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. Most states require you to bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows your new name. You fill out a form (usually called an process for Driver License or similar), pay a fee, and either get a new photo taken or use your existing one. The whole process takes between one and three weeks in most states, though some offer expedited service for an extra charge.
The exact steps and documents vary by state. Some states let you change your name by mail; others require you to appear in person. A few states charge nothing for a name change; others charge between $20 and $50. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's website to see what documents they accept as proof of name change and whether you can do it by mail or must visit an office.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a legal document showing your name change—a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree—before the DMV will issue a new license.
- Most states require you to visit a DMV office in person, though some allow you to mail in your process and documents.
- Processing time is usually one to three weeks, and fees range from free to about $50 depending on your state.
- Check your state DMV website before you go, because document requirements and procedures differ significantly from state to state.
- Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need the new license faster.
What documents count as proof of a legal name change
A court order is the strongest proof. If you changed your name through a court petition—which many people do for reasons unrelated to marriage—you bring the signed court order. This document shows the judge approved your name change and is dated and stamped by the court.
A marriage certificate counts as proof if your name change is due to marriage. The certificate must be an official copy issued by the county clerk or vital records office where you were married, not a photocopy or a document printed from a website. Some states accept certified copies; others require the original. A few states accept a photocopy if it is certified by the issuing office.
A divorce decree or dissolution order works if you changed your name as part of a divorce. Like a marriage certificate, it must be an official copy from the court that issued it. If your decree does not show your new name clearly, bring both the decree and a certified copy of your marriage certificate so the DMV can see the chain of name changes.
Some states also accept a domestic partnership certificate or civil union certificate if your name change is tied to that legal status. A few states accept a passport or birth certificate showing your new name if you have already changed your name with the federal government or your state vital records office, though this is less common and you should confirm with your DMV first.
How to prepare your documents before you go to the DMV
Order official copies of any document you need at least two weeks before your planned DMV visit. If you need a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. If you need a divorce decree, contact the court that issued it. If you need a court order for a name change, contact the court where you filed the petition. Most of these offices charge between $10 and $25 per copy and can mail it to you or let you pick it up in person.
Bring the original document and at least one photocopy to the DMV. Some states keep the original; others photocopy it and return it to you. Bring your current driver's license as well. If you have changed your address since your license was issued, bring proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. If you are changing your name and your address at the same time, you may be able to do both in one visit.
Check whether your state requires the document to be certified. A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp from the issuing office and costs a few dollars more than a plain photocopy. Some states accept plain copies; others do not. Your state DMV website will say which they accept.
Visiting the DMV or explore by mail
If your state requires an in-person visit, go to your local DMV office during business hours. Bring your documents, your current license, and the completed process form (you can often read this from the DMV website and fill it out at home). You will be asked to verify your information, and you may have a new photo taken. Some states let you keep your current photo if it is recent enough; others require a new one. The fee is due at this point.
If your state allows mail-in applications, read the form from the DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with copies of your documents and a check or money order for the fee. Keep copies of everything you send. Mail-in processing usually takes longer than in-person service—often three to four weeks instead of one to two. Some states do not accept mail-in applications for name changes and require you to appear in person.
A few states offer expedited processing. You pay an extra fee—usually $10 to $30—and your process moves to the front of the queue. This can cut processing time in half. Ask about this option when you visit or when you call the DMV to confirm what documents you need.
What happens after you submit your process
The DMV will process your process and either mail your new license to you or tell you when to pick it up at the office. Standard processing takes one to three weeks. If you chose expedited service, it may take five to ten business days. You will receive a temporary paper license or a receipt that you can use as proof of your identity until your new license arrives.
If the DMV rejects your process, they will contact you by mail or phone to tell you why. Common reasons include a missing document, a document that does not meet the state's requirements, or an incomplete form. If this happens, gather the missing information and resubmit. You usually do not have to pay the fee again.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to the DMV if your state asks you to. Your new license is valid for the same length of time as your old one—usually four to eight years depending on your state and age.
Name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order
If you changed your name through marriage, you do not need a separate court order. Your marriage certificate is enough. Some states let you change your name on your license at the same time you renew it; others treat a name change as a separate transaction. Check your state's rules before you go.
If you changed your name through divorce, bring your divorce decree. If the decree does not explicitly state your new name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate as well so the DMV can see what your name was before. Some states require you to wait a certain number of days after the divorce is final before you can change your license; others do not. Your divorce paperwork will say when the divorce becomes final.
If you changed your name through a court petition (not related to marriage or divorce), bring the signed court order. This is the most formal proof and is usually accepted without question. If you do not have the original, contact the court and order a certified copy.
Fees and processing times by state
Fees for a name change on your driver's license range from free to about $50. Some states charge nothing if you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce. Others charge a standard fee for any name change. A few states charge more for a name change than for a regular license renewal. Your state DMV website will list the exact fee.
Processing time also varies. Most states process name changes within one to three weeks if you explore in person. Mail-in applications usually take three to four weeks. A handful of states offer same-day service if you visit in person and pay an expedited fee. Some states are slower during busy seasons (spring and summer) and faster during winter. If you need your new license by a certain date, ask about expedited options when you contact the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order or marriage certificate?
No. The DMV requires legal proof that your name change is official. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the certificate or decree. If you changed your name for any other reason, you need a court order. If you do not have these documents, contact the issuing office (county clerk, court, or vital records) and order certified copies before you visit the DMV.
How long does it take to get a new license after I explore?
In-person applications usually take one to three weeks. Mail-in applications take three to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, which can cut the time in half. You will receive a temporary paper license or receipt to use while you wait for your new license to arrive in the mail.
Do I have to get a new photo taken when I change my name?
It depends on your state. Some states require a new photo; others let you keep your current one if it is recent. A few states let you choose. Ask when you visit the DMV or check your state's website. If you do get a new photo, it is usually taken at the DMV office at no extra charge.
What if my divorce decree does not show my new name?
Bring both your divorce decree and a certified copy of your marriage certificate. The DMV can see your name before and after the divorce and will update your license accordingly. Some states require you to bring both documents; others will accept just the decree if you explain the situation to the clerk.
Can I change my name on my license by mail?
Some states allow it; others require you to visit in person. Check your state DMV website to see whether mail-in applications are accepted for name changes. If they are, read the form, include copies of your documents, and mail everything to the address listed on the website. Mail-in processing usually takes longer than in-person service.