What you need to do to change your name on your driver's license
To change the name on your driver's license, you will visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring documents that prove your legal name change, and pay a fee. The process itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter, though wait times at your local office vary. Your new license will arrive in the mail within one to three weeks in most states.
The reason you need to do this in person is that the DMV must verify your identity and the legal basis for your name change before they issue a new document. They cannot process this by mail or online, even though you may be able to renew an existing license remotely in your state.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified birth certificate — and a current ID.
- The fee for a name change on your license ranges from $15 to $50 depending on your state, and some states charge extra if you also need a new photo.
- Your new license arrives by mail in one to three weeks; you can usually continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives.
- If your state requires a new photo, bring the same documents you would for a standard license renewal, including proof of residency.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring your current driver's license or state ID, a document proving your legal name change, and proof of your current address. The document proving your name change depends on why your name changed.
If you married or divorced, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court order, bring the certified court order. If you were born outside the United States and are now using a U.S. birth certificate, bring the certified birth certificate. Some states also accept a passport in your new name as proof of the change.
For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A few states accept a government document with your address instead. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm which documents they accept, because requirements vary slightly by state.
How to find your nearest DMV office and make an appointment
Search online for your state's DMV website — it will be named "[Your State] Department of Motor Vehicles" or "[Your State] DMV" — and look for a link that says "Find an Office" or "Locations." This will show you every DMV office in your state, their hours, and whether they handle name changes. Not every office does, so check before you go.
Many states now let you book an appointment online through the same website. If your state offers this, book one — it will cut your wait time significantly. If your state does not offer online appointments, call the office directly. The phone number is on the office location page. Some offices take walk-ins, but calling ahead tells you how long the wait is likely to be.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the counter and tell them you are changing your name on your license. They will ask to see your documents and will verify that your name change is legal. They will take a new photo unless your state allows you to keep your old photo (a few do). You will sign a form confirming the new name, and they will tell you when to expect your new license in the mail.
The entire process at the counter usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If the office is busy, you may wait longer before your turn. Once you leave, you do not need to do anything else — the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file.
The cost and what affects the fee
The fee for changing your name on your license ranges from $15 to $50 depending on your state. Some states charge a flat rate for any change to your license. Others charge less if you are only changing your name and more if you also need a new photo or a new license card.
A few states waive the fee if you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, but most do not. Check your state's DMV website to see the exact fee before you go, so you know whether to bring cash or a card. Most DMV offices accept both.
How long it takes to receive your new license
After you leave the DMV office, your new license will be mailed to your address on file. In most states, this takes one to three weeks. A few states take up to four weeks. You can usually continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives, even though the name on it no longer matches your legal name.
If you need your new license urgently — for example, to board a plane — some states offer expedited printing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25. Ask at the counter whether your state offers this. If it does, you may be able to pick up your new license at the office within a few days instead of waiting for the mail.
What to do if you have an outstanding ticket or suspension
If your license is suspended or you have an outstanding ticket, the DMV will not issue you a new license until that is resolved. Before you go to the DMV, check your driving record on your state's DMV website to see whether there are any holds on your account.
If there is a suspension, you will need to pay any fines or complete any required courses before the DMV will process your name change. If there is an outstanding ticket, contact the court listed on the ticket to pay it or set up a payment plan. Once the hold is cleared, you can return to the DMV with your name-change documents and complete the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license by mail?
No. The DMV requires you to appear in person so they can verify your identity and see the original documents proving your name change. You cannot do this by mail or online in any state.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were married or divorced. They can issue you a certified copy, usually for $10 to $25 and within one to two weeks. Some states accept a certified copy from the court that handled your divorce instead.
Do I have to get a new photo when I change my name?
Most states require a new photo when you change your name. A few states let you keep your old photo if your license is not expiring soon. Call your local DMV office to ask whether you need a new photo before you go.
Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one?
Yes. You can continue driving on your old license with your former name until your new license arrives. The name mismatch is legal during this time, though it may cause confusion if you are pulled over.
What if my address changed at the same time as my name?
Tell the DMV staff when you arrive. They will update your address in the system at the same time they process your name change, and your new license will be mailed to your new address. Bring proof of your new address along with your name-change documents.