How to change your name on your driver's license
You can change the name on your driver's license by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in person, submitting a name-change document, and paying a fee. The process itself takes minutes, but you must first have a legal name change on record — either through a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document your state recognizes. You cannot change your name at the DMV without proof that the change is legal.
Most states require you to bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves your name change, your current driver's license, and a completed process form. Some states let you mail in the request; others require an in-person visit. The fee ranges from nothing to around $50 depending on your state, and you will receive either a new physical license or a temporary document while the new one is printed.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a legal name change document before the DMV will issue a new license — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree are the most common proofs.
- Most states require you to visit a DMV office in person, though a few allow mail-in requests if you meet specific conditions.
- Bring your current driver's license, the name-change document (original or certified copy), and a completed process form to your appointment.
- Processing times vary by state, from same-day issuance of a temporary license to several weeks for the permanent card to arrive by mail.
- Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents needed, the fee, and whether you can renew your license at the same time.
What documents prove a legal name change
The document you bring must show your old name and new name together and be issued or certified by a government body. A marriage certificate is the most common proof — it shows your maiden or previous name and your new married name. A divorce decree or final divorce judgment works the same way if you are returning to a former name or taking a new one. A court order for name change is required if you are changing your name for any other reason; you obtain this by filing a petition in your local district or circuit court.
Some states also accept adoption papers, gender marker change orders, or naturalization certificates if the document shows both names. A few states accept certified copies of birth certificates if the name on the new certificate differs from your current license. Check your state's DMV website to see which documents it recognizes — the list varies, and bringing the wrong document means a wasted trip.
The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy you made yourself will not work. If you do not have the original, contact the agency that issued it (the court, county clerk, or vital records office) and request a certified copy. This usually costs $5 to $25 and takes one to three weeks by mail.
Steps to change your name at the DMV
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and finding the page for name changes on a driver's license. read or print the process form — it is usually called an process for a driver's license, license renewal, or name change, depending on your state. Fill it out with your new name and current license number. Some states let you fill out the form online before you arrive.
Call or visit your local DMV office to schedule an appointment if your state requires one, or find out the walk-in hours if appointments are not needed. Bring your current driver's license, the certified name-change document, the completed process form, and proof of your address (a utility bill or lease usually works). Bring your Social Security card or number as well — most states require it.
At the DMV, hand over your documents and tell the clerk you are changing your name. They will verify the documents, take a new photo if required, and process the change. In most states you will pay the fee at this point. You will either receive a temporary paper license to use when ready or a receipt showing your new name, and the permanent license will arrive by mail in one to four weeks.
Fees and processing times by state
The fee for a name change on your driver's license ranges from $0 to around $50, depending on your state. Some states charge nothing if you are also renewing your license at the same time. Others charge a separate name-change fee on top of any renewal fee. A few states include the name change in the cost of a replacement license. Your state's DMV website lists the exact fee before you go.
Processing time also varies. Some states issue a temporary license on the spot and mail the permanent one within one to two weeks. Others give you a receipt and mail the new license within three to four weeks. A handful of states allow you to pick up your new license at the DMV office within a few days if you pay an expedited fee. Check your state's website or call the DMV to learn what to expect in your area.
When you can change your name by mail
A few states allow you to request a name change by mail if you meet certain conditions. You usually must be renewing your license at the same time, and your state must not require a new photo. You will mail in your process form, current license, certified name-change document, and payment. Processing takes longer — typically four to six weeks — because the DMV must verify your documents before mailing your new license.
Check your state's DMV website to see if mail-in name changes are an option. If they are, the website will list exactly what to mail and where to send it. If mail-in is not an option in your state, you must visit a DMV office in person. Some states offer this only for certain types of name changes, such as marriage, so read the rules carefully.
Changing your name and renewing at the same time
If your license is expiring soon, you can often change your name and renew your license in a single visit. This usually costs less than doing them separately — you pay one fee instead of two. On your process form, mark that you want both a name change and a renewal. Bring all the documents needed for both: your current license, the name-change document, proof of address, and your Social Security card.
Some states make this process faster because they do not require a new photo if you are only renewing. Others require a new photo regardless. Ask your DMV office whether combining the two transactions saves money or time in your state, or check the website before you go. If your license is not expiring for several years, you can change your name now and renew later, or vice versa.
What to do if you lost your name-change document
If you cannot find your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, contact the agency that issued it. For a marriage certificate, call your county clerk's office or vital records department. For a divorce decree, contact the court that issued it — usually your district or circuit court. For a court-ordered name change, contact the same court. Request a certified copy and ask how long it will take and what it costs.
While you wait for the certified copy to arrive, you cannot change your name at the DMV. Some states may accept a temporary or uncertified version for a limited time, but this is rare. Plan ahead if you know you will need a certified copy, because the wait can be several weeks. If you are in a hurry, ask the issuing agency if they offer expedited processing or if you can pick up the copy in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I go to the DMV?
No, but it is a good idea to do it afterward. You can change your name at the DMV first, then visit your local Social Security office with your new license and name-change document to update your Social Security record. Some people do it the other way around. Either order works, but both records should match eventually.
What if my state requires a new photo but I do not want one?
Most states require a new photo when you change your name, even if your current license photo is recent. A few states waive the photo requirement if you are only changing your name and not renewing. Check your state's rules on its DMV website. If a new photo is required and you do not want one, you will have to accept it as part of the process.
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order?
Only if your state recognizes the document you have — usually a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you are changing your name for any other reason, you must obtain a court order first by filing a petition in your local district or circuit court. This process varies by state and typically takes several weeks to a few months.
Will my old license still be valid after I request a name change?
Your old license is no longer valid once you submit a name-change request at the DMV. You will receive a temporary document or receipt to use until your new license arrives. Do not throw away your old license until you have the new one in hand, in case there is a delay.
What if I change my name again after getting a new license?
You can change your name on your license as many times as you need to, as long as you have a legal document proving each change. Each time you change your name, you follow the same process: bring the new name-change document, your current license, and the process form to the DMV. You will pay the fee each time.