What you need to do to change your name on your driver license
You change your name on your driver license by submitting a new process to your state's DMV along with legal proof that your name has changed. The process varies by state, but most require you to appear in person, bring your current license, and show a document like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. Some states let you change your name when you renew; others require a separate transaction that costs less than a full renewal.
The key difference from a standard renewal is the documentation. Your state won't accept "I go by a different name now" — they need an official record showing the change happened. That record comes from a court, a vital records office, or a government agency that issued the original document proving your identity.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring legal proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or similar official document — to your state DMV.
- Most states require you to appear in person at a DMV office; you cannot change your name by mail or online.
- The cost and timeline vary by state; some charge a small fee separate from renewal, while others bundle it into a renewal transaction.
- Your new license will have a different number in some states and the same number in others, depending on your state's system.
- If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, get an official certified copy of that document before you go to the DMV.
Documents you need to bring
The exact documents depend on how your name changed. If you married, bring your marriage certificate — an official certified copy, not a photocopy. If you divorced, bring your divorce decree or final judgment showing your new name. If you changed your name by court order, bring the court order itself. Some states also accept a name change affidavit from the court clerk if you don't have the original document.
You will also need your current driver license and a proof of residency — usually a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address. Some states ask for a second form of ID as well. Check your state DMV website before you go; the list of acceptable documents varies, and bringing the wrong version of a document (like an uncertified copy) means a wasted trip.
If you changed your name in another state or country, call your state DMV first. Some states require you to get the document officially translated or certified by a notary before they will accept it.
How to start the process at your DMV
Go to your state's DMV website and look for "name change" or "update your license." Most states let you schedule an appointment online, which is faster than walking in. If your state doesn't offer online scheduling, call the DMV or visit in person to ask what documents to bring and whether you need an appointment.
Bring all your documents — your current license, the legal proof of your name change, proof of residency, and any other form of ID the DMV lists. Go to the office during hours they handle license transactions; some offices have limited hours for certain services. When you arrive, tell the clerk you are changing your name on your license, not renewing it, so they process the right transaction.
The clerk will check your documents, take a new photo if your state requires it, and issue a new license. Some states print it on the spot; others mail it to you within one to three weeks. Ask before you leave whether you can use your old license as proof of identity while you wait for the new one.
Cost and how long it takes
The fee for a name change varies by state. Some charge $10 to $30 for a name-change-only transaction. Others charge the full renewal fee, which ranges from $20 to $100 depending on the state and how long the license is valid for. A few states do not charge extra if you change your name within a certain window after the event (like 30 days after marriage).
Processing time also varies. If the DMV prints your license on site, you leave with it the same day. If they mail it, expect one to three weeks, though some states take longer during busy periods. Check your state's website for the current timeline; it changes seasonally.
What happens if you changed your name informally
If you changed your name without a legal document — for example, you go by a nickname or a different spelling — most states will not change your license. The DMV requires proof from a court, vital records office, or government agency. A personal letter, a name change affidavit you write yourself, or a social media account will not work.
If you want to change your name informally to something you use regularly, you have two options. One is to go through a formal legal name change in court, which costs money and takes weeks but gives you a court order the DMV will accept. The other is to keep your legal name on your license and use your preferred name in everyday life — many employers, schools, and organizations will accept that without requiring your license to match.
Some states are beginning to allow a "preferred name" field on the license separate from your legal name. Check your state DMV website to see if this option exists where you live.
Changing your name after marriage or divorce
After marriage, your marriage certificate is your proof of name change. You do not need a court order. Bring the certified copy to the DMV along with your current license and proof of residency. Some states let you change your name on your license at the same time you renew it; others require a separate transaction.
After divorce, your divorce decree or final judgment is your proof. If the decree does not explicitly state your new name, ask the court clerk for a certified copy that includes the name-change language. Some divorce decrees list the name change in a separate section; others include it in the main judgment. The DMV will tell you if the document you bring is not clear enough.
If you remarry and change your name again, repeat the process with your new marriage certificate. Each name change requires a new license transaction and a new legal document.
If your name change was in another state
If you married or divorced in another state and now live in a different state, you can still use that out-of-state document to change your name on your new state's license. Bring the certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree to your current state's DMV. They will accept it as long as it is an official document from the other state's vital records office or court.
Some states ask you to get the document officially certified or notarized before you bring it in. Call your state DMV ahead of time to ask whether the document needs any additional certification. If it does, you can usually get that done at a notary public's office for $5 to $15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license by mail?
Most states require you to appear in person at a DMV office. A few states let you mail in a renewal with a name change if you are renewing at the same time, but you still need to provide the legal document. Check your state DMV website to see if mail-in name changes are an option.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the vital records office or court that issued the document and request a certified copy. For a marriage certificate, that is usually your state's vital records office or the county clerk where you married. For a divorce decree, contact the court that handled your case. Certified copies cost $10 to $30 and take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
Will my driver license number change?
It depends on your state. Some states issue a new number when you change your name; others keep the same number. Your state DMV will tell you which applies to you. Either way, your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.
Do I need to change my name on other documents too?
Yes. After you change your name on your license, you should update your Social Security card, passport, bank accounts, insurance policies, and employer records. The DMV only changes your license; other agencies and organizations handle their own documents. Your new license serves as proof of your name change for those updates.
What if the DMV says my document is not acceptable?
Ask the clerk which specific part of the document is the problem. Sometimes an uncertified copy is rejected but a certified copy is accepted. Sometimes the document needs a notary's seal or an official translation. If the DMV cannot accept your document, ask them in writing what document they will accept, and contact the court or vital records office that issued the original to request the right version.