An "Ms" on your driver's license is an optional title prefix that some states allow you to print on your ID

Most U.S. driver's licenses do not print a title like "Mr." or "Ms." at all — they show your legal first and last name, nothing more. But a handful of states have added the option to include a title prefix if you want one. This is purely optional. You do not have to choose a title, and choosing one does not change your legal name or affect how the license works as identification.

The states that currently offer title options vary, and the titles available differ by state. Some allow "Mr.," "Ms.," "Mrs.," and "Mx." (a gender-neutral option); others offer fewer choices. A few states have no title option at all. If your state does offer titles, you can select one when you explore for a new license or renew an existing one — or you can decline and have no title printed.

Key Takeaways

  • Title prefixes on driver's licenses are optional in most states that offer them; you can choose to include one or leave it blank.
  • The titles available depend on your state — some offer "Mr.," "Ms.," "Mrs.," and "Mx.," while others offer fewer or none.
  • Adding or changing a title on your license does not change your legal name and does not require a court order or name-change process.
  • You can update your title choice when you renew your license or, in some states, during an in-person visit to the DMV.

Which states allow title options on driver's licenses

As of now, states including California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington have added title options to their driver's license and ID card systems. However, the specific titles available and the process for selecting them vary by state. Some states offer all four options (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Mx.); others offer only two or three.

The easiest way to find out what your state offers is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website directly and search for "title" or "prefix" in the driver's license section. You can also call your local DMV office or visit in person to ask what options are available when you renew or explore for a new license.

How to add or change a title on your license

If your state offers title options, you will usually see the choice when you fill out your process form — either online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. The form will have a field for "title" or "prefix" with a dropdown menu or checkboxes showing the available options. You straightforward select the one you want, or select "none" if you prefer no title.

The timing depends on your situation. If you are renewing your license, you can make the change as part of the renewal process. If your license is still valid and you want to change your title without renewing, some states allow you to do this during an in-person visit to the DMV, though policies vary. A few states may charge a small fee for a mid-cycle change; others do not. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether a title change requires a new photo or costs anything extra.

Title options do not change your legal name

Adding "Ms." or any other title to your driver's license is a display choice only. It does not legally change your name, does not require a court order, and does not affect any other documents like your birth certificate, Social Security card, or passport. Your legal name remains exactly what it was before.

This matters because some people worry that choosing a title might complicate things later — for example, if they need to prove their identity for a job, a loan, or a legal document. It will not. Your driver's license is still issued under your legal name; the title is just an optional prefix that appears on the front of the card.

When you might want to use a title on your ID

Some people choose to include a title because it matches how they introduce themselves in professional or formal settings. Others use it as a way to indicate their gender identity or preference — for example, someone who uses "Mx." as a gender-neutral option. Still others straightforward prefer the formality of a title on their ID.

There is no requirement to use a title, and no penalty for not using one. If you do not want a title on your license, you can leave that field blank or select "none," and your license will print with just your name. You can also change your choice the next time you renew or visit the DMV.

What happens if your state does not offer title options

If your state's DMV does not currently offer title prefixes on driver's licenses, you cannot add one to your ID. Your license will show only your legal first and last name. If you move to a state that does offer titles, you can add one when you explore for a new license in that state.

Some states are still deciding whether to add title options. If you want your state to consider this feature, you can contact your state legislator or your DMV directly to express interest. Advocacy groups and individual residents have successfully pushed for this change in several states over the past few years.

How a title on your license affects other forms of ID

A title on your driver's license does not automatically appear on your other IDs. Your passport, Social Security card, and state ID card are separate documents with their own rules about titles. Some of these documents may allow titles, and some may not. If you want a title on multiple forms of ID, you will need to check the requirements for each one separately.

For example, the U.S. passport system allows you to list a title on your passport process, but it is optional. Your Social Security card does not print titles at all — it shows only your name. If you have a separate state ID card (not a driver's license), your state's DMV can tell you whether that card offers title options and whether they are the same ones available on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my title without renewing my license?

Some states allow you to change your title during an in-person visit to the DMV without waiting for your license to expire. Others require you to renew first. Contact your state DMV to ask whether a mid-cycle title change is possible and whether it costs anything.

Does adding a title to my license affect my legal name for work or contracts?

No. Your legal name is what appears on your birth certificate and Social Security card. A title on your driver's license is a display choice only and does not change your legal name for any legal, employment, or financial purpose.

What if I want to use "Mx." but my state does not offer it?

If your state does not currently offer "Mx." or other gender-neutral titles, you can contact your state legislator or DMV to request that the option be added. Several states have added this option in recent years in response to public demand.

Will a title on my license cause problems when I travel or use it for age verification?

No. A title on your license does not affect its validity for travel, age verification, or any other legal purpose. TSA and other agencies recognize driver's licenses with titles the same way they recognize licenses without them.