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

To change the name on your Georgia driver's license, you must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof that your legal name has changed. Georgia does not allow name changes by mail or online. You will need a current or expired Georgia license, a document showing your new legal name, and payment of the $32 replacement fee (as of 2024). The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The state recognizes name changes through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means. Each route requires different documents, which is why knowing exactly what to bring matters — showing up with the wrong paperwork means a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DDS office in person; Georgia does not process name changes by mail, phone, or online.
  • You need your current or expired Georgia license, proof of your legal name change, and $32 in cash or card.
  • The document you bring depends on how your name changed: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal record.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot get it the same day.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that before DDS will issue a replacement with a new name.

Documents Required by Type of Name Change

Georgia requires different proof depending on why your name changed. For a name change by marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. A photocopy is not enough — DDS staff must see the original or a certified copy issued by the county clerk. If you were married outside Georgia, the certificate must be certified by the issuing state or country.

For a name change by divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree. The decree must clearly show your new legal name. A copy of the divorce judgment alone is not sufficient; you need the final decree. If your divorce was finalized in another state, request a certified copy from that state's court before you visit DDS.

For a court-ordered name change, bring the certified court order from the Georgia Superior Court (or the court in the state where the order was issued). This document must be certified by the clerk of court and show the judge's signature and the court seal. Bring the original or a certified copy — DDS will not accept a photocopy.

For other legal name changes (such as name restoration after adoption, gender marker change, or name change by legal action), bring the certified court order or legal document that establishes your new name. Contact your local DDS office before you visit if you are unsure whether your document qualifies.

Step-by-Step Process at the DDS Office

First, locate your nearest DDS office using the office locator on the Georgia DDS website (dds.ga.gov). Not all offices handle all transactions, so confirm that the office you choose processes license replacements. Some smaller offices may refer you to a regional center.

Second, gather your documents before you go. You will need: your current or expired Georgia driver's license, your proof of legal name change (original or certified copy), and payment. Bring both a photo ID and your license, even though one is expired, because DDS staff need to verify your identity against both documents.

Third, arrive during office hours and take a number or check in at the counter. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning typically means shorter waits. Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost.

Fourth, hand your documents to the DDS representative and tell them you are changing your name on your license. The representative will verify that your proof of name change is acceptable, check your current license status, and confirm your identity. They will ask you to review your information on screen and approve it before the new license is printed.

Fifth, pay the $32 replacement fee. Georgia DDS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may accept checks, but card or cash is safest.

Sixth, receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address at the same time, tell the representative before you leave.

Timeline and What Happens After You Leave the Office

After you complete your transaction at the DDS office, your new license is printed at a central facility and mailed to your address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. This timeline does not include weekends or state holidays. If your license does not arrive within 12 business days, contact DDS with your confirmation number to check the status.

While you wait for your new license, you can use your old license as proof of identity if it is still valid (even though the name is wrong). Some businesses and government offices will accept it if you can show documentation of your name change. However, do not rely on this — it is safer to carry both your old license and your name-change document until the new license arrives.

If you need your new license sooner than 7 to 10 days, Georgia does not offer expedited mail service through DDS. Your only option is to return to a DDS office and request an interim license (a temporary paper license valid for 30 days). This costs an additional fee and is issued on the spot, but it is not a replacement for the plastic card.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Your Request

Bringing a photocopy instead of an original or certified copy is the most common reason DDS staff turn people away. Georgia law requires certified documents for all name changes. A photocopy, even if notarized, is not acceptable. Before you visit, confirm with the office that issued your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order whether you need an original or a certified copy, and request one if you do not have it.

Bringing an expired or invalid Georgia license can also block your transaction. If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, DDS will not issue a replacement until you resolve the suspension or revocation. Check your license status on the Georgia DDS website before you visit. If there is a hold on your license, contact DDS to find out what you must do to clear it.

Showing up without a second form of ID slows the process. Bring your Social Security card, passport, or other government-issued ID along with your Georgia license. DDS staff use both to verify your identity against your name-change document.

Changing your address at the same time without telling the representative means your new license goes to your old address. If you have moved, tell the DDS representative before you leave the office so they can update your address in the system.

If Your License Is Suspended, Revoked, or Expired

Georgia will not issue a replacement license with a new name if your current license is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain insurance. Contact the Georgia DDS Customer Service line or visit your local DDS office to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to clear it.

If your license is straightforward expired (not suspended), you can still change the name on it. Bring your expired license along with your current ID and your name-change document. DDS will issue a new license with your new name and a new expiration date. The fee is still $32 for the replacement.

If you do not have a Georgia license at all (because it was never issued or was lost), you cannot change a name on a non-existent license. You will need to explore for a new Georgia driver's license instead, which is a different process. Contact DDS to learn what documents you need to explore for an original license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my Georgia license by mail?

No. Georgia requires you to visit a DDS office in person. You cannot change your name by mail, phone, or online. You must bring your original or certified name-change document and your current or expired Georgia license to an office.

What if my marriage certificate or divorce decree is from another state?

You can use it, but it must be certified by the state or county that issued it. Contact the clerk of court or vital records office in the state where you were married or divorced and request a certified copy. A photocopy or uncertified copy will not be accepted by Georgia DDS.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your transaction at the DDS office. This does not include weekends or state holidays. If it does not arrive within 12 business days, contact DDS with your confirmation number to check the status.

Do I need to change my name on my vehicle registration too?

Yes, but that is a separate process handled by the Georgia Department of Revenue, not DDS. You will need to visit a county tag office and bring your vehicle title, proof of name change, and proof of insurance. The tag office can tell you what else you need.

What if I changed my name but do not have a marriage certificate or court order?

Georgia requires legal proof of a name change. If you do not have a certified document, you will need to go to Georgia Superior Court and file for a legal name change. This is a court process that takes several weeks and costs filing fees. Contact your local Superior Court clerk for information on how to file.