What you need to do to change your name on your driver's license
To change your name on your driver's license, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Most states let you update your name without renewing the license itself — you pay a smaller fee, usually between $10 and $30, and receive an updated card in the mail within two to four weeks. A few states require you to renew your full license at the same time, which costs more and takes longer.
The exact process and documents you need depend on which state issued your license. Some states accept name changes from marriage, divorce, or court order; others accept all three plus religious name changes. You cannot change your name at the DMV itself — the DMV verifies that your name change is legal, but you must obtain the legal document first from a court, vital records office, or (for marriage) from the agency that issued your marriage certificate.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a legal document proving your name change before you go to the DMV — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change.
- Most states let you update just your name without renewing your full license, which costs $10 to $30 and takes two to four weeks.
- A few states require a full license renewal when you change your name, which costs more and may require a new photo and vision test.
- You can find your state's exact requirements and fee on your state DMV website, which also tells you whether you can mail in your documents or must visit an office in person.
Getting your legal name change document
Before you go to the DMV, you need proof that your name change is legal. The document you need depends on why your name changed.
If you married, you need your marriage certificate — the official document issued by the county or state where you were married, not a copy printed at home. If you divorced and took back a former name or changed to a new name, you need your divorce decree or final divorce judgment, which the court issued. If you want to change your name for any other reason, you need a court order for legal name change, which you obtain by filing a petition in your local district court. The court process for a legal name change varies by state but usually takes four to eight weeks and costs $150 to $500 in filing fees.
Some states accept certified copies of these documents; others require the original. Check your state DMV website before you order or request documents, because ordering the wrong version wastes time and money. Most vital records offices and courts can mail you a certified copy within one to two weeks for a fee of $10 to $25.
What to bring to the DMV
Bring your current driver's license, your legal name change document (original or certified copy, depending on your state), and a form of identification that matches your new name if you have one. If you do not yet have any ID in your new name, bring a second form of ID in your old name — a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
Some states also require proof of your Social Security number, proof of your state residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and a completed process form. read the process from your state DMV website before you go, because some offices do not have copies on hand and you cannot complete the transaction without it.
Call your local DMV office or check its website before you visit. Many offices now require you to book an appointment, and some allow you to mail in your documents instead of visiting in person. Mailing in documents usually takes longer — four to six weeks instead of two to four — but saves you a trip.
What happens after you submit your documents
The DMV verifies that your name change document is real and that you are the person named in it. This usually takes a few days. Once verified, the DMV updates your record and mails you a new license with your updated name. The card itself stays the same — your photo and license number do not change unless your state requires a full renewal.
Your new license is valid as soon as it arrives, even though it shows a different name than your old one. Keep both cards until the new one arrives, because you may need to show both to prove the name change is legitimate (banks, employers, and insurance companies sometimes ask for this proof).
If your state requires a full license renewal when you change your name, you will also need a new photo and may need to retake your vision test. This adds one to two weeks to the process and costs $50 to $150 depending on your state.
States that handle name changes differently
Most states let you change your name on your license without renewing it, but a few require a full renewal. California, Florida, and Texas are among the states that require a full renewal when you change your name, which means you pay the full renewal fee, provide a new photo, and may retake a vision test. Check your state DMV website to see whether your state is one of them.
Some states also have different rules depending on how your name changed. For example, a few states accept marriage certificates for name changes but require a court order for other types of name changes. A handful of states do not accept religious name changes at all, even with a court order. Your state DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts.
If your name change document is from another state
If you were married, divorced, or had a legal name change in a different state but now live in a state with a different license, you can still update your name. Bring your current license, your out-of-state name change document, and proof that you now live in your current state (a utility bill or lease). The DMV will verify your document with the state that issued it, which may add one to two weeks to the process.
If you moved to a new state and want to transfer your license at the same time you change your name, you may be able to do both in one visit. Some states let you do this; others require you to transfer your license first and then change your name in a separate transaction. Call your new state's DMV before you visit to ask what order they prefer.
Updating your name with other agencies
Once your new license arrives, update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and the Social Security Administration. You do not have to do this before you update your license, but doing it soon prevents confusion and delays if you need to prove your identity.
To update your name with Social Security, visit your local Social Security office with your new license and your Social Security card. To update your name with your bank or insurance company, call them and ask what documents they need — usually just your new license. Updating your name in these places does not affect your license, but it prevents problems when you use your card or policy later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a legal document yet?
No. The DMV will not update your name without proof that the change is legal. If you are in the middle of a divorce or court name-change process, wait until the court issues your final decree or order. You can update your license as soon as you have the document in hand.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce papers?
Contact the county or court that issued the document and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some counties let you request copies online and pick them up in person the same day.
Do I need to renew my license photo when I change my name?
Most states do not require a new photo for a name-only change. A few states do require a new photo, and a handful require a full renewal with a new photo and vision test. Check your state DMV website to see what your state requires.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
If you visit the DMV in person, your new license usually arrives within two to four weeks. If you mail in your documents, it typically takes four to six weeks. Some states offer expedited mail for an extra fee of $10 to $20.
Can I use my old license while I wait for my new one?
Yes. Your old license is still valid until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid for identification, though you can keep it as a record of the name change.