What you need to do to change your name on your license
To change your name on your driver's 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 process itself is straightforward — you fill out a form, provide documents, pay a fee, and receive a new license with your updated name. The time it takes and the exact documents required vary by state, but every state requires the same core thing: proof that your name change is legal.
You do not need to renew your license to change your name on it. This is a separate transaction that can happen at any point during your license's validity. Some people do both at once if their license is expiring soon, but you can change your name when ready without waiting for renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Every state requires legal proof of your name change — a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers — before the DMV will issue a new license.
- You must bring your current driver's license and a government-issued photo ID to the DMV, even though you already have a license.
- The fee for a name change varies by state, typically ranging from $10 to $50, and is separate from any renewal fee.
- Processing time ranges from same-day issuance in some states to two to four weeks for mailed licenses, depending on your state's system.
- If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the original or certified copy of the document — photocopies are usually rejected.
What documents prove your name change is legal
The DMV will accept only specific documents as proof of a legal name change. A marriage certificate shows a name change through marriage. A divorce decree or final divorce judgment shows a name change through divorce. A court order for name change — issued by a judge in a civil court proceeding — shows a name change you initiated yourself. An adoption decree shows a name change through adoption. Some states also accept a certified copy of a birth certificate if it reflects your new name.
The document must be an original or a certified copy issued by the court, vital records office, or other government body that created it. A photocopy, even a clear one, will not work. If you do not have the original, you can order a certified copy from the court that issued the order or the vital records office in the county where the event occurred. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30.
If your name change document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation. Some states accept translations from any professional translator; others require a translator certified by the court system. Call your DMV before you go to find out which your state accepts.
The documents and ID you bring to the DMV
Bring your current driver's license and at least one additional government-issued photo ID. The second ID can be a passport, passport card, military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID. You need two forms of ID because the DMV is verifying that you are the person on the current license and that you are authorized to change the name on it.
Bring the original or certified copy of your name change document. Bring any other documents your state requires — some states ask for proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address) or a Social Security card. Check your state DMV's website for the exact list before you go; requirements vary.
Bring the completed process form if your state allows you to fill it out in advance. Some states provide the form online; others require you to fill it out at the DMV. Filling it out ahead of time can speed up your visit.
How to find your state's specific requirements and fees
Each state's DMV website lists the exact documents needed, the form to complete, and the fee for a name change. Search "[your state] DMV name change" to find the page. The page will also tell you whether you can do this by mail, in person only, or both.
Some states allow you to mail in your documents and receive your new license by mail. Others require you to appear in person. A few states offer both options. If your state allows mail-in service, the DMV website will specify what documents to include and where to send them. Mail-in processing typically takes two to four weeks; in-person issuance can be same-day or within a few days.
If you cannot find the information on your state's website, call the DMV directly. The phone number is on the website. Have your current license number ready when you call.
What happens at the DMV when you change your name
When you arrive at the DMV, check in and tell the staff member you are changing your name on your license. You will be called to a counter where a DMV employee will review your documents. They will verify that your name change document is authentic, check that your ID matches your current license, and confirm your address.
You will complete or review the process form. The form asks for your current name, your new name, your address, and basic information from your license. You will pay the fee, which varies by state but is typically $15 to $40 for a name change alone. If you are also renewing your license at the same time, you will pay both fees.
You will have a new photo taken unless your state allows you to keep your current photo on file for a name-change-only transaction. Some states do; most do not. After the photo, you will either receive your new license when ready (if your state prints licenses on-site) or be told when to expect it by mail (typically two to four weeks).
Changing your name if you were married, divorced, or adopted
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. It must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office or courthouse in the county where you were married. Some states accept a certified copy from any county; others require the copy to come from the county of issuance. The DMV website will specify.
If you changed your name through divorce, bring your divorce decree or final judgment of divorce. This is the document signed by the judge that finalized your divorce. A settlement agreement or property division order is not enough — you need the final judgment. If you kept your married name and are now changing it back, you still need the divorce decree to prove the change is legal.
If you were adopted and your name changed as a result, bring your adoption decree. This is the court order that finalized your adoption. If you were adopted as a minor and your parents changed your name, you may need to bring a birth certificate showing your new name instead, depending on your state. Check your state DMV's website or call to confirm.
If you changed your name through a court order
If you initiated a name change yourself through a civil court proceeding, bring the court order signed by the judge. This order is issued after you file a petition for name change, appear in court (or have the petition granted without a hearing), and the judge approves the change. The order will state your old name and your new name.
To obtain a certified copy of the order if you do not have the original, contact the clerk of the court that issued it. The court's website will tell you how to request a certified copy — usually by mail, in person, or through an online portal. Processing takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30.
Some states require that you publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper before the court will approve it. If your state has this requirement, bring proof of publication (a copy of the newspaper page or a certificate from the newspaper) along with the court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license without going to the DMV in person?
Some states allow you to mail in your documents and receive your new license by mail. Others require an in-person visit. Check your state DMV's website to see which option is available. If mail-in service is offered, the website will list what documents to include and where to send them.
How long does it take to get a new license after I change my name?
If your state prints licenses on-site, you may receive your new license the same day or within a few days. If your state mails licenses, expect two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Check your state DMV's website for timing and any rush options.
Do I need to change my name on other documents before I change my license?
No. You can change your license name at any time after your legal name change is final. However, you will eventually need to update your Social Security card, passport, bank accounts, and insurance policies. Many people do the license first because it is a government ID that makes updating other documents easier.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the vital records office or courthouse in the county where the event occurred. You can order a certified copy by mail, phone, or online. Processing typically takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee.
Can I change my name on my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or other legal issue?
A name change on your license is separate from any legal issues. You can change your name regardless of outstanding tickets or fines. However, changing your name does not erase your driving record or any violations associated with your current license number.