What you need to do to update 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 a request form. The exact documents, fees, and processing time vary by state — some states process name changes in a few days, others take several weeks. You cannot change your name by mail or online in most states, and you cannot use your old license after the new one is issued.
The most common reason for a name change is marriage or divorce, but you can also change your name through a court order. Each path requires different documents, so knowing which one applies to you will save you a trip to the DMV.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your state's DMV in person with proof of your legal name change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Marriage and divorce name changes usually require only the relevant court document; court-ordered name changes require a certified copy of the court order.
- Most states charge a fee to reissue your license with a new name, ranging from no charge to around $30, depending on your state.
- Your new license will have a new number and expiration date in some states, while others keep your existing number and expiration.
- Processing times vary from same-day to several weeks; check your state DMV website before you go to see if you need an appointment.
Gather the right documents before you go to the DMV
The document you bring depends on why your name changed. If you married, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring your certified divorce decree — the document that shows the court approved the divorce and lists any name change. If you changed your name through a court order (sometimes called a legal name change petition), bring a certified copy of that order from the court that issued it.
You will also need to bring your current driver's license and one form of government-issued photo ID if your license is expired or if the DMV requires it. Some states ask for a Social Security card or birth certificate as well. Check your state DMV website before you go — each state's requirements are different, and showing up without the right documents means a wasted trip.
A certified copy means the court or vital records office stamped it and signed it, not a photocopy you made yourself. If you do not have a certified copy, you can order one from the court that issued the document or from your state's vital records office, though this can take one to two weeks.
Complete the name change form at the DMV
When you arrive at the DMV, you will fill out a form to request a new license with your updated name. In most states, this is part of the standard license renewal or replacement form — there is no separate name-change-only form. The form asks for your old name, new name, and the reason for the change.
Some states allow you to fill out the form online before you go, which can speed up the process. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available. If you can pre-fill the form, you will still need to bring the original documents and appear in person to have your photo taken and sign the form in front of a DMV employee.
Pay the fee and have your photo taken
Most states charge a fee to reissue your license with a new name. The fee varies widely — some states charge nothing, while others charge $15 to $30. A few states charge more if you also need a new license number or if your license is expiring soon. Ask the DMV employee what the fee is before you pay, or check your state DMV website ahead of time.
You will have a new photo taken for your new license, even if your current license photo is recent. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. The DMV will take the photo and print it on your new license on the spot or mail it to you, depending on your state's process.
Understand how your new license will look and when you will get it
Your new license will show your new name, but the other details may or may not change depending on your state. Some states issue a completely new license with a new number and new expiration date. Others keep your existing license number and expiration date and only change the name. A few states issue a temporary paper license on the spot and mail the plastic card later.
Processing time ranges from same-day to several weeks. Some DMVs hand you a temporary license to use while your permanent one is being made. Others mail your new license to the address on file. Check your state DMV website or ask the employee when you can expect to receive it. If you need your new license quickly — for example, to update your name at work or with your bank — ask if the DMV can issue a temporary one.
Update your name with other agencies and institutions
Once you have your new driver's license, you will need to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, Social Security Administration, and any other organization that has your old name on file. Your new driver's license serves as proof of your legal name change, so bring it with you or send a copy when you update your information.
The Social Security Administration requires a separate process if your name changed. You can update your Social Security record by mail or in person at your local Social Security office. Bring your new driver's license, birth certificate, and a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). This step is important because your Social Security record is what employers and banks use to verify your identity.
What to do if your name change was through a court order
If you changed your name through a legal name change petition (not marriage or divorce), the process is the same, but you must bring a certified copy of the court order instead of a marriage certificate or divorce decree. The court order is the only document the DMV will accept as proof of your legal name change.
If you lost your certified copy of the court order, you can request a new one from the court that issued it. Contact the clerk's office in the county where you filed the petition. They will send you a certified copy for a small fee, usually $5 to $15. This can take one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you need your license quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license by mail?
Most states do not allow name changes by mail. You must visit the DMV in person with your documents. A few states may allow you to renew your license by mail if your name change was recent and you have already updated your record with them, but this is rare. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available.
What if I got married but did not take my spouse's last name?
You can keep your current name on your license. You do not have to change your name just because you married. If you want to change your name later, you can do so at any time by bringing your marriage certificate to the DMV.
Do I need to change my name on my license if I changed it through a court order?
Yes. A court order changes your legal name, but you must update your driver's license to reflect it. Bring the certified court order to the DMV and follow the same process as a marriage or divorce name change.
How long does it take to get a new license after a name change?
It depends on your state. Some DMVs issue a temporary license on the spot and mail your permanent license within one to two weeks. Others mail it within three to four weeks. Check your state DMV website or ask the employee when you can expect to receive it.
What if my divorce decree does not show a name change?
If your divorce was finalized but the decree does not mention a name change, you may need to file a separate legal name change petition with the court. Contact the court clerk in the county where you divorced to ask about the process. Some states allow you to request a name change as part of the divorce, while others require a separate petition.