What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Nevada License

To change the name on your Nevada driver license, you must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Nevada does not process name changes by mail or online. The DMV will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can choose whether to keep your current license number or receive a new one.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the DMV counter, but you will need to bring specific documents that prove both your identity and your legal name change. Your old license alone is not enough — the DMV requires court-issued documentation or a certified vital record showing the name change was official.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Nevada DMV office in person with your current license and legal name change documentation; no mail-in or online option exists.
  • Legal name change proof must be a court order, divorce decree, or certified vital record — a marriage certificate alone does not count unless it shows a name change.
  • Bring a second form of ID (passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate) along with your current license to verify your identity.
  • The new license costs $25 for a standard five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, and you will receive it when ready or by mail depending on the office.
  • If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, the DMV will process the change the same day you submit your documents.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Nevada requires two categories of documents: proof of your legal name change and proof of your current identity. For the name change, you need an original or certified copy of one of the following: a court order granting a name change, a divorce decree showing your new name, a marriage certificate (only if you took your spouse's name), or a certified copy of an amended birth certificate.

For identity verification, bring your current Nevada driver license plus one additional form of ID. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, Social Security card, birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID. Do not bring a photocopy of your Social Security card — the DMV requires the original or a certified copy from the Social Security Administration.

If your name change document is not in English, bring an official translation certified by a translator or the issuing agency. Nevada will not accept a translation you made yourself or one from an uncertified source.

Step-by-Step Process at the Nevada DMV

Step 1: Find your nearest DMV office. Nevada has DMV locations in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Sparks, and several smaller cities. Visit dmvnv.com to find the office closest to you and check current wait times. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can vary by time of day and day of week.

Step 2: Bring all required documents. Gather your current license, your legal name change document (original or certified copy), and a second form of ID. Check that your name change document is legible and shows your full legal name as you want it to appear on your new license.

Step 3: Submit your documents at the counter. Tell the DMV staff that you are changing your name on your license. They will review your documents to confirm they meet Nevada's requirements. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

Step 4: Pay the fee and choose your license type. A standard five-year license costs $25. An eight-year license costs $50. You can also choose to keep your current license number or receive a new one — most people keep their existing number to avoid updating other records.

Step 5: Take your new photo and signature. The DMV will take a new photo and capture your signature for the new license. You cannot use your old photo, even if it is recent.

Step 6: Receive your license. Some DMV offices issue licenses on the spot; others mail them within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff which applies to your location before you leave.

Name Changes Through Marriage, Divorce, or Court Order

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. Nevada recognizes name changes through marriage without a separate court order. The marriage certificate must show both your maiden name and your married name clearly.

If you changed your name through divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree. The decree must show your new name after the divorce. If the decree does not list your new name, you will need a separate court order for a name change before the DMV can update your license.

If you obtained a court order for a name change (not related to marriage or divorce), bring the original or certified copy of the order. This is the most common route for people changing their name for other reasons. The order must be from a Nevada district court or, if from another state, must be certified and accompanied by proof that you now live in Nevada.

What Happens If Your Name Change Document Is From Another State

Nevada will recognize a name change that occurred in another state, but you must provide proof that you now live in Nevada. Bring your out-of-state name change document (court order, divorce decree, or amended birth certificate) along with a Nevada residency document such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days.

If your out-of-state document is not certified, the DMV may ask you to obtain a certified copy from the court or vital records office that issued it. This can add one to two weeks to the process. Call the DMV office before you visit to ask whether they will accept a non-certified copy or whether you need to order a certified version first.

Fees and Timeline

A standard five-year Nevada driver license with a name change costs $25. An eight-year license costs $50. These are the only fees — Nevada does not charge a separate name-change fee. Payment is cash, debit card, or credit card at most offices, though some smaller locations may accept cash only. Call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

If the DMV issues your license on the spot, you will leave with it the same day. If your office mails licenses, you will receive yours within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring only a marriage certificate if you changed your name through marriage — while Nevada recognizes marriage as a name change, the DMV still requires the original or certified copy. A photocopy is not enough.

Do not assume your old license photo will work on your new license. Nevada requires a new photo every time you renew or change your name, even if your old photo is recent and looks like you.

Do not bring a non-certified translation of a name change document in a foreign language. The DMV will not process your request without an official translation.

Do not visit the DMV without calling ahead if your name change document is from another state or is not certified. Some offices will turn you away and ask you to return with a certified copy, which can take weeks to obtain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license by mail?

No. Nevada requires you to visit a DMV office in person with your original documents. The DMV does not process name changes by mail, email, or online. You must appear at the counter with your current license and proof of your legal name change.

What if I lost my current license?

You can still change your name on your license, but you will need to bring two forms of ID instead of your current license plus one other form. Bring a passport, birth certificate, and Social Security card, or any two of these documents plus your name change proof. The DMV will issue a replacement license with your new name.

Do I have to get a new license number when I change my name?

No. You can keep your current license number or request a new one. Most people keep their existing number to avoid updating their number with insurance companies, employers, and other organizations. Tell the DMV staff which option you prefer when you submit your documents.

How long does it take to receive my new license if the DMV mails it?

Most offices mail new licenses within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid for driving and identification until your new one arrives. If you need your new license sooner, ask the DMV office whether they can issue it on the spot instead of mailing it.

What if my name change document does not match my current license exactly?

Bring both documents and let the DMV staff review them. Small differences (like a middle initial or spelling variation) are usually not a problem if the documents clearly show you are the same person. The staff will tell you if there is an issue that needs to be resolved before they can process your request.