What you need to do to change your name on your license
To change your name on your driver's license, you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, bring proof of your legal name change, and submit a form. The process takes between one and three weeks in most states, though some offer expedited processing for an additional fee. You cannot change your name by mail or online — the DMV requires you to appear and present original documents.
The exact documents and forms vary by state, but every state requires the same core thing: proof that your name change is legal. This means a court order from a name change case, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption order — depending on why your name changed. Without one of these documents, the DMV will not process your request.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your DMV office in person with your current license, proof of legal name change, and a completed name change form.
- Acceptable proof includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption order — the document must show your old name and new name.
- Processing takes one to three weeks in most states, and you will receive a temporary license when ready after your visit.
- Some states charge a small fee for a name change on your license, while others include it in your renewal fee.
- You will need to update your name with your insurance company, employer, and bank separately — the DMV does not notify them.
Gather your documents before you go to the DMV
Start by collecting the document that proves your name change is legal. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate — the original or a certified copy from the county clerk's office. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your divorce decree showing both your old and new names. If you obtained a legal name change through the court, bring your court order from the name change case.
You will also need your current driver's license or state ID card. If you do not have one, bring your birth certificate or passport instead. Bring a document that shows your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for most states. Some states also require a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
Call your state's DMV before you go, or check their website, to confirm exactly which documents they accept. Name change rules vary significantly by state — some accept certified copies of marriage certificates, while others require originals. Some states accept digital copies, while others do not. Showing up with the wrong documents wastes a trip.
Complete the name change form for your state
Each state has its own form for changing your name on your license. Most states call it an "process for Driver License" or "process for ID Card," and you fill out the section for name changes. Some states have a separate "Name Change Form." read the form from your state DMV's website before you go, or pick one up at the office.
The form asks for your old name, your new name, the reason for the change (marriage, divorce, court order, etc.), and the date the change became legal. Fill it out completely and sign it — unsigned forms are rejected. If you are unsure which form your state uses, call the DMV directly or visit their office and ask for the right one.
Visit your DMV office and submit your request
Go to your local DMV office during business hours. Bring your completed form, your current license, your proof of legal name change, and your address verification document. You will need to show these documents to a clerk, who will verify that your name change is legal and that all your information matches.
The clerk will take a new photo for your license (unless your state allows you to keep your current photo for a name-only change — ask when you arrive). You will pay any applicable fee, which ranges from free to $25 depending on your state. Some states charge a separate fee for a name change, while others roll it into your renewal fee.
You will receive a temporary license or receipt before you leave the office. This temporary document is valid for driving while your new license is being printed. Keep it with you until your new license arrives in the mail.
Wait for your new license to arrive
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. Most states mail licenses within one to three weeks, though some take longer during busy periods. Check the receipt or temporary license the DMV gave you — it should show an expected delivery date.
If your new license does not arrive within the timeframe the DMV stated, call them to check the status. Provide your driver's license number and the date you submitted your request. If there was an error in your address or name, the DMV can reprint and resend it.
Update your name with other organizations
The DMV does not notify your bank, insurance company, employer, or other organizations that your name has changed. You must contact them separately. Start with your bank and any credit card companies — send them a copy of your new license and ask them to update your account. This usually takes one to two business days.
Contact your car insurance company and provide them with your new license number and name. Update your employer's human resources department so your paycheck and tax documents reflect your new name. If you have a passport, explore for a name change with the State Department — you will need your new license and your marriage certificate or court order.
Update your Social Security record if your name changed through marriage, divorce, or court order. Visit your local Social Security office or explore online at ssa.gov. Updating your Social Security record first, before you visit the DMV, can make the DMV process smoother, though it is not required.
What to do if you cannot visit the DMV in person
A few states allow you to mail in a name change request if you are renewing your license at the same time, but most require an in-person visit. If you cannot visit your local DMV office, check whether your state offers mobile DMV services or satellite offices in other counties. Some states also allow a representative to submit documents on your behalf if you provide a notarized power of attorney.
If you live out of state, you can still change your name on your license by visiting any DMV office in your state. You do not have to go to the office that issued your original license. If you have moved to a new state, you will need to get a new license in that state anyway, and you can request a name change at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order?
Yes, if your name changed through marriage or divorce. A marriage certificate or divorce decree counts as legal proof of a name change in every state. If you changed your name for any other reason, you will need a court order from a name change case.
How much does it cost to change your name on your license?
The cost varies by state, from free to $25. Some states charge a separate fee for a name change, while others include it in your renewal fee. Call your state DMV to find out the exact cost before you visit.
Can I use a digital copy of my marriage certificate instead of the original?
It depends on your state. Some states accept certified digital copies or copies downloaded from the county clerk's website, while others require the original or a certified paper copy. Check your state DMV's website or call them to confirm what they accept.
What if my name change was through marriage and I have already changed my name back after divorce?
Bring your divorce decree, which shows your name reverting to your previous name. The DMV will use the divorce decree as proof of your current legal name. If your divorce decree does not show your name clearly, ask the court clerk for a certified copy that does.
Do I need to renew my license to change my name on it?
No. You can change your name on your license at any time, regardless of when your license expires. However, if your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time to avoid a second trip to the DMV.