What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Driving Licence
To change your name on your driving licence, you must contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency and submit proof of your legal name change along with your current licence. The process varies by state — some allow you to update by mail, others require an in-person visit. Most states charge a fee between $20 and $50 for a replacement licence with your new name, though a few offer the first replacement free.
You will need a document that proves your name change is legal. This is usually a court order (from a divorce, adoption, or legal name change petition), a marriage certificate, or a death certificate if you are changing from a married name back to a maiden name. Without this document, the DMV will not process your request.
The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your materials, though expedited options exist in some states for an additional fee. Your current licence remains valid during this time unless your state requires you to surrender it when ready.
Key Takeaways
- You must provide a legal document proving your name change — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before the DMV will issue a new licence.
- Contact your state's DMV directly to learn whether you can update by mail, online, or must visit in person, as the process differs by state.
- Replacement licences with a new name cost between $20 and $50 in most states, though some states waive the fee for the first replacement.
- Your new licence will arrive in two to four weeks under normal processing, and your old licence stays valid until the new one arrives.
Gather Your Legal Name-Change Document
Before you contact the DMV, collect the document that proves your name change is official. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you divorced and changed your name back, bring your divorce decree or final divorce order. If you legally petitioned the court to change your name, bring the court order signed by a judge.
The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy or a document you printed from an online court system usually will not work. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the court that issued the order or from the vital records office in the county where the change was recorded. This typically costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks.
Some states accept notarized copies in place of certified copies. Call your DMV before you pay for a notarization to confirm whether yours does.
Find Your State's DMV Process and Requirements
Each state's DMV has its own rules for name changes on licences. Some states let you submit your request by mail with copies of your documents. Others require you to appear in person at a DMV office. A few states now offer online updates through their DMV website, though this option is still uncommon.
Visit your state's DMV website and search for "name change on driver's licence" or "update licence information." The site will tell you which documents you need, what form to fill out (if any), whether you can mail your request, and what the fee is. Write down the mailing address or the address of your nearest DMV office, the hours it is open, and whether you need an appointment.
If you cannot find the information online, call your state's DMV customer service line. Have your current licence number ready when you call.
Submit Your Request by Mail or In Person
If your state allows mail-in updates, send your completed form (if required), a copy of your legal name-change document, a copy of your current licence, and a check or money order for the fee to the address the DMV provided. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the DMV received your package. Keep a copy of everything you send.
If you must visit in person, bring your original legal name-change document, your current licence, and a form of payment (cash, check, or card — policies vary by state). Arrive during the DMV's posted hours. Some states now require you to book an appointment online before you visit; check your state's website to see if this applies to you.
At the DMV office, tell the staff member you are updating your name on your licence. They will verify your document, take a new photo if required, and process your request on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing your new name and the expected arrival date of your licence.
What Happens While You Wait for Your New Licence
After you submit your request, the DMV will print your new licence and mail it to the address on file. This usually takes two to four weeks. Your old licence remains valid and legal to use during this time — you do not need to stop driving while you wait.
If you need your new licence sooner, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25. A few states also allow you to pick up your licence in person at the DMV office instead of waiting for it to arrive by mail, though this is not available everywhere.
Once your new licence arrives, destroy your old one or keep it in a safe place. You do not need to return it to the DMV.
Update Other Documents That Match Your Licence
Your driving licence is one of several documents that should reflect your legal name. Once you have your new licence, update your name with your vehicle's registration, your insurance company, and your state's vehicle title. These updates are usually free and can be done by mail or online.
You may also want to update your name with your bank, employer, Social Security Administration, and passport. These are separate processes and are not required by law, but they prevent confusion and make it easier to prove your identity in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my old licence while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your old licence is still valid and legal to use until your new licence arrives. You do not need to stop driving or carry any special paperwork. Once your new licence arrives, you can start using it and put the old one away.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or court order?
Contact the court that issued the order or the vital records office in the county where your marriage or name change was recorded. You can request a certified copy by mail or in person. The cost is usually $10 to $25, and it takes one to two weeks. Some offices now accept requests online.
Do I need a new photo for my licence when I change my name?
It depends on your state. Some states take a new photo automatically when you update your name. Others use your existing photo. A few states let you choose. Ask your DMV when you contact them about the process.
What if the DMV says my document is not acceptable?
Call the DMV and ask which documents they will accept for your type of name change. If your document does not meet their requirements, ask whether a notarized copy or a certified copy from a different office will work. Some states have strict rules about which documents are acceptable.
Can I change my name on my licence if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
Most states will process a name change regardless of unpaid tickets or fines. However, some states may flag your account. Contact your DMV to ask whether any outstanding issues will delay your name-change request.