The basic process: what you need and where to go
To change your name on your driver's license, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency with proof of a legal name change and your current license. The legal name change usually comes from a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — the document depends on why your name changed. You cannot change your name directly through the DMV; the agency only updates their records after you show them the court or vital records document that proves the change is legal.
The exact documents, fees, and processing time vary by state. Some states let you mail in the paperwork; others require you to appear in person. A few states process the change the same day; most take one to four weeks. Before you go, check your state's DMV website for the specific list of documents they accept and whether you need an appointment.
If you have not yet obtained a legal name change through the court, you will need to do that first. This is a separate process from updating your license and happens in your county or district court, not at the DMV.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a legal document proving your name change — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before the DMV will update your license.
- Each state's DMV has its own required documents, fees, and processing times, so check your state's website before visiting or mailing in your request.
- If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the certified marriage or divorce document; if you changed it by court petition, bring the court order.
- Some states allow you to mail in the paperwork with copies of your documents; others require you to appear in person with originals.
Name changes through marriage or divorce
If you married or divorced, your legal name change document is your marriage certificate or divorce decree. For a marriage, you need the certified copy of the marriage certificate issued by the county clerk where you were married, not a photocopy or the one you received at the ceremony. For a divorce, you need the certified divorce decree or the final judgment document that shows your new name.
Some states accept a certified copy mailed to the DMV; others require you to bring the original to an in-person appointment. A few states will accept a photocopy if it is certified by the county clerk or notarized. Call your state's DMV or check their website to learn which documents they accept before you request a certified copy, because ordering certified documents costs money and takes time.
Bring your current driver's license and the marriage or divorce document to your appointment or include them with your mailed request. You will also need to provide your Social Security number, which the DMV uses to update their records.
Name changes through court petition
If you changed your name by filing a petition in court — for reasons other than marriage or divorce — you need the certified court order granting the name change. This document comes from the district or county court where you filed the petition, not from the DMV.
Request a certified copy of the order from the court clerk's office. Some courts mail certified copies; others require you to pick them up in person or use a courier service. Ask the court how long it takes and what the fee is. Once you have the certified order, follow the same steps as for a marriage or divorce: bring it to the DMV in person or mail it with your current license and process form.
If you lost the court order or cannot locate it, contact the court clerk's office and ask them to issue a replacement certified copy. This usually costs less than the original and takes one to two weeks.
What to bring to the DMV or include in the mail
Bring or mail your current driver's license, the certified legal document proving your name change, and a completed process form. Your state's DMV website will have the process form available to read and print, or you can pick one up at a DMV office. Fill it out completely, including your old name and new name, before you submit it.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Some states ask for it on the process form; others ask for it when you arrive at the office. Bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form, if your state requires proof.
Some states require a new photo for the updated license; others do not. Check your state's website to learn whether you need to have a new photo taken at the DMV office. If you are mailing in your request, ask whether the DMV will use your current photo or require you to visit in person for a new one.
Fees and processing time
Most states charge a fee to reissue your license with a new name. The fee ranges from about $10 to $30, depending on the state. Some states waive the fee if you are changing your name through marriage or divorce; others charge the same fee regardless of the reason. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you go.
Processing time also varies. Some states issue the new license the same day if you explore in person; others mail it to you within one to four weeks. If you mail in your request, add time for the DMV to receive your documents, process them, and mail the new license back to you — usually two to six weeks total. If you need the license sooner, visit a DMV office in person.
If your license is expiring soon, ask whether the DMV will renew it at the same time they process the name change. Some states do this automatically; others charge an additional renewal fee. Knowing this in advance can save you a trip back to the DMV.
What happens if you change your name but do not update your license
Your old license remains valid for driving until it expires, but it no longer matches your legal name. This creates problems when you use your license as identification — for example, when you board a plane, open a bank account, or interact with law enforcement. Airlines and banks may refuse to accept a license that does not match your legal name, and a police officer may question why your ID does not match your name.
Update your license as soon as you have the legal document proving your name change. This prevents confusion and ensures your identification matches your legal records across government agencies and financial institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name in court before I can change it on my license?
Only if you are changing your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce. If you married or divorced, your marriage certificate or divorce decree is your legal name change document, and you do not need a separate court order. If you want to change your name for any other reason, you must file a petition in your county or district court first.
Can I change my name on my license by mail?
Some states allow it; others require you to appear in person. Check your state's DMV website to learn whether they accept mailed requests. If they do, they will tell you which documents to send and whether they need originals or certified copies. Mail your documents to the address listed on their website and include a prepaid return envelope if you want the DMV to mail your new license back to you.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married or divorced. Call or visit their website to learn the fee and how long it takes. Most counties issue certified copies within one to two weeks. Once you have it, bring it to the DMV along with your current license and process form.
Will I get a new photo on my updated license?
It depends on your state. Some states take a new photo when you update your name; others use your current photo. Check your state's DMV website or call them to find out. If a new photo is required and you are mailing in your request, ask whether you need to visit in person or whether they will use your existing photo.
How long does it take to get my new license after I submit the paperwork?
Same-day processing is available in some states if you explore in person. If you mail in your request or your state processes by mail, expect one to four weeks for the DMV to process your documents and mail the new license to you. Check your state's website for their current processing times, as they can change during busy periods.