What you need to do before you visit the DMV
To change the name on your driver's license, you must first obtain a legal name change document from your state court. Your DMV will not process a name change on your license without proof that a court has officially approved the change. This is true whether you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or personal choice.
The court document you need is called different things in different states — it may be called a "decree of name change," "judgment of name change," or "certificate of name change." Some states issue this as a separate certificate; others include it in your divorce decree if the name change happened as part of a divorce. You will need the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.
If you do not yet have this court document, you must file for a legal name change through your state court before the DMV can help you. That process varies by state and is separate from the license change itself.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a court-issued legal name change document before the DMV will change your license; a certified copy of the decree or judgment is required.
- Visit your local DMV office in person with your current license, the court document, and proof of your current address.
- Most states charge a fee for a license replacement, which ranges from $15 to $50 depending on your state and whether you also need a new photo.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within two to four weeks in most states; some DMVs issue temporary licenses on the spot.
- If your name change was part of a divorce, bring your divorce decree even if you also have a separate name change certificate.
Gather your documents before you go
Bring your current driver's license, your certified court document showing the name change, and a document that proves your current address. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states also accept a government-issued ID with your current address, such as a passport.
If your name change was granted as part of a divorce, bring the divorce decree itself along with any separate name change certificate. The DMV may need both to process the change. If you have changed your address since the court issued the name change document, bring proof of your current address — the DMV will not accept an old address on the court paperwork.
Check your state's DMV website before you go. Some states require additional documents, such as proof of citizenship or a Social Security card. A few states allow you to mail in the request instead of visiting in person, though most require an in-person visit.
Visit the DMV and submit your request
Go to your local DMV office during business hours. Bring all documents listed above. You will fill out an process form — usually called a "Driver License process" or "process for License Renewal" — and mark the box indicating a name change. The DMV staff will review your court document and address proof.
You will be asked whether you want a new photo taken. If you do, the DMV will take one on the spot. If you decline, your new license will use your current photo. Either way, you will pay a replacement fee. This fee covers the cost of issuing a new license and varies by state, typically between $15 and $50.
Some DMVs issue a temporary paper license or digital license on the spot so you have proof of your new name when ready. Others do not. Ask the staff member whether your state offers this. If it does not, you will need to wait for your new license to arrive by mail.
Understand the timeline and what comes next
Your new license will arrive by mail within two to four weeks in most states. Some states take longer — up to six weeks — depending on how busy the DMV is. You should receive it at the address you provided on your process.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to the DMV if your state requires it. Update your name with other agencies and organizations that have your license information on file: your bank, insurance company, employer, Social Security Administration, and the IRS if you file taxes. These updates are separate from the license change and must be done through each organization.
If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact your DMV office. Have your process receipt number ready — you received this when you submitted your request.
What to do if you need your license before it arrives
If you need proof of your new name before your license arrives, ask the DMV whether you can get a temporary license or a letter from the DMV stating that you have applied for a name change. Not all states offer this, but some do. A temporary license is usually valid for 30 to 60 days and can be used for identification purposes while you wait for your permanent license.
If your state does not offer a temporary license, you can use your old license along with your court document as proof of your legal name change. Banks, employers, and government agencies will usually accept this combination as evidence that your name has changed.
Name changes due to marriage or divorce
If you changed your name through marriage, some states allow you to use your marriage certificate as proof of the name change instead of filing a separate court petition. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a certified marriage certificate is accepted. If it is, you can skip the court process and go directly to the DMV with your marriage certificate.
If you changed your name through divorce, your divorce decree itself usually serves as the legal name change document. Bring the certified copy of the decree to the DMV. You do not need a separate name change certificate unless your state requires one.
If you are changing your name for any other reason — personal choice, religious reasons, or other circumstances — you must file a petition for name change through your state court first. This process varies by state; contact your local courthouse or visit your state court's website for instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license without going to the DMV in person?
Most states require an in-person visit so the DMV can verify your court document and take a new photo if you want one. A few states allow you to mail in your request with certified copies of all documents. Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail-in requests are an option.
What if I lost my court name change document?
Contact the courthouse that issued the document and request a certified copy. You will need to provide the case number or the date the name change was granted. There is usually a small fee for a certified copy, typically $5 to $15. The courthouse can mail it to you or you may be able to pick it up in person.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change my license?
No. You can change your license first and then update Social Security, or do both at the same time. However, updating Social Security first can make the process smoother because some employers and financial institutions use your Social Security record as a reference. Visit ssa.gov or your local Social Security office to update your name there.
Will my license number change when I change my name?
In most states, your license number stays the same. Your new license will have the same number but with your new name printed on it. A few states issue a new number along with the name change; your DMV can tell you which applies to your state.
How much does it cost to change my name on my license?
The fee varies by state and typically ranges from $15 to $50. Some states charge less if you do not request a new photo. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee, or ask when you visit the office.