What you need to do to change your name on your driving licence
To change your name on your driving licence, you submit your current licence along with proof of your legal name change to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The exact process, fees, and documents required vary by state — some accept name changes through marriage or divorce documents alone, while others require a court order for any name change. Most states let you explore by mail, in person, or online, and the turnaround is typically two to four weeks.
You will need your current driving licence, a document proving your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. Some states also ask for your Social Security number or a copy of your birth certificate. The fee ranges from free to around $30, depending on your state.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV handles name changes on driving licences, and the process differs by state in terms of required documents, fees, and how long it takes.
- You will need proof of your legal name change — typically a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current licence.
- Most states allow you to explore by mail or online, though some require an in-person visit to renew your photo.
- Processing time is usually two to four weeks, but check your state's DMV website for current wait times before you submit.
- If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, keep a certified copy of that document for future use, as you may need it again.
How to find your state's specific requirements
Visit your state's DMV website directly — search "[your state] DMV name change driving licence" to land on the official page. The site will list exactly which documents your state accepts, the current fee, and whether you can explore online, by mail, or must visit in person. Some states have a dedicated form for name changes; others use the standard licence renewal form.
If you cannot find the information online, call your state DMV's customer service line. Have your current licence number ready, and ask: what documents prove a legal name change in your state, what is the fee, how long does processing take, and can you explore by mail or must you appear in person. Write down the answers — they may differ from what you read online.
Documents that prove a legal name change
Marriage certificate is the most common proof. It must be an official certified copy (not a photocopy you made yourself), issued by the county clerk or vital records office where you were married. Some states accept a certified copy; others want the original. Check your state's DMV website to be sure.
Divorce decree works the same way — it must be a certified copy from the court that issued it. If your decree shows your new name, that is usually enough. If it does not, some states also ask for a certified copy of your birth certificate to confirm your legal name before the divorce.
Court order for a name change is required in some states if you are changing your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce. You obtain this by filing a petition with your local district or circuit court. The process, cost, and timeline vary widely by state and county — some charge $100 to $300 and take four to eight weeks, while others are faster and cheaper. Contact your county courthouse or search "[your county] name change petition" to find the forms and filing instructions.
Proof of address is also required. Most states accept a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. A bank statement or insurance document usually works too. The document typically cannot be more than 60 days old.
explore by mail versus in person
Most states allow you to mail in your name change request. You send your current licence, the certified name-change document, proof of address, the completed form (if your state requires one), and the fee to the address listed on your state's DMV website. Include a prepaid return envelope or ask whether the DMV will mail your new licence back to you. Processing by mail usually takes two to four weeks, though some states are slower.
Some states require you to appear in person to have a new photo taken. If yours does, you will need to visit a DMV office with the same documents. Bring your current licence, the certified name-change document, proof of address, and any form your state requires. You may be able to book an appointment online to avoid waiting in line. In-person appointments often move faster than mail — sometimes same-day or within a few days — but you must travel to an office.
A few states offer online name-change requests if you are renewing your licence at the same time. You upload photos of your documents, pay the fee, and the new licence arrives by mail. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available to you.
What happens if your name change document is not certified
The DMV will reject an uncertified copy — a photocopy you made yourself or a document without an official seal from the issuing agency. You must obtain a certified copy from the county clerk (for a marriage or divorce certificate) or the court (for a court order). This usually costs $5 to $25 per copy and takes a few days to a week by mail, or you can pick it up in person the same day.
If you are unsure whether your copy is certified, look for an official seal, a signature from the clerk or judge, and a statement saying "certified copy" or "official copy." If you are still uncertain, call the DMV before you submit — they can tell you whether your document will be accepted.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
After you submit your request, the DMV processes it in the order received. Most states send you a confirmation by mail or email within a few days. Your new licence will arrive by mail two to four weeks later, though some states take longer during busy periods. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times — they update these regularly and can tell you whether there is a backlog.
If you do not receive your new licence within the stated timeframe, contact the DMV with your confirmation number or licence number. They can tell you whether your request is still being processed or whether there was a problem. Keep your old licence until the new one arrives — you can still use it to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my licence at the same time I change my name?
No. You can change your name without renewing your licence — the new licence will have the same expiration date as your old one. However, some states offer a discount if you renew at the same time, so check your state's DMV website. If your licence is expiring soon anyway, it may make sense to renew and change your name together in one transaction.
What if I lost my current licence?
You will need to report it lost and request a replacement at the same time you change your name. Contact your state's DMV to find out whether you can do both in one process or whether you need to file two separate requests. You will still need the certified name-change document and proof of address.
Can I change my name on my licence if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
No — the DMV requires a certified copy. You can order one from the county clerk where you were married. Search "[your county] vital records" or call the county clerk's office to find out how to order it. It usually costs $5 to $25 and arrives within a week by mail, or you can pick it up in person.
Will my old licence still be valid after I submit a name change request?
Yes, you can continue to drive on your old licence until your new one arrives. However, your name on the licence will no longer match your legal name, so carry the certified name-change document with you if you are stopped by police or need to prove your identity. Once your new licence arrives, destroy your old one or return it to the DMV if your state requests it.
How much does it cost to change my name on my driving licence?
The fee varies by state — some charge nothing, while others charge $10 to $30. Check your state's DMV website for the exact amount. If you are also renewing your licence, you may pay both fees together or receive a discount. Some states waive the name-change fee if you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce.