a new photo for your license unless your current photo is less than five years old — in that case, they may reuse it. You will pay the fee at this time. The fee depends on your license type (standard, commercial, motorcycle) and how many years remain on your current license. Ask the agent for the exact amount before you pay.
After payment, you are done. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it.
What to do if your name change document is from another state
If you changed your name in another state and have since moved to Pennsylvania, you can still change your Pennsylvania license. Bring your original or certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) from that state, along with your Pennsylvania license.
PennDOT will accept out-of-state documents as long as they are official and certified. If the document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well. The process at the Driver License Center is the same as for in-state name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
No. PennDOT requires an official certified document. If you do not have one, contact the county clerk or vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced. You can request a certified copy by mail or in person. The cost is usually $10 to $25, and processing takes 1 to 3 weeks.
What if my current license is expired?
You can still change your name on an expired license. Bring the expired license along with your proof of name change. The agent will process the name change and renew your license at the same time. You will pay one fee that covers both the renewal and the name change.
Do I need to change my name on my vehicle registration or title at the same time?
No, but you should do it soon after. Your driver's license and vehicle registration do not have to match, but keeping them consistent prevents confusion during traffic stops or insurance claims. You can change your vehicle registration name at any PennDOT office or online through the PennDOT website.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your visit. Mail delivery times vary by location, so you may receive it within that window or a few days after. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact PennDOT to check the status.
Can someone else pick up my new license for me if I am out of state?
No. Your new license is mailed to the address on file, not held at the Driver License Center. Make sure the address you provide is where you can receive mail. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address with PennDOT online or at a Driver License Center, and they will remail your license to the new address.