What you need to do to change your name on your license
To change your name on your driver's license, you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, bring proof of your legal name change, and submit a form. The exact documents required and the fee vary by state, but every state requires you to show that your name change is official — usually a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. Most states let you update your license at the same time you update your vehicle registration, and the process typically takes a few weeks.
You cannot change your name on a license by mail or online in any state. You must appear at a DMV office with your documents. Some states let you make an appointment; others operate on a walk-in basis. Check your state's DMV website before you go to confirm what documents they accept and whether you need an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your state's DMV in person with proof of your legal name change — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
- Each state has different forms, fees, and required documents, so check your DMV website before you go.
- You will need to bring your current license, your proof of name change, and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
- The process usually takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your paperwork.
- If you changed your name through a court order, bring the certified copy the court gave you, not a photocopy.
What documents prove your name change is legal
The document you bring depends on how your name changed. If you were married, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you were divorced, bring your divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed your name through a court order (sometimes called a petition for name change), bring the certified copy the court issued to you.
All of these documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies will not work. If you do not have the original, you can request a certified copy from the court that issued it (for court orders) or the vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail.
The documents and information you will bring to the DMV
Bring your current driver's license, your proof of name change (the certified document), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states also ask for a Social Security card or a birth certificate, so check your state's DMV website before you go.
You will also need to fill out a form — usually called an process for a Driver License or Identification Card, or a Name Change form. Your state's DMV website will tell you which form to use and whether you can print it ahead of time or fill it out at the office. Filling it out in advance saves time.
Fees and how long the process takes
Most states charge $15 to $50 to update your license with a new name. Some states charge nothing if you are within a certain window after your name change (often one year for marriage, six months for divorce). A few states charge a full replacement fee if your license is not expiring soon. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.
After you submit your paperwork, your new license usually arrives by mail in two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. During this time, your old license is still valid for identification purposes, though it shows your old name.
What happens if your name change was through marriage or divorce
If you married, bring your marriage certificate. You do not need a court order. If you divorced and your divorce decree shows your new name, that decree is your proof — you do not need anything else. If your divorce decree does not show your new name but you took back a former name, some states will accept a certified copy of the divorce decree plus a court order confirming the name change, or they may ask you to file a separate petition for name change.
If you are in a same-sex marriage or civil union, the rules are the same as for any marriage: bring your marriage certificate or civil union certificate. All states now recognize these documents for license name changes.
What to do if you lost your proof of name change document
If you cannot find your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you will need to get a certified copy before you can update your license. Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced, or the court that issued your name change order. You can usually request a copy online or by mail, though some offices still require you to visit in person.
Certified copies typically cost $10 to $25 and take one to two weeks. Some vital records offices offer rush processing for an extra fee. Once you have the certified copy, you can visit the DMV with it and your other documents.
Updating your vehicle registration and other documents at the same time
Many states let you update your vehicle registration when you update your license, so you can do both in one DMV visit. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance along with your name change documents. Some states handle this automatically; others require you to ask for it.
You will also need to update your name with your bank, employer, insurance company, and the Social Security Administration. The Social Security office requires your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and proof of your legal name change. You can visit a Social Security office in person or mail in Form SS-5 with copies of your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
No. You must have an original or certified copy. If you lost yours, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25.
What if my divorce decree does not show my new name?
Some states will accept the divorce decree alone if it shows you were divorced. Others require a separate court order confirming your name change. Call your state's DMV before you go to ask which documents they need for your situation.
Do I need to go back to court to change my name on my license?
Not if your name changed through marriage or divorce. You only need a court order if you are changing your name for any other reason — and in that case, you file the petition once, get the order, and then use that order at the DMV. You do not go back to court.
Can I use my old license while I wait for my new one?
Yes. Your old license remains valid for identification even though it shows your old name. You can use it to travel, open a bank account, or show to police. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.
What if I changed my name years ago and never updated my license?
You can still update it now. Bring your proof of name change (the certified court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree) and your current license. The DMV will process it the same way as if you had done it right after your name change.