What you need to do to change your name on your driving licence
To change the name on your driving licence, you must contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent licensing authority and submit proof of your legal name change. The process differs by state — some allow you to update by mail, others require an in-person visit. Most states charge a fee for a replacement licence, typically between $20 and $50, though a few waive the fee if you're changing your name due to marriage or court order.
You'll need to bring or send your current licence along with documents proving your name change. The acceptable documents vary by state but usually include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order of name change, or adoption papers. Some states also accept certified copies; others require originals. The replacement licence usually arrives within two to four weeks, though expedited options exist in some states for an additional fee.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state DMV to find out whether you can update by mail or must visit in person, since rules vary significantly by state.
- Bring your current licence and an original or certified copy of the document that proves your legal name change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Most states charge $20 to $50 for a replacement licence, though some waive the fee for name changes due to marriage or court order.
- Your new licence typically arrives within two to four weeks; check your state's website to see if expedited processing is available.
Find your state's specific requirements before you gather documents
Each state sets its own rules about what documents it accepts and how you submit them. The fastest way to find the exact steps for your state is to visit your state DMV's official website and search for "name change" or "replacement licence." Most state sites have a dedicated page listing required documents and whether you can mail in your request or must appear in person.
If you cannot find the information online, call your state DMV's main line. Have your current licence number ready when you call. Ask specifically: what documents prove a legal name change in your state, whether originals or certified copies are required, whether you can mail in the request, and how long processing takes. Write down the answers — DMV staff sometimes give different information depending on who answers, so having it in writing protects you if there's a dispute later.
Gather the right proof of your legal name change
Your state DMV will accept one of these documents as proof that your name change is legal: a marriage certificate (if you took your spouse's name), a divorce decree or court order showing your new name, a court order of name change, or an adoption decree. The document must show both your old name and your new name clearly.
Check whether your state requires an original document or accepts a certified copy. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the government office that issued the original — usually the county clerk, vital records office, or court. If your state requires a certified copy and you only have the original, contact the office that issued it (the county clerk for marriage certificates, the court for name change orders) and request certified copies. This usually costs $5 to $15 per copy and takes one to two weeks by mail.
Do not send your original documents unless your state specifically says to. Most states will return them, but mail can be lost. If your state accepts certified copies, order those instead and keep your originals in a safe place.
Decide whether to explore by mail or in person
Some states let you renew your licence by mail when you're changing your name; others require you to appear in person at a DMV office. A few states offer both options. Check your state's website to see which applies to you.
If your state allows mail-in renewal, you'll typically send your current licence, the name-change document, a completed process form (usually downloadable from the DMV website), and a check or money order for the fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the DMV can return your old licence. Mail everything to the address listed on the DMV website, not to a local office — mail-in requests go to a central processing location.
If you must appear in person, bring your current licence, the name-change document, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease usually works), and payment. Some states also require you to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Arrive early — DMV offices often have long waits, and some issue numbered tickets that run out by mid-afternoon.
Understand what happens after you submit your request
Once the DMV receives your request, they verify that your name change is legal by checking the document you submitted. This usually takes one to two weeks. If they find any problems — a missing signature, an unclear photocopy, or a document they don't accept — they'll contact you by mail or phone and ask you to resubmit or provide additional information. This can add two to four weeks to the process, so make sure your documents are clear and complete before you send them.
After verification, the DMV prints your new licence. This takes another one to two weeks in most states. Your new licence will have the same licence number as your old one unless your state's system requires a new number for name changes — ask when you submit your request if you're unsure. Once it arrives, your old licence is no longer valid, even if it hasn't expired. Destroy it or return it to the DMV if your state requests it.
Know your options if processing is taking longer than expected
If your new licence hasn't arrived within the timeframe your state quoted, contact the DMV to check the status. Have your licence number and the date you submitted your request ready. The DMV can usually tell you whether your request is still being processed, whether they've sent it to the printer, or whether there's a problem they need you to fix.
If you need to drive before your new licence arrives, your old licence is still valid for identification purposes in most states, even though it has your old name. However, if you're pulled over by police, explain that you've submitted a name change and have the receipt or confirmation number from your DMV submission. Some states issue a temporary paper licence while you wait for the physical card; ask whether yours does when you submit your request.
Update other documents and accounts that use your old name
Once you receive your new licence, update your name with your insurance company, vehicle registration, bank, employer, and any other organization that has your driver's licence on file. Your insurance company and vehicle registration must match your licence — mismatches can cause problems if you're in an accident or pulled over.
Keep your old licence in a safe place for at least a few months after you receive the new one. Some organizations may ask to see both documents to verify the name change, especially if you're updating accounts or explore for credit. After a few months, once you've updated everything, you can safely destroy the old licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my licence if I haven't gone to court?
No. The DMV requires proof of a legal name change, which means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. If you want to change your name but haven't married, divorced, or obtained a court order, you must file for a legal name change through your county court first. That process varies by state but usually costs $100 to $300 and takes four to eight weeks.
What if I lost my current licence?
You can still change the name on your licence even if you've lost it. When you contact the DMV, tell them your licence is lost and that you're also requesting a name change. You'll submit the same documents — your name-change proof and a completed process — but you won't need to send in the old licence. The DMV will issue a replacement with your new name.
Do I need to change my name on my vehicle registration too?
Yes. Your vehicle registration should match your driver's licence. Once you receive your new licence, contact your state's DMV or the office that handles vehicle registration (sometimes it's the same office, sometimes separate) and request a registration update. You'll usually need to provide your new licence number and pay a small fee, typically $10 to $25.
How much does it cost to change the name on my licence?
Most states charge $20 to $50 for a replacement licence. Some states waive the fee if you're changing your name due to marriage or court order, so ask when you contact the DMV. A few states charge extra for expedited processing if you need the licence faster than the standard two to four weeks.
Will my licence number change when I change my name?
In most states, your licence number stays the same when you change your name. However, a few states issue a new number for name changes. Ask your state DMV when you submit your request so you know what to expect and can update your records accordingly.