What you need to do to change your name on your driving licence
To change your name on your driving licence, you submit a form to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, along with proof of your legal name change. The process differs by state — some accept name changes by marriage certificate alone, while others require a court order for any name change. You will also need to show your current licence and a form of ID that matches your new name, or a certified copy of the document that proves the change.
Most states let you do this by mail or in person at a DMV office. A few states now offer online submission for certain types of name changes. Processing time ranges from one to four weeks depending on your state and whether you choose standard or expedited service. You will pay a fee — usually between $15 and $50 — and receive a new physical licence in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must prove your legal name change with a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official document before the DMV will issue a new licence.
- Different states have different rules about which documents they accept and whether you can submit by mail, in person, or online.
- Contact your state's DMV directly to find out the exact form, fee, and processing time for your situation, because requirements vary.
- You will need your current licence and a second form of ID that either shows your new name or is paired with your legal name-change document.
Documents you will need to bring or send
The core requirement is proof of your legal name change. For marriage, this is your marriage certificate — an original or certified copy. For divorce, you need the divorce decree showing your new name. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order itself. Some states also accept adoption papers or a gender marker change order as proof of name change.
You will also need your current driving licence and one additional form of ID. This second ID should either show your new name already, or it should match the name on your legal name-change document. A passport, birth certificate, or state ID card all work. If your second ID still shows your old name, the DMV will accept it as long as you present it alongside the official document proving the change.
Check your state's DMV website before you go or mail anything. Some states require the marriage certificate to be certified (a copy with an official seal from the county clerk), while others accept a photocopy. A few states have their own form you must complete in addition to the name-change document.
How to submit your request by mail
Most states allow mail submission. You will send your current licence, the name-change document, the second form of ID, the completed form (if your state requires one), and the fee to your state's DMV address. Check the DMV website for the exact mailing address — it is often different from the office address.
Make copies of everything you send, because you will not get the originals back. Mail everything together in one envelope, and consider using certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof of delivery. Processing by mail usually takes two to four weeks. Your new licence will arrive separately in the mail.
How to submit your request in person
Visit your local DMV office with your current licence, the name-change document, your second form of ID, and the fee. Bring the original name-change document — most DMV staff will examine it and return it to you on the spot. Bring copies as well, because some states keep a copy on file.
You may need to take a new photo for your new licence, or the DMV may use your current photo. Ask when you arrive. In-person visits usually take 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive a temporary paper licence when ready and the physical card in the mail within one to two weeks.
State-by-state differences in the process
California, Texas, Florida, and New York each have slightly different rules. California accepts marriage certificates and divorce decrees by mail and processes them in about two weeks. Texas requires a certified copy of the marriage certificate and charges $27 for a replacement licence. Florida accepts name changes by mail and charges $20. New York requires an in-person visit for most name changes and charges $65 for a replacement licence.
Some states, including Colorado and Washington, now offer online submission for name changes by marriage. Others, like Pennsylvania and Ohio, still require in-person visits. A few states, such as Arizona, will not process a name change by marriage without a court order if you were married outside the United States.
The fastest way to find your state's exact requirements is to visit your state DMV's official website and search for "name change" or "replacement licence". You can also call the DMV directly — most states have a phone line that answers questions about document requirements and processing times.
What happens if your name-change document is from another state
If you were married or divorced in a different state than where you now live, your current state's DMV will still accept the marriage certificate or divorce decree from that other state. It must be an original or certified copy, and it must show your new name clearly.
If you obtained a court-ordered name change in another state and have since moved, bring the court order along with proof that you now live in your current state — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement all work. The DMV will process it the same way as a name change obtained in-state.
Fees and processing times by submission method
| Submission Method | Typical Fee | Processing Time | When You Get Your Licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| By mail | $15–$50 | 2–4 weeks | Mailed to your address |
| In person | $15–$65 | Same day | Temporary paper licence same day; physical card mailed in 1–2 weeks |
| Online (where available) | $15–$40 | 1–2 weeks | Mailed to your address |
Fees vary by state and sometimes by the type of name change. Some states charge less for a name change by marriage than for a court-ordered change. A few states offer expedited processing for an additional fee — usually $10 to $20 more — that cuts processing time in half.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a court order to change my name on my licence if I got married?
No. Most states accept a marriage certificate alone. A few states require a court order for any name change that is not by marriage, divorce, or adoption. Check your state's DMV website to be sure, but marriage and divorce documents are almost always enough on their own.
Can I use my old licence while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your old licence remains valid until your new one arrives. If you received a temporary paper licence at the DMV office, you can use that for driving in the meantime. Some states will let you use the old licence for up to 30 days after you submit your name-change request.
What if I lost my marriage certificate?
Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some counties now offer online ordering. You will need the certified copy to submit to the DMV.
Do I have to change my name on my licence if I got married?
No. Changing your name on your licence is optional. You can keep your maiden name or any previous name on your licence even after marriage. However, if you want to use your new married name for other purposes — banking, employment, travel — you may want to update your licence to match.
How long does it take to get a new licence after I submit my name change?
By mail, expect two to four weeks. In person, you get a temporary paper licence the same day and the physical card arrives in one to two weeks. A few states offer expedited processing that cuts these times in half for an extra fee.