What you need to do to change your name on your driver's license
To change your name on your driver's license, you must visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, bring a court order or certified vital record showing your legal name change, and submit the required form. Most states do not charge a fee for a name change on an existing license, though some require you to renew your license at the same time, which may carry a renewal fee. The process typically takes two to four weeks from the date you submit your documents, though some states offer expedited processing for an additional cost.
The specific documents you need and the exact form depend on your state. A court order from a name-change proceeding is the strongest proof and works in all states. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or adoption, you can use a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers instead. Some states also accept a certified copy of your birth certificate if it shows your new name.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit the DMV in person with a court order or certified vital record proving your legal name change — you cannot do this by mail or online in any state.
- A court order from a formal name-change proceeding works in every state, but marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and adoption papers are also accepted if your name change came through one of those events.
- Most states do not charge a separate fee for a name change, but some require you to renew your license at the same time, which means paying the renewal fee.
- Processing takes two to four weeks in most states, though you can pay extra in some states for a name change to be processed within days.
What documents prove a legal name change
A court order is the document that proves you legally changed your name through the court system. This is issued by a judge after you file a petition, and it is the most widely accepted proof across all states. You need a certified copy — not a photocopy — which you can obtain from the court clerk's office in the county where the order was issued. The certified copy will have an official seal and signature.
If you changed your name through marriage, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree that shows your new name. If you changed your name through adoption, bring a certified copy of your adoption papers. Some states also accept a certified copy of a birth certificate if it has been amended to show your new legal name — this is common in adoption cases and some name-change cases.
Certified copies are not the same as the originals you may have at home. You must request them from the issuing authority — the court, the vital records office, or the county clerk — and they will arrive with an official seal. Most states charge $5 to $25 per certified copy. Order extras if you think you will need them for other purposes, such as updating your passport or Social Security record.
The form and information you will need to bring
Every state has a specific form for changing your name on your driver's license. Most states call it a "Name Change Form" or "process for Name Change," though some include it as part of their renewal process. You can find the form on your state's DMV website, or you can pick one up at any DMV office. Some states allow you to read and print the form; others require you to fill it out at the DMV.
You will need to bring your current driver's license, your certified name-change document, and a completed form. Some states also require proof of your Social Security number, a utility bill or lease showing your current address, and a second form of identification such as a passport or state ID card. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because requirements vary.
If you are renewing your license at the same time as changing your name, you may also need to bring proof of your date of birth and proof of residency. Some states combine the name-change and renewal processes into one visit; others treat them as separate transactions.
How to find your state's DMV office and make an appointment
Visit your state's DMV website and search for "name change" or "change name on license." The website will list the form you need, the documents required, and the fee (if any). Most state DMV websites have a location finder where you can enter your zip code and see which offices are nearest to you. Some offices handle name changes; others do not, so check before you go.
Many states now require you to book an appointment online or by phone before you visit. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but appointment slots often fill weeks in advance, especially in urban areas. If your state requires an appointment, book it as soon as you have your certified name-change document in hand. If your state accepts walk-ins, go early in the morning, as wait times can be several hours.
A few states offer expedited name-change processing for an additional fee — typically $15 to $50 — that reduces the processing time from two to four weeks down to one to three business days. This is useful if you need your new license quickly for work or travel. Ask the DMV staff whether expedited processing is available when you visit or call.
What happens at the DMV when you change your name
When you arrive at the DMV, you will check in and wait to be called. Bring all your documents — your current license, your certified name-change document, your completed form, and any other documents your state requires. The DMV staff will review your documents to make sure they are complete and authentic. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to bring back.
If your documents are in order, the staff will take a new photo for your license (unless your state allows you to keep your old photo during a name-only change, which some do). You will review the information on your new license to make sure the name, address, and other details are correct before you leave. Do not sign the license until you are sure everything is right.
The DMV will give you a receipt showing that you have submitted your name change. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to four weeks, depending on your state. Some states mail a temporary paper license that you can use when ready while you wait for the plastic card. Check your receipt to see whether you received a temporary license and when to expect your permanent one.
Changing your name if you are not renewing your license
If your license is not expiring soon, you can change your name without renewing it. Most states allow a name-only change, which means you keep your current license number and expiration date but receive a new card with your new name. This is usually free and takes the same two to four weeks as a renewal.
Some states, however, require you to renew your license if you change your name, even if your license is not expiring for several years. In those states, you will pay the renewal fee (typically $30 to $100, depending on the state and the length of the renewal period) at the same time you change your name. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a name change requires a renewal in your state.
If your state requires a renewal and you want to avoid paying the renewal fee, you can wait until your license is about to expire and then change your name and renew at the same time. However, this means using your old name on your license for longer, which can create problems with identification, travel, and employment verification.
Updating other documents after you change your name on your license
Once you receive your new driver's license with your new name, you should update your name with the Social Security Administration, your employer, your bank, your insurance companies, and any other organizations that have your information on file. The Social Security Administration requires a certified copy of your name-change document and a completed form (Form SS-5) to update your Social Security record. You can submit this by mail or in person at your local Social Security office.
Your bank and insurance companies will usually update your name once you show them your new driver's license. Some may require a certified copy of your name-change document as well. Your employer will need to update your name in their payroll system and may need a certified copy for their records.
If you have a passport, you will need to update your name with the State Department as well. This requires a new passport process and a certified copy of your name-change document. If you have other state IDs, such as a hunting or fishing license, you may need to update those separately through your state's wildlife or natural resources department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my driver's license by mail?
No. All states require you to visit a DMV office in person to change your name on your driver's license. You cannot do this by mail, phone, or online. You must bring your certified name-change document and your current license to the DMV office and submit your form in person.
What if I lost my certified copy of my name-change document?
Contact the court, vital records office, or county clerk that issued the original document and request a replacement certified copy. This usually costs $5 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee. You cannot proceed with your DMV name change until you have the certified copy in hand.
Do I have to change my name on my driver's license if I legally changed my name?
No, but it is strongly recommended. Your driver's license is the most common form of identification, and having a name mismatch can cause problems with employment, banking, travel, and law enforcement. If you legally changed your name, you should update your driver's license, Social Security record, and other important documents to match.
How long does it take to get my new license after I submit my name change?
Most states mail your new license within two to four weeks of your visit to the DMV. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee that reduces this to one to three business days. A few states issue a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use when ready while you wait for your permanent card.
Will my driver's license number change if I change my name?
Usually not. Most states keep your license number the same when you change your name only. Your license number will change only if your state requires you to renew your license at the same time as changing your name, which some states do. Check your state's DMV website to see what applies to you.