Yes, you can change your name on your driver's license, but the process depends on why your name changed and which state issued it
If you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name through the court, your state's DMV or equivalent agency will update your license to match your new legal name. You cannot change your name on the license just because you prefer a different one — the name on your license must match the name on your birth certificate, court order, or other legal document that proves the change.
The steps are straightforward: you bring proof of your legal name change, fill out a form, pay a fee, and get a new license with your updated name. Most states let you do this in person at a DMV office, and some allow you to start the process online. The whole thing usually takes a few weeks, though you may get a temporary license to use while the new one is being printed.
Key Takeaways
- Your driver's license name must match a legal document like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — you cannot change it based on preference alone.
- You will need to bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves your name change, along with your current license and a completed process form.
- Most states charge a fee to reissue your license with a new name, ranging from around $10 to $50 depending on the state.
- Processing time varies by state, but expect two to four weeks for your new license to arrive by mail.
What counts as proof of a legal name change
The document you bring must be an official record that shows your old name and your new name. A marriage certificate is the most common proof — it shows both your maiden name and your married name. If you divorced, a final divorce decree or divorce judgment from the court works. If you went through a legal name change petition in court, bring the court order that was signed by a judge.
Some states also accept other documents depending on your situation. If you are changing your name because of a court order related to adoption, guardianship, or gender marker change, bring that court order. Birth certificates do not work as proof of a name change unless the state vital records office has already issued you a new one with your updated name — and if you have that, bring it along with your old one to show the change.
The document usually needs to be an original or a certified copy (a copy stamped and signed by the office that issued it). A photocopy you made yourself will not work. If you do not have the original, you can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office, the vital records office, or the court that issued the document — this typically costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks.
The documents and information you need to bring
Gather these items before you go to the DMV:
- Your current driver's license
- The original or certified copy of your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.)
- A completed process form — usually the same form you used to get your original license, or a name change form specific to your state
- Proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2)
- Proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
- Payment for the reissuance fee
Some states require additional documents depending on your situation. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, a few states want to see your birth certificate as well. If you are changing your name for a gender marker update, you may need a letter from a doctor or therapist — check your state's requirements before you go.
You can read the process form from your state DMV's website, or pick one up at the office. Many states now let you fill it out online before you arrive, which speeds up the visit.
Where to go and how long it takes
Go to your local DMV office or the equivalent agency in your state — it might be called the Department of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State, or Bureau of Motor Vehicles depending on where you live. You do not have to go to the office where you originally got your license; any DMV location in your state can process a name change.
Most states require you to go in person because staff need to see your original documents and take a new photo for your license. A few states let you mail in your documents and process, but this is less common and takes longer — usually four to six weeks instead of two to three.
When you arrive at the DMV, check in and tell the staff member you are there for a name change. They will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your process on the spot. You will usually get a temporary paper license or a temporary plastic card that you can use right away while your new license is being printed. The permanent license arrives by mail in two to four weeks, depending on your state's processing time and mail speed.
The fee and whether you need a new photo
Most states charge a fee to reissue your license with a new name. The fee is usually between $10 and $50, though a few states charge more. Some states waive the fee if you are changing your name because of marriage or domestic partnership, but others do not — check your state's DMV website to find out what applies to you.
You will get a new photo taken at the DMV, so plan to look presentable. The photo will be the same as on any new license — you cannot use your old photo. If your current license is not expiring soon, you will still get a new one with the updated name and a new photo, even though you just renewed it. Some states let you keep your old license as a second form of ID, but most ask you to return it or destroy it.
What to do if you do not have the original document
If you lost your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can get a certified copy from the office that issued it. For a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office or county clerk in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. For a court order, contact the court clerk in the county where the order was signed.
You can usually order a certified copy by mail, phone, or online. It costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. Some offices offer rush processing for an extra fee if you need it faster. Once you have the certified copy, bring it to the DMV along with your other documents.
If you cannot locate the document and the office that issued it says it has been destroyed or lost, ask the DMV what alternative documents they will accept. Some states will work with you if you can show other evidence of the name change, such as a Social Security card in your new name or a bank statement. Call your state DMV ahead of time to ask what options are available.
Changing your name if you are renewing your license at the same time
If your license is expiring soon and you also need to change your name, you can do both at the same time. Bring your name change document along with all the documents you would normally bring for a renewal. The DMV will process the renewal and the name change together, and you will get one new license with your updated name and the new expiration date.
This is actually simpler than doing them separately, because you only pay one fee and go through one process process. The timeline is the same — you will get a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail in two to four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change it on my driver's license?
No, you can do them in either order. Many people change their name with Social Security first because it is easier and faster, but you can also change your driver's license first. Just make sure both documents match eventually, because your employer and the IRS use your Social Security name for tax records.
What if I got married in another state?
Bring your marriage certificate to your state's DMV. Your state will recognize a marriage certificate from any other state. You do not need to get a new certificate from your home state.
Can I change my name on my license if I have a court order but have not filed it yet?
No, the DMV needs the signed court order from the judge. A petition or draft order does not count. Once the judge signs it and the court clerk stamps it, bring the certified copy to the DMV.
Will changing my name on my license affect my driving record?
No, your driving record stays with you. The DMV will link your old license number to your new one so that all your tickets, accidents, and violations follow you under your new name.
How much does it cost to change my name on my driver's license?
Most states charge between $10 and $50 to reissue your license with a new name. Some states waive the fee for marriage-related name changes. Check your state DMV's website or call ahead to find out the exact cost.