How to amend your name on your driving licence
To change your name on your driving licence, you must contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) with proof of your legal name change. The process differs by state — some allow you to update by mail with a new birth certificate or court order, while others require an in-person visit. Most states charge a fee (typically $10 to $30) and issue a replacement licence with your new name within two to four weeks.
You cannot straightforward request a name change; you must first have a legal document proving the change. This means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order from a name-change petition, or an amended birth certificate. The DMV will not process your request without one of these documents, and they will not accept a photocopy in most cases — you need the original or a certified copy.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain a legal document proving your name change before contacting the DMV — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Each state has different rules about whether you can update by mail or must appear in person, and which documents they accept.
- Most states charge a replacement licence fee and take two to four weeks to issue the new licence.
- Contact your state DMV directly or visit their website to confirm what documents they need and whether your state allows mail-in updates.
What documents you need to bring or submit
The exact documents required vary by state, but nearly all DMVs require the same core set. You need your current driver's licence, a legal document showing your name change (original or certified copy), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you are changing your name due to marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If due to divorce, bring the divorce decree or the section of the decree that shows your new name. If you obtained a legal name change through the court, bring the court order. Some states also ask for a Social Security card or a birth certificate to verify your identity, so check your state's DMV website before you go.
Do not send original documents by mail unless your state DMV explicitly says to do so. Most states accept certified copies, which you can obtain from the courthouse, vital records office, or the agency that issued the original document. A certified copy has an official seal and signature and costs $5 to $25 depending on the document and state.
Mail-in versus in-person updates by state
Some states allow you to update your name by mail; others require you to appear in person. States that permit mail-in updates typically ask you to send your current licence, the legal name-change document, a completed form (usually available on the DMV website), and the replacement fee. You mail these to the address listed on the form, and the new licence arrives by post.
States that require in-person visits ask you to visit a DMV office with the same documents. You will fill out a form at the counter, provide your documents, have your photo taken (or use your existing photo if the state allows), and pay the fee. The new licence is either issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few days.
To find out which method your state uses, visit your state's DMV website and search for "name change" or "correcting your licence." The website will list the exact steps, the form you need, and the address to mail documents to if your state allows it. If you cannot find the information online, call your state DMV directly — most have a phone line for questions about licence updates.
Fees and processing time
Replacement licence fees range from $10 to $30 in most states, though a few charge more. Some states waive the fee if you are changing your name due to marriage or court order, while others charge the full replacement fee regardless of the reason. Check your state's fee schedule on the DMV website before you submit your request.
Processing time typically runs two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. If you explore in person, you may receive your new licence the same day or within a few business days. If you explore by mail, add time for postal delivery both ways — usually five to seven business days each direction, plus processing time.
If you need your new licence urgently, some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee (usually $10 to $25). Ask whether your state offers this option when you contact the DMV. Some states also allow you to print a temporary digital licence on your phone while you wait for the physical one to arrive.
What happens to your old licence
When you receive your new licence with your updated name, your old licence is no longer valid. You should destroy it by cutting it in half or shredding it — do not throw it away intact, as it contains personal information. Some DMVs ask you to return your old licence when you explore in person; if so, they will destroy it for you.
Your old licence number may or may not change depending on your state. Some states issue a new number with the replacement licence; others keep the same number. Check your new licence when it arrives to confirm the number. If you have any accounts, insurance policies, or registrations tied to your old licence number, you may need to update them with the new number.
Updating other documents after your licence changes
Once your new licence arrives, you should update your name with other agencies and organisations that have your old licence on file. This includes your car insurance company, vehicle registration, employer, bank, and any professional licenses or certifications you hold. Most of these can be updated by phone or online; some may ask you to mail a copy of your new licence.
If you have a passport, you will need to update that separately through the State Department or passport agency. A name change on your driver's licence does not automatically update your passport. Similarly, your Social Security card will not change unless you request it from the Social Security Administration — bring your new licence and the legal name-change document to your local Social Security office.
If your state DMV denies your request
The DMV may reject your request if the legal document you provided does not clearly show your new name, if the document is not certified, or if you did not include all required paperwork. If this happens, the DMV will send you a letter explaining what is missing. Correct the issue and resubmit — you typically do not have to pay the fee again.
In rare cases, the DMV may flag a name change as suspicious if it appears to be an attempt to evade a traffic violation, criminal record, or child support obligation. If this occurs, the DMV will contact you to investigate. Bring all your legal documents and be prepared to explain the reason for the change. If the DMV still refuses, you can request a hearing or appeal through your state's administrative process — the DMV will provide instructions if this becomes necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my licence if I do not have a court order?
Yes, if you have a marriage certificate or divorce decree. These are legal documents that prove a name change and are accepted by all DMVs. You only need a court order if you are changing your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the courthouse or vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced. They can issue a certified copy for a fee, usually $10 to $25. This certified copy is acceptable to the DMV. Some states also allow you to order certified copies online.
Do I have to take a new photo for my replacement licence?
It depends on your state. Some states take a new photo every time you renew or replace your licence. Others allow you to keep your existing photo if you are only changing your name. Check your state's DMV website or ask when you submit your request.
How long does it take to get my new licence if I explore by mail?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your process, plus five to seven business days for postal delivery each way. Total time is usually three to five weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need it sooner.
Can I drive with my old licence while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your old licence remains valid until your new one arrives. Once you receive your new licence, destroy the old one and use only the new one for driving and identification.