How to Change the Name on Your Driver's License

What you need to do to change your name on your driver's license

To change the name on your driver's license, you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in person, bring proof that your name has legally changed, and submit a request form. The process itself is straightforward — most states process name changes within two to four weeks — but the documents you bring matter more than the form you fill out.

Your state will not change your license name based on what you say your name is. You must show legal proof: a court order from a name-change proceeding, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption order, depending on why your name changed. Without one of these documents, the DMV will turn you away and you will have to come back.

Key Takeaways

You must bring a certified copy of the legal document that proves your name changed — a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption order — or the DMV will not process your request.
Most states let you change your name on your license by mail or online if you are only changing it due to marriage or divorce, but some require an in-person visit regardless.
The fee for a name change is usually the same as renewing your license, though some states charge nothing if you are within a certain window after the legal change.
Your new license will have a new number in most states, and your old license becomes invalid the moment you receive the new one.
If you changed your name through a court order for reasons other than marriage or divorce, you may need to update your Social Security record first, which can take several weeks.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

The specific document depends on why your name changed. If you married, bring your certified marriage certificate — not a photocopy, and not the one you received at the ceremony. You can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married, usually for $10 to $25. If you divorced, bring your certified divorce decree or final judgment, which shows your new name. If you were adopted as an adult, bring your adoption order. If you changed your name through a court proceeding for any other reason, bring the court order that granted the change.

You will also need to bring your current driver's license and one form of proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. Some states also require proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because requirements vary.

If you changed your name through a court order and your Social Security record still shows your old name, some states will not issue a new license until you update Social Security first. You can do this online at ssa.gov or by visiting a Social Security office in person with your court order and ID. This step can add two to four weeks to the process, so do it as soon as your name change becomes final.

How to change your name by mail or online

Many states allow you to change your name on your license without visiting the DMV if you are changing it due to marriage or divorce. The process usually involves filling out a form on the state's DMV website, uploading a photo of your certified marriage certificate or divorce decree, and paying the fee by credit card. Some states mail you a new license within one to two weeks; others require you to pick it up in person.

Not all states offer this option, and the ones that do often limit it to marriage and divorce name changes only. If you changed your name through a court order, you will almost certainly have to visit the DMV in person. Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail-in or online processing is available for your situation. If it is not, you will need to schedule an appointment or visit during walk-in hours.

Fees and how long the process takes

The cost of changing your name on your license is usually the same as renewing your license — typically $20 to $60 depending on your state and whether you want a standard or real ID-compliant license. A few states charge nothing for a name change if you do it within a set window after the legal change (often 30 to 90 days), but most charge the full renewal fee regardless of timing.

Processing time depends on how you submit your request. If you change your name in person at the DMV, you may receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two to four weeks. If you change your name by mail, expect four to six weeks. If you change your name online, processing usually takes one to two weeks, though some states are slower. During busy periods — typically early fall and winter — processing can take longer.

What happens to your old license and license number

Your old license becomes invalid the moment you receive your new one. In most states, you will receive a new license number along with your new name. A few states keep your old number and straightforward update the name on file, but this is uncommon. You do not need to destroy your old license, but you should not use it as proof of identity after your new license arrives.

If you have an old license with your former name and you are asked to show ID, you can show both your old and new license to explain the discrepancy. This is especially useful during the transition period if you are updating other documents — bank accounts, insurance policies, voter registration — that may still show your old name. After a few months, most institutions will have caught up and you will not need to carry both.

Updating other documents after your name change

Changing your driver's license is only the first step. You will also need to update your name with your bank, insurance company, employer, voter registration, and any other institution that has your ID on file. Start with your bank and insurance company, because these affect your ability to drive legally and safely. Then update your voter registration, Social Security record (if you have not already), and any professional licenses or certifications you hold.

Keep copies of your new driver's license and the legal document that proves your name changed (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will need to show these when you update your name with other institutions. Some will accept a photocopy; others will want to see the original. Having both on hand saves you a trip.

Name changes due to marriage versus court order

If you changed your name due to marriage, the process is faster and simpler. You bring your marriage certificate, fill out a form, pay the fee, and you are done. Most states let you do this by mail or online. If you changed your name through a court order — whether for personal reasons, gender identity, or any other reason — the process is the same at the DMV, but you may need to update your Social Security record first, which adds time.

Some states also distinguish between name changes that happened automatically (like marriage) and those that required a court proceeding. If you are unsure whether your name change required a court order, check the document you received. If it is a marriage certificate or divorce decree, you do not need a court order. If it is a separate document from a court, you have a court order and should follow that process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?

No. The DMV requires a certified copy, not a photocopy or the original certificate from your wedding. You can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25. Plan ahead if you need your license changed quickly.

What if I changed my name through a court order but my Social Security record still shows my old name?

Some states will not issue a new license until you update Social Security first. You can do this online at ssa.gov or in person at a Social Security office with your court order and ID. This step can add two to four weeks, so do it as soon as your name change becomes final if you need your license updated quickly.

Do I get a new license number when I change my name?

In most states, yes. Your new license will have a different number than your old one. A few states keep your old number and only update the name, but this is uncommon. Check your state's DMV website or ask when you submit your request.

Can I change my name on my license by phone or email?

No. You must either visit the DMV in person, submit your request by mail with your documents, or use your state's online portal if it offers one. Phone and email requests are not accepted because the DMV needs to verify your documents and take a new photo for your license.

How long does it take to get my new license after I submit a name change request?

If you change your name in person, you may get a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two to four weeks. If you submit by mail, expect four to six weeks. If you use an online portal, most states process within one to two weeks, though some are slower during busy periods.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.