What you need to do to update your name on your driver's license
To change your name on your driver's license, you must visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person with proof of your legal name change and a valid form of identification. The exact documents required and the fee vary by state, but every state requires you to show official evidence that your name has legally changed — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — before they will issue a new license.
You cannot change your name on your license by mail, phone, or online in any state. The DMV must verify your identity and the legitimacy of your name change before issuing a new document. Most states allow you to keep your current license until the new one arrives, so you can complete this task without losing your ID.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your DMV office in person with proof of your legal name change and current identification.
- Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, depending on why your name changed.
- Each state charges a different fee for a name change on your license, ranging from free to around $50.
- Processing time varies by state but typically takes two to four weeks for your new license to arrive by mail.
- If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, you may need to update your Social Security record first in some states.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring your current driver's license or state ID, the official document proving your name change, and one additional form of identification. The document proving your name change must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not work. If you married, bring your marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring your divorce decree. If you obtained a legal name change through the court, bring the court order.
You will also need a second form of ID such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. Some states accept utility bills or bank statements as secondary identification, but the rules differ. Call your local DMV office or check your state's DMV website before you go to confirm what forms of ID they accept in your location.
If your marriage certificate or divorce decree was issued in another country or state, bring the original document plus a certified English translation if it is not in English. Some states require the translation to be certified by a court or professional translator.
How to find your state's specific requirements
Each state's DMV sets its own rules for name changes, including which documents are accepted, what the fee is, and how long processing takes. The fastest way to find your state's requirements is to visit your state DMV's official website and search for "name change" or "update your name." Most state websites have a dedicated page listing exactly what documents you need and what the process costs.
If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office directly. Have your current license number ready when you call. Ask them: What documents do I need to bring? Is there a fee? How long does processing take? Do I need to update my Social Security record first? Can I make an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?
Some states require you to update your name with Social Security before you update your driver's license. Others do not. Your DMV office can tell you whether this applies in your state.
What happens at the DMV office
When you arrive at the DMV, you will fill out an process form — usually called a Driver License process or License Renewal form. The staff will verify your identity, check your proof of name change, and take a new photo for your license. In most states, you can choose whether to keep your current address or update it at the same time.
The DMV will tell you the fee at this point. Most states charge between $10 and $50 for a name change, though a few states do not charge a fee. You can usually pay by cash, check, or card, depending on the office. Ask whether you can keep your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive, since most states allow this.
Before you leave, confirm the mailing address where your new license will be sent. The DMV will give you a receipt showing your process number. Keep this receipt in case you need to check on your process status.
How long it takes to receive your new license
Processing time varies widely by state. Some states issue your new license within one to two weeks; others take four to six weeks. A few states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25, which can cut the time in half. Check your state's DMV website or ask at the office whether expedited processing is available.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. If you do not receive it within the timeframe your state quoted, contact the DMV with your process number. Do not assume it is lost — mail delays are common, and the DMV can check the status of your process.
Updating your name with other agencies
Changing your driver's license name is only the first step. You will also need to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and any other organization that has your license on file. Some of these updates can be done online or by phone; others require you to visit in person with your new license.
If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, you may also need to update your name with the Social Security Administration before or after updating your license, depending on your state's rules. You can update Social Security online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Bring your new license and your Social Security card when you go.
Your health insurance, car insurance, and voter registration should also be updated with your new name. These updates are usually faster than the license change and can often be done while you wait for your new license to arrive.
What to do if you have a legal name change from court
If you obtained a legal name change through a court order — not through marriage or divorce — the process at the DMV is the same, but you must bring the court order instead of a marriage or divorce certificate. The court order must be an original or certified copy and must clearly show your old name, your new name, and the judge's signature.
Some states require the court order to be certified by the court clerk within a certain number of days before you present it to the DMV. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether your court order needs to be recently certified. If it does, contact the court that issued the order and request a certified copy.
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 an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A photocopy or uncertified copy will not work. If you do not have a certified copy, contact the county clerk's office or vital records office in the location where you married or divorced and request one. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks.
Do I have to change my name on my license if I got married?
No. Changing your name on your license is optional, even after marriage. You can keep your maiden name on your license if you choose. However, if you want to use your married name for travel, banking, or other purposes, you will need to update your license to match.
What if my name change was finalized in another state?
You can still update your license in your current state. Bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order from the other state, along with your current license and a second form of ID. The DMV will accept documents from other states as long as they are official and certified.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
Most states allow you to keep using your current license until your new one arrives, so you do not need a temporary one. However, some states issue a temporary paper license at the DMV office that is valid for a limited time. Ask the DMV staff whether this is available in your state.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the county clerk's office or vital records office in the location where you married or divorced. Request a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. You cannot proceed with your DMV name change until you have this document.