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 — the exact name and process varies by state. Most states require you to submit your current licence, a completed name-change form, and proof that your name change is legal (a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree). Some states let you do this by mail; others require an in-person visit. Processing time ranges from two to eight weeks depending on your state and whether you choose standard or expedited service.
You cannot straightforward show up with a new name. The DMV needs documentation that proves the change is official in the eyes of the law. A marriage certificate counts. A court order counts. A divorce decree counts. A document you printed at home does not.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state DMV directly to find out whether your state accepts mail-in requests or requires you to visit in person.
- You will need your current licence, a completed name-change form from your DMV, and legal proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).
- Processing typically takes two to eight weeks; check your state's website to see whether expedited service is available and what it costs.
- Some states charge a fee for the name change; others include it in your regular licence renewal fee.
How to find your state's specific requirements
Each state runs its own DMV and sets its own rules. Go to your state's DMV website — search "[your state] DMV name change driving licence" — and look for a page titled "Name Change" or "Update Your Licence". Most state DMV sites have a dedicated section explaining exactly what documents you need and whether you can mail the request or must appear in person.
If the website is unclear, call your state DMV's main line. Have your current licence number ready. Ask three things: whether your state accepts mail-in requests, what documents count as proof of name change, and how long processing takes. Write down the answers. You will need this information before you gather your documents.
Documents you will need
Start with your current driving licence. You will submit it along with your request, so the DMV can issue a new one with your updated name.
Next, you need a name-change form. This is usually called an "process for Driving Licence" or "Licence Renewal Form" — the exact title depends on your state. read it from your state DMV website or pick up a copy at a DMV office. Fill it out completely, including your new name.
Finally, you need legal proof that your name change is official. The documents that count are:
- A marriage certificate (if you changed your name through marriage)
- A divorce decree or court order showing your new name (if you changed your name through divorce)
- A court order for name change (if you changed your name through a legal petition — this is the route for name changes not tied to marriage or divorce)
- An adoption decree (if you were adopted and your name changed)
Some states also accept certified copies of these documents; others want the original. Check your state's DMV website to see which version they require. If you do not have the original, you can usually request a certified copy from the court or agency that issued it — the county clerk's office for marriage and divorce documents, the court that handled your name-change petition for court orders.
Submitting your request by mail
If your state allows mail-in requests, gather your current licence, the completed form, and your legal proof document. Make a photocopy of everything except the original legal document — send the original, not a copy. Put it all in an envelope with a return address and send it to the address listed on your state's DMV website.
Some states ask you to include a cheque or money order for a fee; others do not charge for a name change. Check your state's website before you mail anything. Include a note with your current address and phone number so the DMV can contact you if something is missing.
Keep a record of what you sent and when. Take a photo of your documents before you mail them, or make copies for your own files. Processing usually takes two to eight weeks. If you have not heard back after that time, call the DMV to check the status.
Submitting your request in person
If your state requires an in-person visit, bring your current licence, the completed form, and your legal proof document to your local DMV office. Arrive early — DMV offices often have long waits, and some stop accepting new visitors partway through the day. Bring the original legal document, not a photocopy.
The DMV staff will check your documents on the spot. If everything is in order, they will take your current licence and issue a temporary one while your new licence is printed. This usually happens the same day or within a few days. If something is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to bring back.
Ask for a receipt showing that you submitted your request. This is useful if you need to prove you applied for the name change while waiting for the new licence to arrive.
What happens after you submit
Once the DMV processes your request, they will mail your new licence to the address on file. The envelope will have your name on it, so make sure your address is current. If you have moved recently, update your address with the DMV before you submit the name-change request, or the licence may go to your old address.
Your new licence will have your updated name, your same licence number (in most states), and the same expiration date as your old licence. You do not need to renew early just because you changed your name.
Once you receive your new licence, destroy your old one. Some states ask you to return it; most do not. If your state requires you to return it, the DMV will tell you how.
Costs and processing time by state
| What affects cost and time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Fee for name change | Ranges from no charge to $25, depending on your state. Some states charge only if you are not renewing at the same time. |
| Standard processing | Two to eight weeks by mail; same day or a few days if you visit in person. |
| Expedited service | Available in some states for an additional fee (usually $10 to $30). Cuts processing time to one to two weeks. |
| Temporary licence | If you visit in person, you usually get a temporary paper licence the same day while your new card is printed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my licence if I do not have a court order?
It depends on why your name changed. If you married or divorced, your marriage certificate or divorce decree counts as legal proof — you do not need a separate court order. If you changed your name for any other reason, you will need a court order from the court that handled your petition. Contact your state DMV to confirm what documents they accept.
What if I lost my current driving licence?
You will need to report it lost and request a replacement at the same time you request the name change. Contact your state DMV to find out whether you can do both in one process or whether you need to handle them separately. You may need to pay two separate fees.
How long can I drive on my old licence while I wait for the new one?
You can drive on your old licence until it expires, even if your name has changed. However, if you are pulled over, your licence will not match your legal name. To avoid confusion, carry a copy of your legal name-change document (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) in your car along with your old licence.
Do I need to change my name on my car registration too?
Yes, but that is a separate process handled by your state's DMV or Department of Transportation. Once you have your new driving licence, contact your state's vehicle registration office to update your car registration. You will usually need to submit your new licence as proof of the name change.
What if my state's DMV website does not have clear instructions?
Call the DMV directly. Have your current licence number and the reason for your name change ready. Ask for the specific form you need, what documents count as proof, whether mail-in is available, and the current processing time. Write down the answers and ask for an email confirmation if possible.