What documents you need to bring

To change your name on your driver's license, you need proof that your name has legally changed. The specific documents depend on why your name changed — marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal reason — but every state requires at least one document from the list below.

For a marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. For a divorce, bring the divorce decree or final judgment that shows your new name. For a legal name change through the courts, bring the court order or decree. Some states also accept adoption papers if you were adopted as an adult. All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work.

You will also need your current driver's license and one form of identification that shows your current legal name. A passport, state ID card, or birth certificate works. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, some states will accept the marriage certificate or divorce decree as your second ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of the document that proves your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Your current driver's license and one additional form of ID showing your legal name are required at the DMV.
  • The fee for a name change on your license varies by state, typically ranging from $10 to $50.
  • Processing time is usually one to two weeks for a standard replacement license, though some states offer same-day service.
  • If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, you may need to update your Social Security record first, depending on your state's rules.

Whether you need to update Social Security first

Some states require you to update your name with Social Security before you can change it on your license. Others let you do both at the same time. Call your state DMV before you go to find out which applies to you.

If your state requires the Social Security update first, go to your local Social Security office with your name-change document, your current Social Security card, and a form of ID. Bring the original or a certified copy of your document — a photocopy will not work. Social Security will issue you a new card with your updated name, which usually takes one to two weeks. Once you have the new card, take it to the DMV along with your other documents.

If your state lets you update both at once, you can go straight to the DMV. The DMV will submit the name change to Social Security on your behalf, though the Social Security card will still take one to two weeks to arrive separately.

The step-by-step process at the DMV

Go to your local DMV office with your certified name-change document, your current driver's license, your second form of ID, and your Social Security card if your state requires it. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a recent tax return, W-2, or 1099 that shows your Social Security number.

Check in at the DMV counter and tell the clerk you are changing your name on your license. Hand over your documents. The clerk will verify that your name-change document is legitimate and that it matches the name you want on your new license. They will ask you to sign a form confirming the change and may take a new photo if your state requires it.

Pay the fee, which varies by state. Most states charge between $10 and $50 for a name-change replacement. Some states waive the fee if you are changing your name due to marriage. Ask the clerk what the fee is before you pay.

How long it takes and when you get your new license

Standard processing takes one to two weeks. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, some states offer expedited service for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25, which cuts the time to three to five business days. A few states offer same-day service at certain locations.

While you wait, your current license is still valid even though it shows your old name. You can use it for driving and identification. If you need to prove your name has changed before your new license arrives, bring your name-change document with you — a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is accepted as proof by banks, employers, and government offices.

What to do if your name-change document is from another state

If you were married, divorced, or had a name change in a different state, you can still change your license in your current state. Bring the original or certified copy of the document from the other state. The DMV will accept it as long as it is a certified copy — a photocopy or a document certified by someone other than the court will not work.

If you lost your original document and the state where it was issued no longer has a copy, you may need to get a certified copy from that state's court or vital records office. This can take several weeks. Contact the court or vital records office in the state where the name change happened and ask for a certified copy of the decree or certificate. They will mail it to you.

Changing your name if you do not have a legal document

If you changed your name informally — by straightforward using a new name without a legal document — most states will not change your license. You will need to go through a legal name-change process in court first. This is a separate procedure from the license change and requires filing paperwork with your local court.

Contact your county court clerk's office and ask about the name-change petition process. You will need to file a petition, pay a court fee (usually $100 to $300), and may need to attend a brief hearing. Once the court issues a name-change order, you can take it to the DMV and follow the standard license-change process above.

Common mistakes that delay the process

The most common mistake is bringing a photocopy instead of an original or certified copy of your name-change document. The DMV will not accept it and will send you home to get the real document. If you are not sure whether your copy is certified, call the court or vital records office that issued it and ask them to mail you a certified copy before you go to the DMV.

Another mistake is not updating Social Security first in states that require it. If your state requires the Social Security update before the DMV change, the DMV clerk will turn you away. Call your state DMV ahead of time to confirm the order.

A third mistake is bringing an expired form of ID as your second identification. Your second ID must be current. If your passport or state ID is expired, bring your Social Security card and a recent tax return or utility bill instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my name on my license if I got married?

No, it is optional. You can keep your maiden name on your license even after marriage. If you want to change it, bring your certified marriage certificate to the DMV. Some states waive the fee for marriage-related name changes.

Can I change my name on my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Yes. An outstanding ticket does not prevent you from changing your name. However, make sure the DMV has your current address on file so they can mail your new license to the right place.

What if the name on my marriage certificate does not match the name I want on my license?

The DMV will change your license to match the name on your marriage certificate. If you want a different name, you will need a court order for a legal name change, not just a marriage certificate.

How much does it cost to change my name on my license?

Most states charge $10 to $50 for a name-change replacement license. Some states waive the fee for marriage-related changes. Call your state DMV to confirm the exact fee before you go.

Can I change my name online or by mail?

Most states require you to go to the DMV in person to change your name on your license. A few states offer online name changes for marriage only. Check your state DMV website to see if your state offers this option.