What you need to do to change your name on your licence
The process depends on which state or territory issued your licence. Most require you to visit a service centre in person with proof of your legal name change and your current licence. Some states let you start online or by mail, but you will need to attend an appointment to have your identity verified before the new licence is issued.
You must have a document that shows your name change is legal — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or deed poll, depending on why your name changed. The service centre will check this document against your current licence and take a new photo if required.
Processing times vary by state. Most take between two and four weeks to mail your new licence to you. Some states offer a temporary licence to use while you wait.
Key Takeaways
- You need proof of your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or deed poll — before you can update your licence.
- Most states require an in-person appointment at a service centre, though some let you start the process online or by post.
- Bring your current licence, the name-change document, and proof of your current address to your appointment.
- Processing takes two to four weeks in most states, and you may be able to get a temporary licence to use when ready.
How to find your state's service centre and booking system
Each state and territory runs its own licensing authority. Search for "[your state] driving licence name change" to find the official website — do not use a third-party service that charges a fee to book your appointment.
Most states have an online booking system where you can choose a date and time at a centre near you. Some require you to call a phone line instead. The official website will tell you which method applies in your area and whether you can start the process online or must attend in person from the start.
Write down the address and opening hours of your nearest centre before you book. Some centres have longer queues than others, and booking at a quieter location can cut your wait time.
Documents to bring to your appointment
Bring your current driving licence, your proof of name change, and proof of your current address. The address proof must be recent — usually issued within the last three months — and can be a utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement in your name.
If your name-change document is not in English, bring the original plus a certified English translation. The service centre will not accept a photocopy of the translation; it must be certified by a translator or notary.
If you have changed address since your licence was issued, bring proof of both your old address (from the licence) and your new one. Some states require this to prevent fraud.
What happens at your appointment
The staff member will check your identity by comparing your current licence to your name-change document. They will ask you to confirm your new name and check that it is spelled correctly on the system. You will be asked to sign a declaration that the information is correct.
A new photo will be taken unless your current licence photo is recent enough — rules vary by state, but most accept photos less than five years old. If a new photo is taken, you can usually request a retake on the spot if you are unhappy with it.
You will be given a receipt showing your process number and the expected delivery date. Keep this receipt until your new licence arrives, as you may need it if there are delays.
Temporary licence and using your old licence while you wait
Some states issue a temporary licence on the day of your appointment — usually a printed document valid for a few weeks while your new card is being made. Ask the staff member whether this is available in your state.
If you are not given a temporary licence, you can usually continue using your old licence with your name-change document as proof that the name on the licence is no longer current. Police and other officials understand this situation. However, some organisations — banks, airlines, rental car companies — may not accept the old licence, so check with them before you travel or conduct business.
What to do if your new licence does not arrive on time
If your licence has not arrived by the date given on your receipt, contact the licensing authority using the phone number or online contact form on their website. Have your process number ready.
Delays usually happen because of postal delays rather than processing errors. The authority can check whether your licence has been sent and, if it has, can arrange a reprint if it does not arrive within a reasonable time.
If you need to drive before your new licence arrives and you were not given a temporary licence, ask the licensing authority whether you can collect your licence in person at a service centre instead of waiting for it to be posted.
Changing your name on other documents at the same time
Your driving licence is one of several documents you will need to update. Consider also changing your name on your vehicle registration, insurance policy, and passport at the same time, as you will have your name-change document to hand.
Vehicle registration is usually handled by the same authority as driving licences, so you may be able to update both in one appointment. Insurance companies can usually process a name change over the phone or online once you provide a copy of your name-change document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my licence by post or online without going in person?
Most states require at least one in-person visit for identity verification. Some allow you to submit documents by post first, but you will still need to attend a service centre for a photo and to sign the declaration. Check your state's website to see whether a postal start is available in your area.
What if my name-change document is from another country?
You will need a certified English translation of the document. The translation must be done by a professional translator or notary, not by you or a friend. Some service centres can recommend translators in your area, or you can search online for "certified translator [your state]".
Do I need to change my licence address at the same time as my name?
No. You can change your name and address together or separately. If you are only changing your name, tell the staff member that your address is staying the same. If you are moving soon, you can update your address later in a separate transaction.
What if I lost my name-change document?
Contact the organisation that issued it — the court (for a court order or deed poll), the registry office (for a marriage or divorce certificate), or the local council (for a deed poll). They can issue a replacement, usually for a small fee. This can take several weeks, so request it as soon as you know you need it.
Can someone else pick up my new licence for me?
Most states will only mail the licence to the address you provided, not to another person. If you are moving or will be away when it arrives, update your address on the process or ask the licensing authority whether you can collect it in person from a service centre instead.