Bring proof of your current identity and your current license

When you go to the DMV to update your driver's license, bring your current license itself and one form of government-issued photo ID. If your current license is still valid, that counts as your photo ID. If it has expired or been lost, you will need a passport, passport card, or state ID card instead.

The reason the DMV asks for this is to confirm you are the person on the record. Even though you are updating information they already have, they still need to verify who you are before they change anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current driver's license plus one other government-issued photo ID (passport, passport card, or state ID card).
  • Bring proof of your current address, such as a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address on it.
  • If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the legal change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.
  • Different states require different documents, so check your state DMV website before you go.

Proof of your address

You will need to show where you currently live. The DMV accepts a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document with your name and address on it. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, plus the bill itself. Some states also accept a notarized affidavit if you cannot get a bill in your name.

Your Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not have the card, bring a document that shows your number — a tax return, W-2 form, or 1099 form. Some states will accept a letter from the Social Security Administration instead.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and fill out an process for a number before you can get a driver's license.

Documents for a name change

If you are changing your name on your license, bring the certified copy of the document that shows the legal change. For marriage, bring a certified marriage certificate. For divorce, bring a certified divorce decree or final judgment. For a court-ordered name change, bring the certified court order.

A certified copy means the document came directly from the court, vital records office, or government agency that issued it — not a photocopy you made yourself. You can usually order a certified copy from the county clerk's office or the vital records office in the state where the event happened. This typically costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks.

What your state DMV specifically requires

Every state has slightly different rules about which documents count as proof of address, how recent they need to be, and what they accept for name changes. Some states require an original birth certificate; others do not. Some accept a utility bill dated within 60 days; others accept 90 days.

Before you go to the DMV, visit your state's DMV website and look for the page about updating your license. It will list exactly what documents your state accepts. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip. Many state DMV websites also let you upload photos of your documents ahead of time so the staff can tell you before your appointment whether you have everything.

Documents you may need for other updates

If you are updating your license because you changed your vision prescription, bring your new glasses or contacts. If you are updating because you had a medical condition that affected your driving and it has now been treated, bring a letter from your doctor saying you are cleared to drive.

If you are updating your organ donor status or your emergency contact information, you usually do not need any extra documents — the DMV staff will ask you the questions and update the record on the spot.

What to do if you do not have all the documents

If you are missing one of the required documents, do not go to the DMV yet. Call your state DMV customer service line or visit the website to ask what alternatives they accept. For example, if you do not have a utility bill in your name, ask whether they accept a letter from your landlord or a bank statement instead.

If you cannot get a certified copy of a document (such as a marriage certificate) right away, ask the DMV whether you can update your license with what you have and bring the certified copy later. Some states allow this; others require everything at the time of your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my license online or by mail instead of going to the DMV?

Some states let you renew your license online or by mail, but updating your address or name usually requires an in-person visit. Check your state DMV website to see which updates can be done remotely. If you can do it by mail, the website will tell you which documents to send.

What if my address proof is in my spouse's name?

Bring the bill or statement in their name plus a signed letter from them saying you live at that address. Some states also accept a lease or mortgage document that shows both names, or a notarized affidavit if you cannot get a letter from your spouse.

Do I need to bring my old license if it has expired?

If your license has expired, bring it anyway — it still counts as proof of identity. If your license was lost or stolen, bring your passport or passport card instead. You may also need to fill out a form reporting the lost license.

How long does it take to update my license after I bring in the documents?

Most updates are processed on the spot, and you will get your new license the same day or within a few days. Some states mail the license to you instead, which takes one to two weeks. Ask the DMV staff before you leave whether you will get it when ready or by mail.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and order a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to three weeks. If you were born outside the United States, you may need a passport or consular document instead — ask your state DMV what they accept.