Most states let you change your name online, but the process and what you need varies by state
Whether you can change your name on your driving licence online depends on which state issued it. Some states—including California, Texas, Florida, and New York—offer online name changes through their Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. Others require you to visit a DMV office in person or mail in documents. A few states have no online option at all.
The fastest way to find out what your state offers is to go directly to your state's DMV website and search for "name change" or "update licence". The site will tell you whether you can do it online, what documents you need, and what the fee is. If your state does offer online changes, you'll typically need your current licence number, a new legal name document (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree), and a way to pay the fee.
Key Takeaways
- Some states allow online name changes through their DMV website, while others require you to visit an office or mail documents.
- You will need proof of your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Your state's DMV website is the only reliable source for whether your state offers online changes and what documents are required.
- Processing times vary by state—online changes may take a few days to a few weeks, while mail-in or in-person changes can take longer.
What documents you need to change your name online
The documents required depend on why your name changed. If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name through a court, you need the official document that proves it. Most states accept a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change court order. Some states will also accept a certified copy of an adoption decree if that is the reason for the name change.
"Certified copy" means a document stamped and signed by the government office that issued it—not a photocopy you made yourself. You can usually get a certified copy from the county clerk's office, vital records office, or court that issued the original document. There is a fee for certified copies, typically between $10 and $25 per copy.
You will also need your current driving licence number and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card for online submissions). Some states ask for your Social Security number as well. Check your state's DMV website to see the exact list before you gather documents.
States that offer online name changes and how to start
States with online name change options include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. However, this list changes as states add or remove online services, so verify on your state's official DMV website.
To start an online name change, visit your state's DMV website and look for a link labeled "change name on licence," "update licence information," or "renew or replace licence." You will create an account or log in if you already have one. The site will ask you to upload or attach your certified name change document, enter your new name exactly as it appears on that document, and pay the fee. Some states allow you to upload a photo during this process; others will use your existing photo.
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or save the email. Your new licence will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 14 days for online submissions, though some states take longer.
What to do if your state does not offer online changes
If your state's DMV does not have an online option, you can usually change your name by mail or in person. To change by mail, contact your state's DMV to request the name change form (often called an "process for Licence Renewal" or "process for Replacement Licence"). Fill it out, include a certified copy of your name change document, and mail it with your current licence and the fee to the address the DMV provides.
Mail-in changes typically take 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes longer depending on how busy the DMV is. If you need the change faster, visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current licence, a certified copy of your name change document, and payment. An in-person visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you may receive a temporary licence on the spot while your new one is printed or mailed.
Some states charge a fee for a replacement licence (usually $10 to $30), while others do not charge if you are only updating information. Check your state's DMV website or call the DMV to confirm the fee before you go.
How long the process takes and when you will get your new licence
Processing time depends on how you submit the change. Online submissions are fastest—most states mail your new licence within 7 to 14 days. Mail-in submissions take 2 to 4 weeks on average, though some states take longer during busy periods. In-person visits at a DMV office are the quickest if you need the change when ready; you may walk out with a temporary licence the same day.
Your new licence will be mailed to the address currently on file with the DMV. If you have moved recently, update your address before you change your name, or request that the new licence be mailed to a different address. Some states let you change your address during the name change process; others require you to do it separately.
Until your new licence arrives, your old licence is still valid for identification purposes, even though it has your old name. You do not need to carry both. Once the new licence arrives, destroy the old one or return it to the DMV if your state requests it.
Changing your name if you have a commercial driving licence or real ID
If you hold a commercial driving licence (CDL), the process is similar but may have additional requirements. Some states require CDL holders to change their name in person at a DMV office rather than online. Check your state's CDL handbook or call the DMV to confirm.
If your licence is a Real ID (marked with a star or gold seal), you may need to provide additional documents beyond your name change proof. Real ID requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. When you change your name, some states ask you to re-verify all of these, while others only ask for the name change document. Your state's DMV website will specify what is needed.
What to do if you have already changed your name but your licence still shows the old name
If you legally changed your name months or years ago but never updated your licence, you can still do it now. Bring or mail the same documents: a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, plus your current licence and payment. There is no time limit on when you can update your licence after a legal name change, though it is a good idea to do it as soon as possible to avoid confusion with identification.
If you cannot find your original name change document, you can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office or court that issued it. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes a few days to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name online if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate yet?
No. Most states require an official certified copy, not a photocopy or uncertified version. If you do not have one, contact the county vital records office or clerk's office where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days and costs $10 to $25.
What if I made a mistake on my name change process?
Contact your state's DMV when ready with your confirmation number. Some states allow you to cancel and resubmit online. Others require you to call or visit an office to correct the error. The sooner you catch it, the easier it is to fix before your new licence is printed.
Do I need to change my name on other documents before I change my licence?
No. You can change your licence whenever you have the certified name change document. However, it is helpful to update your Social Security card and passport around the same time so all your identification matches. Your licence does not have to be the first document you update.
Can I change my name online if I am changing it through a court order, not marriage or divorce?
Yes, if your state offers online changes. You will need a certified copy of the court order that granted the name change. The process is the same as for marriage or divorce name changes.
What happens if I submit my name change online but then move before the licence arrives?
Contact your state's DMV with your confirmation number and provide your new address. Most states can redirect the licence to your new address if you contact them before it ships. If it arrives at your old address, you may be able to have it forwarded or request a remail to your new address.