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 proof of your legal name change, and submit the required forms. The process varies by state — some allow you to change your name through the same office where you renewed your license, while others require you to visit a specific location. Most states charge a fee for the name change, though the amount differs widely.
You cannot change your name on your license by mail or online in any state. The DMV requires you to appear in person so they can verify your identity and the documents you bring. Processing time typically ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on your state and how busy your local office is.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows your legal name change — a name change by common law is not accepted by any state DMV.
- Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents required and the fee for a name change, which ranges from free to over $100 depending on where you live.
- You must appear in person at a DMV office; you cannot complete a name change by mail, phone, or online.
- Processing time varies by state and office location, but most name changes are completed within two to four weeks.
Proof of legal name change: what documents the DMV will accept
The DMV will only accept official documents that show a court-ordered name change or a name change through marriage or divorce. A court order for name change is the most common proof and is issued by a district or circuit court in your state. You will need the original or a certified copy — a photocopy is not accepted.
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the divorce decree or a certified copy. Some states also accept a certified copy of a court order that changed your name as part of an adoption or gender marker change.
You cannot use a Social Security card, birth certificate, or any unofficial document as proof of a legal name change. The DMV will reject these because they do not show that a court or government body officially recognized the change.
How to get a court order for name change before visiting the DMV
If you want to change your name but have not gone through a court process yet, you must file a petition for name change in your state's district or circuit court. The process and cost vary by state, but most require you to file paperwork, pay a filing fee (usually $100 to $300), and attend a brief hearing where a judge approves the change.
Some states allow you to file the petition online through the court's website, while others require you to file in person or by mail. After the judge approves your petition, the court will issue an order. You then take that order to the DMV along with your current license and identification.
Your state court's website or your county clerk's office can tell you the exact steps, forms, and fees for filing a name change petition in your area. Many courts also have a self-help center that can walk you through the process at no charge.
What to bring to the DMV for a name change
Bring your current driver's license or state ID, your proof of legal name change (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree), and a second form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. Some states also require proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Check your state's DMV website before you go, because requirements vary. Some states ask for a completed process form, which you can often read and fill out ahead of time. Bringing the form already completed can speed up your visit.
Bring the original documents or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies of your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the court or county clerk that issued the document.
Fees and processing time by state
The cost of a name change on your driver's license ranges from free in some states to over $100 in others. Most states charge between $20 and $60. Some states waive the fee if you are changing your name through marriage or divorce, while others charge the same fee regardless of the reason.
Processing time also varies. Some DMV offices complete name changes within a few days and issue a new license on the spot. Others take two to four weeks and mail the new license to you. A few states take longer during busy seasons or if your local office is understaffed.
Your state's DMV website will show the current fee and typical processing time for your area. If you need your new license quickly, call your local DMV office to ask whether they can process it faster or whether you can pick it up in person rather than waiting for it to arrive by mail.
What happens to your old license and when you get your new one
When you submit your name change at the DMV, the office will take your old license and issue you a new one with your updated name. In some states, you receive the new license when ready after your visit. In others, the DMV mails it to you within one to four weeks.
If the DMV mails your new license, ask whether you can use your old license as proof of identity in the meantime. Most states allow this, but policies differ. You may also receive a temporary paper license that you can use until your new plastic license arrives.
Keep your old license until the new one arrives, even though it has your former name. You may need it as proof of identity for banking, insurance, or other purposes while the name change is processing.
Updating other documents after your driver's license name change
Changing your name on your driver's license does not automatically update your name with Social Security, your bank, your employer, or any other organization. You will need to contact each one separately and provide proof of your name change.
Start with Social Security, because many other organizations ask for your Social Security number and will check that your name matches their records. Bring your new driver's license and your Social Security card to your local Social Security office, or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card by mail.
Then update your bank, insurance company, employer, and any other organization that has your name on file. Each will have its own process, but most accept a copy of your new driver's license or court order as proof of the change. Keep copies of your court order or marriage certificate for this purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order?
No. The DMV requires official proof of a legal name change. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you want to change your name for any other reason, you must obtain a court order from your state's district or circuit court first.
What if I lost my court order or marriage certificate?
Contact the court or county clerk that issued the document and request a certified copy. Most courts and clerks can mail or email a certified copy within one to two weeks for a small fee, usually $10 to $25. Bring the certified copy to the DMV instead of the original.
How long does it take to get a new license after I submit my name change?
This varies by state. Some DMV offices issue a new license on the spot, while others mail it within two to four weeks. Call your local DMV office to ask about the typical wait time in your area, or check your state's DMV website for current processing times.
Do I have to change my name on my license if I get married or divorced?
No, changing your name on your license is optional. However, if you want your license to match your legal name, you must update it at the DMV. Some people keep their former name on their license for work or personal reasons, which is allowed.
Can I change my name on my license online or by mail?
No. Every state requires you to appear in person at a DMV office to change your name on your license. You cannot complete this process by mail, phone, or online.