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, bring proof of your legal name change, and request a replacement license. The process itself takes minutes at the counter, but you will need to have already changed your name legally — through a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before the DMV will issue a new license.
Most states let you do this in person at any DMV office. Some states now allow you to start the process online or by mail, though you may still need to visit in person for a photo and signature. The cost varies by state, typically between $15 and $50 for a replacement license.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a legal document proving your name change — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before the DMV will issue a new license.
- Visit your state's DMV office in person with your current license, proof of identity, and your legal name-change document.
- Some states allow you to mail in your documents or start the process online, but requirements vary widely by state.
- Processing times range from same-day (if you visit in person) to several weeks (if you mail documents), depending on your state.
- You will need a new photo and signature for your replacement license, so plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes at the DMV office.
How to get a legal name change before visiting the DMV
The DMV will not change your name without proof that you have already changed it legally. That proof comes from one of three sources: a court order, a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree.
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the divorce decree that shows your new name. If you changed your name by court petition (sometimes called a "name change petition" or "petition for change of name"), bring the court order signed by a judge.
If you do not yet have a legal name change, you will need to go through your state's court system first. This process varies by state — some states allow you to file the petition yourself, while others require you to work with an attorney. Contact your county courthouse or your state bar association for information about how to file a name-change petition in your area.
What documents to bring to the DMV
Bring your current driver's license, your legal name-change document (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree), and a second form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. Some states also require proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Call your state's DMV office or check its website before you go — requirements differ by state, and some states ask for certified copies of your documents rather than originals. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the court or agency that issued the original.
In-person versus mail and online options
Most states require you to visit a DMV office in person to have your photo taken and signature recorded for your new license. However, some states now allow you to submit your documents by mail or start the process online, then pick up your new license at an office later.
If your state offers mail-in service, you typically mail your current license, your legal name-change document, a completed process form, and payment. Processing by mail usually takes two to four weeks. If your state offers an online option, you upload photos and documents through the DMV website, then visit an office to verify your identity and pick up your license.
Check your state's DMV website to see which options are available where you live. The fastest route is usually to visit in person, where you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks.
Processing times and temporary licenses
If you visit the DMV in person, you will receive a temporary paper license or a temporary digital license (depending on your state) that you can use when ready while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license typically arrives within one to two weeks.
If you submit documents by mail, processing takes longer — usually two to four weeks — and you will not have a valid license during that time. Some states allow you to request a temporary license by mail as well, but this varies. Ask the DMV whether you can get a temporary license before you mail in your documents.
Fees and what happens to your old license
The cost of a replacement license ranges from $15 to $50 depending on your state. Some states charge less if you are renewing your license at the same time as changing your name, while others charge the same fee regardless. A few states do not charge a fee for a name-change replacement if you submit your documents within a certain time frame after your legal name change.
When you receive your new license, your old license becomes invalid. If you visit the DMV in person, the office will take your old license and destroy it. If you submit documents by mail, you may be asked to return your old license with your process, or the DMV may send you instructions on how to dispose of it.
What to do if your name-change document is from another state
If you changed your name in one state but now live in another, you can still change your driver's license in your current state. Bring your current license, your legal name-change document from the other state, and proof of your current address. The DMV will recognize name-change documents from any U.S. state or territory.
If your name-change document is very old or you cannot locate the original, contact the court that issued it and request a certified copy. Most courts can mail you a certified copy for a small fee, usually $10 to $25. This process takes one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I have not changed it legally yet?
No. The DMV requires proof of a legal name change before it will issue a new license. You must first obtain a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your new name. Contact your county courthouse to learn how to file a name-change petition if you have not done so already.
What if my marriage certificate or divorce decree does not show my new name clearly?
Contact the court or agency that issued the document and request a certified copy that clearly shows your new name. If the document is old or damaged, the issuing office can provide a replacement certified copy. Bring this certified copy to the DMV instead of the original.
How long does it take to get a new license after I visit the DMV?
If you visit in person, you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you submit documents by mail, the entire process takes two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
Do I need to change my name on other documents before I change my driver's license?
No. Your driver's license can be one of the first documents you update after your legal name change. However, you will eventually need to update your Social Security card, passport, bank accounts, and insurance policies. Your new driver's license can serve as proof of your name change when you update those documents.
What if I lost my legal name-change document?
Contact the court or agency that issued the original document and request a certified copy. For marriage certificates, contact the vital records office in the state where you were married. For divorce decrees, contact the court that handled your divorce. For court-ordered name changes, contact the courthouse where the petition was filed. Certified copies usually cost $10 to $25 and arrive within one to two weeks.