Get your marriage certificate first, then visit your DMV with it and your current license
To change your name on your driver's license after marriage, you need an official marriage certificate — not a copy, and not a receipt from the courthouse. Most states require the certified copy with the state seal. You then take that certificate, your current license, and a completed name-change form to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. Some states let you mail the documents; most require you to appear. The whole process usually takes two to six weeks, though you can often get a temporary license the same day if you need to drive before the new one arrives.
The exact steps and required documents vary by state. Your state's DMV website lists what forms to fill out and what to bring. If you cannot find the form online, call your local DMV office — they can mail it to you or tell you where to pick one up in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate with the state seal, not a photocopy or courthouse receipt.
- Most states require you to appear in person at a DMV office, though a few allow you to mail in documents; check your state's website first.
- You will need to complete a name-change form specific to your state, available on the DMV website or by phone request.
- Processing takes two to six weeks for a mailed license, but many offices issue a temporary license on the spot so you can drive when ready.
- Some states charge a small fee for the name change; others include it in the regular license renewal fee.
What documents to bring to the DMV
Bring your certified marriage certificate — the official document issued by the county clerk or vital records office where you were married, with the state seal embossed or printed on it. A photocopy will not work. If you do not have the certified copy yet, order it from the county clerk's office in the county where you were married; this usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25.
You will also need your current driver's license, a completed name-change form (available from your state DMV), and proof of your current address — usually a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Some states ask for a Social Security card or number. A few states require a new photo, so check whether you need to bring anything specific for that. Your state DMV website lists the exact requirements for your location.
How to find and fill out the name-change form
Go to your state's DMV website and search for "name change" or "marriage name change." Most states have a dedicated form — for example, California uses Form DL 43, and New York uses the MV-44. read it, print it, and fill it out by hand or on your computer before you go to the DMV office. The form usually asks for your old name, new name, date of marriage, and license number.
If you cannot find the form online, call your local DMV office and ask them to mail it to you, or ask whether you can fill it out when you arrive. Some offices will not let you start the process without the form already completed, so it is worth getting it in advance. If you are unsure how to fill in a section, the DMV website usually has instructions, or you can call and ask.
Whether you can do this by mail or must go in person
Most states require you to appear in person at a DMV office. A handful — including some counties in California, Colorado, and a few others — allow you to mail in your documents, but they are the exception. Check your state's website under "name change" or "marriage" to see whether your state accepts mail-in requests. If it does, the instructions will tell you where to send the documents and how long to expect processing.
If you must go in person, schedule an appointment online if your state's DMV offers it. Walk-ins are often possible but can mean a long wait. Bring all documents in a folder so nothing gets lost or left behind. If you are changing your name and renewing your license at the same time, tell the DMV staff — they may be able to combine the fees.
What happens if you do not have your marriage certificate yet
Order a certified copy from the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. You can usually do this online, by mail, or in person. The cost is typically $10 to $25, and processing takes one to two weeks. Some counties offer rush processing for an extra fee if you need it faster.
While you wait for the certificate, you can fill out your DMV name-change form and gather your other documents. Do not go to the DMV without the certified marriage certificate — they will not process your request without it, and you will have wasted a trip. If you are unsure which county to contact, search "[your state] vital records" or call your state's vital records office; they can tell you where to order.
Timeline: how long the whole process takes
Getting your marriage certificate takes one to two weeks. The DMV name change itself takes two to six weeks from the day you submit your documents, depending on your state and how busy the office is. Many DMV offices issue a temporary license on the spot when you submit your paperwork, so you can drive legally while you wait for the permanent one to arrive by mail.
If you need the new license faster, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, though this is not always available for name changes. Call your local DMV office to ask whether expedited service is an option and what it costs. In the meantime, your temporary license is valid for driving, so there is no gap in your ability to use your license.
Changing your name on other documents at the same time
While you have your marriage certificate in hand, consider updating your name on other documents too. You will need the certified marriage certificate for your Social Security card, passport, vehicle registration, insurance policies, and bank accounts. Some of these can be done by mail; others require a visit or a phone call. Your Social Security card is often the easiest to update first, because many other agencies ask for it as proof of your name change.
To change your Social Security card, visit your local Social Security office with your marriage certificate and current ID. To update your passport, mail your current passport, a completed form, your marriage certificate, and a new photo to the State Department (or visit a passport acceptance facility). Your car registration and insurance can usually be updated by phone or online once you have your new license. None of these are required before you change your license, but doing them together is more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I got married out of state?
Yes. Bring your certified marriage certificate from the state where you were married to your current state's DMV. The certificate is valid in any state. Your DMV will process the name change the same way they would for an in-state marriage.
What if I got married but did not take my spouse's last name?
You can change your name to anything you want on your license, as long as you have a certified document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, a court order, or a divorce decree. You do not have to take your spouse's last name. Bring whichever document shows your new legal name.
Do I have to renew my license at the same time I change my name?
No. A name change is separate from a renewal. You can change your name whenever you want after marriage. However, if your license is expiring soon, ask the DMV whether combining the name change and renewal saves money or time — some offices bundle them.
What if I lost my marriage certificate?
Order a new certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. You cannot use a photocopy or a receipt from the courthouse. The new certificate costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. Some counties offer rush processing if you need it faster.
Can I use a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
Yes. Most DMV offices issue a temporary license on the spot when you submit your name-change documents. It is valid for driving and most everyday purposes while you wait for the permanent license to arrive by mail, which usually takes two to six weeks.