What you need to do to change your name on your driver's license
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 your legal name change and your current license. The process differs by state — some let you do it by mail, others require an in-person visit. Most states charge a fee between $10 and $30, though a few waive it for name changes due to marriage or court order.
You will need two things: a document that proves your name has legally changed (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and your current driver's license. Some states also ask for a birth certificate or passport. The DMV will issue you a new license with your updated name, usually within two to four weeks if you explore in person, or four to six weeks by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license to the DMV.
- Most states let you change your name in person at any DMV office, though some allow mail-in requests for certain types of name changes.
- The fee ranges from $10 to $30 in most states, and your new license arrives in two to four weeks if you explore in person.
- If your name change was through marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of the certificate; a photocopy usually will not work.
In-person name change at the DMV
Walk into your local DMV office with your current license, proof of name change, and any other documents your state requires. Bring the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — most DMVs will not accept photocopies. You will fill out a form (usually the standard license renewal or replacement form with a name-change box checked) and pay the fee.
The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and hand you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to four weeks. If you need the license sooner, some states offer rush processing for an extra $10 to $20, though availability varies by location.
Changing your name by mail
Not all states allow mail-in name changes, and those that do often limit it to specific situations — usually marriage or divorce. Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail-in is an option for your type of name change. If it is, you will mail your current license, the completed form, a copy of your proof of name change, and the fee to the address listed on the DMV site.
Mail-in processing takes longer, typically four to six weeks. Some states require you to notarize your form or have it witnessed before mailing. Call your DMV before sending anything to confirm what documents they need and whether they accept notarized copies of your proof of name change, since originals are harder to mail safely.
What counts as proof of a legal name change
A marriage certificate is the most common proof. It must be an original or certified copy issued by the county clerk or vital records office where you were married — a photocopy from your own files will not work. The same rule applies to a divorce decree or dissolution of marriage order that shows your new name.
If you changed your name through a court order (not marriage or divorce), bring the certified copy of the order itself. Some states also accept a court-issued name-change certificate, which is a separate document the court issues after approving your petition. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call your DMV before you go — they can tell you in one call whether what you have will work.
Fees and processing times by state
Most states charge $10 to $30 for a name change on your license. A handful — including some that waive fees for marriage-related changes — charge nothing. Processing time is usually two to four weeks for in-person applications and four to six weeks for mail-in, though some states are slower during busy periods.
A few states offer expedited processing if you pay extra, typically $15 to $25 more. This cuts the wait to one to two weeks. Check your state's DMV website or call the office nearest you to find the exact fee and current processing time, since both can change.
What happens if you lose your proof document
If you no longer have your marriage certificate or court order, you can request a certified copy from the issuing office. For a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the court that issued it. For a court-ordered name change, contact the court that approved your petition.
These offices usually charge $10 to $25 per certified copy and can mail it to you within one to two weeks. Some allow you to order online or by phone. Once you have the certified copy, follow the same DMV process as anyone else with proof of a name change.
Updating other documents after your license changes
Your driver's license is often the easiest document to update, but you will also need to change your name on your Social Security card, passport, vehicle registration, insurance, and bank accounts. Start with your Social Security card — you can explore for a replacement at your local Social Security office with your new license and proof of name change. This usually takes one to two weeks.
Your passport requires a separate process at a passport acceptance facility or post office, and processing takes several weeks. Your vehicle registration updates when you renew it or through your state's DMV at the same time you change your license. Contact your insurance company and banks directly — most can update your name over the phone or online once you provide proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
No, most DMVs require an original or certified copy. A photocopy or uncertified copy will not work. You will need to order a certified copy from the county clerk where you were married, which usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25.
Do I have to change my name on my license right after I get married?
No. You can change it whenever you want, as long as you have your marriage certificate. There is no important date, though waiting longer means carrying two different names on different documents.
What if my state does not allow mail-in name changes?
You will have to visit a DMV office in person. Check your state's website to find the nearest location and its hours. Some states let you schedule an appointment online to skip the wait.
How long does it take to get my new license after I explore?
In-person applications usually take two to four weeks. Mail-in takes four to six weeks. Some states offer rush processing for $15 to $25 extra, which cuts the time to one to two weeks. You get a temporary paper license when ready if you explore in person.
Do I need to bring anything else besides my proof of name change and current license?
Most states ask for a birth certificate or passport as well, though requirements vary. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm what documents you need before you go.