What you need to do to change your name on your driver's license
To change the name on your driver's license, you must visit your state's DMV in person, bring proof of your legal name change, and submit a name-change request form. The DMV will not change your name based on what you tell them — they require a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document that shows your name legally changed. You cannot do this by mail, phone, or online in any state.
The process takes between two and six weeks from the date you submit your request, depending on your state and whether the DMV needs to verify your documents with another agency. You will receive a new license with your updated name, and your old license becomes invalid. Some states charge a fee for the name-change transaction; others include it in the renewal fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of the document that proves your name legally changed — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
- All name changes require an in-person visit to a DMV office; no state allows this by mail or online.
- You will need to show a current ID and proof of your current address, even though you are changing your name.
- Processing time varies by state but typically takes two to six weeks; you can ask for a temporary license to use while you wait.
- Some states charge a separate fee for a name-change transaction; others roll it into your renewal cost.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
The primary document is proof of your legal name change. This means one of the following: a court order from a name-change petition, a certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree that shows your new name, or a certified court order for gender marker change (if applicable). The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy or a document you printed from an online court system will not be accepted.
You also need a current government-issued ID, even though you are changing the name on your license. This can be a passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license. If you do not have one, some states will accept a combination of documents such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, but this varies. Call your DMV before you go to confirm what they will take.
Bring proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The address on this document does not have to match your current license — the DMV is confirming where you live now, not checking your history.
Bring your current driver's license or state ID. If you have lost it, tell the DMV when you arrive; they will note it in your file. You will still be able to change your name, but the process may take slightly longer.
Step-by-step process at the DMV
Step 1: Schedule an appointment or arrive during walk-in hours. Most states now require appointments for name-change transactions. Go to your state's DMV website and book a time slot. If your state still accepts walk-ins, arrive early — name-change requests often have longer wait times than renewals. Bring all documents listed above.
Step 2: Check in and tell the clerk you are changing your name. The clerk will take your documents and verify that your proof of name change is acceptable. If the document is not certified or is missing information, they will tell you when ready and you will need to return with the correct version. This is the most common reason people have to make a second trip.
Step 3: Complete the name-change form. The form is usually called the "process for Driver's License" or "process for State ID" — the same form used for renewals, but you will mark the box for "name change." The clerk will help you fill it out. You will also be asked whether you want to change your address at the same time; you can do both in one transaction.
Step 4: Provide a new photo and signature. You will sit for a new photo and sign the form in front of the clerk. The photo and signature are required even if your appearance has not changed. Some states allow you to keep your old photo if you renewed within the last few years, but this is rare — ask the clerk.
Step 5: Pay the fee and receive a receipt. The fee ranges from $0 to $30 depending on your state and whether you are also renewing. Ask the clerk how long processing will take and whether you can get a temporary license to use while you wait. Some states print temporary licenses on the spot; others mail them separately.
How long it takes and what to expect while you wait
Processing time is typically two to six weeks. Your state's DMV website will tell you the current average. During this time, your old license is still valid for identification purposes, but the name on it no longer matches your legal name. If you are stopped by police, explain that you have a pending name change and show your receipt from the DMV.
Some states issue a temporary license at the DMV counter on the day you explore. This temporary license has your new name and is valid for 30 to 90 days while the permanent license is being printed. If your state offers this, ask for it. If not, you can request one by mail or phone after your appointment — call the DMV and provide your receipt number.
Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. Open it when ready and check that your name, date of birth, and address are correct. If anything is wrong, contact the DMV right away — correcting errors after the license is issued takes additional time and may require another visit.
Name changes due to marriage or divorce
If you are changing your name because you married, bring your certified marriage certificate. This is the official document issued by the county clerk where you were married, not a photocopy or a document from a wedding website. If you do not have the original, order a certified copy from the county clerk's office in the county where you were married — this usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail.
If you are changing your name because you divorced, bring your certified divorce decree that shows your new name. If the decree does not list your new name, you will need a separate court order for the name change. Some states allow you to take your maiden name back without a separate order if the divorce decree says so; others require a formal name-change petition. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm what document you need.
If you remarried and took a new spouse's name, bring the new marriage certificate along with your previous divorce decree. The DMV needs to see the chain of legal name changes.
Name changes by court order
If you are changing your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce — such as a legal name change, gender marker change, or removing a suffix — you will need a court order from a name-change petition. This is a document issued by a court after you file a petition, pay a filing fee, and sometimes appear before a judge.
The process for obtaining a court order varies by state and county. Some states allow you to file the petition online; others require you to go to the courthouse in person. Filing fees range from $50 to $300. The court will mail you the signed order, which you then bring to the DMV. Do not bring a photocopy — bring the original or a certified copy.
If you are unsure whether you need a court order or what the process is in your state, contact your county courthouse or your state's DMV. Many DMVs have a dedicated phone line for name-change questions and can tell you exactly what document to bring.
State-specific differences and fees
Most states charge a fee for a name-change transaction, but the amount and what it covers varies. Some states include the name change in a renewal fee if your license is expiring soon; others charge a separate transaction fee of $10 to $30. A few states do not charge anything for a name change. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.
Some states allow you to change your name and renew your license at the same time if your license is expiring within a certain window — usually 60 to 90 days. This can save you money and a trip to the DMV. Other states require you to complete the name change first, then renew separately when your license expires.
A small number of states still accept name-change requests by mail if you are renewing at the same time, but this is becoming rare. Call your DMV to ask whether mail-in name changes are an option in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name without a court order if I got married?
Yes. A certified marriage certificate is sufficient proof of a legal name change due to marriage in all states. You do not need a separate court order. If you took your spouse's name but the marriage certificate does not reflect that, you will need a court order for the name change.
What if my name-change document is from another country?
You will need an English translation certified by a professional translator, plus the original document. Some DMVs will not accept foreign documents even with a translation — call your state DMV first to ask what they require. You may also need to show proof that the document is valid in your home country.
Do I have to change my name on my driver's license if I got married?
No. Changing your name on your license is optional, even if you legally changed your name through marriage. You can keep your maiden name on your license and use your married name elsewhere, or vice versa. The name on your license must match your legal name for official purposes, but what counts as your legal name is up to you.
Can I change my name online or by mail?
No state allows online or mail-in name changes. You must visit a DMV office in person. Some states allow you to renew your license by mail and request a name change at the same time, but the name change itself requires an in-person visit to complete the transaction.
What happens to my old license after I change my name?
Your old license becomes invalid once your new license is issued. You should destroy it or return it to the DMV. If you want to keep it for personal records, you can, but it cannot be used for identification. Some people keep their old license as proof of a previous legal name for genealogy or other purposes.