What you need to do to change your name on your Colorado license

To change the name on your Colorado driver license, you must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Colorado does not allow name changes by mail or online. The process itself is straightforward — you bring documents, complete a form, and pay a fee — but the documents you need depend on why your name changed.

The state recognizes name changes through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means. Each route requires different paperwork. Once you submit everything, you'll receive your new license at the office or by mail, depending on which option you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change; no online or mail-in name changes are available.
  • Marriage requires a certified marriage certificate; divorce requires a certified divorce decree; court-ordered changes require a certified court order.
  • You will complete Form DL-44 (process for a Colorado Driver License) at the DMV office.
  • The fee for a name change on an existing license is the same as a standard license renewal, and you can choose to receive your new license by mail or pick it up at the office.

Documents you need for a name change due to marriage

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate. This must be an official certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married, not a photocopy or the original you received at the ceremony. Colorado DMV will not accept uncertified copies.

You will also need your current Colorado driver license and one additional form of identification that shows your current legal name — a passport, military ID, or state ID from another state all work. If your marriage certificate does not clearly show both your former and new names, bring a document that shows the connection, such as a divorce decree from a previous marriage or a birth certificate.

Documents you need for a name change due to divorce

For a divorce-related name change, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree from the court that issued it. The decree must clearly show your former name, your new name, and the date the divorce was finalized. A photocopy will not work — you need the certified version from the district court clerk's office.

Bring your current Colorado driver license and one additional ID as well. If you are returning to a maiden name or a name from before the marriage, the decree should make this clear. If you are changing to a name other than what appears in the decree, you will need a separate court order authorizing that change.

Documents you need for a court-ordered name change

If you obtained a legal name change through a court petition (not related to marriage or divorce), bring the certified court order granting the name change. This order must come from a Colorado district court or a court in another state, and it must be certified by the clerk of that court.

You will also need your current Colorado driver license and one additional form of ID. The court order should show your former legal name, your new legal name, and the date the order was entered. If the order is from outside Colorado, bring the certified copy plus a certified English translation if it was issued in another language.

How to complete the process at the DMV office

When you arrive at the DMV office, you will complete Form DL-44 (process for a Colorado Driver License). This is the same form used for new licenses and renewals. On the form, you will enter your new legal name exactly as it appears on your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.

The DMV staff will verify your documents and check that your new name matches across all paperwork. They will also take a new photo for your license unless you request to keep your existing photo (some offices allow this, but policies vary by location). You can ask the staff whether your office offers this option when you arrive.

Fees and how you receive your new license

The fee for a name change on an existing Colorado driver license is the same as the fee for a standard license renewal. As of the most recent update, this fee varies depending on your license type and how long you want it to be valid, but there is no separate charge specifically for the name change itself. Ask the DMV office staff for the exact amount when you visit, as fees can change.

You have two options for receiving your new license. You can pick it up at the DMV office the same day if you arrive early enough in the day, or you can request that it be mailed to your address. If you choose mail delivery, your new license will arrive within one to two weeks. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives.

Which DMV office to visit and what to bring

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the office in your county of residence. To find the office nearest you and check its hours, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website and search for "DMV office locations." Many offices operate by appointment only, especially since the pandemic, so call ahead or check online before you go.

Bring all documents in their original form or as certified copies. Do not bring photocopies unless the DMV specifically requests them. Bring your current Colorado driver license, your proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and one additional form of ID. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number as well, as the DMV will verify this during the process process.

What happens if your documents do not match

If your documents show different versions of your name, or if there is any inconsistency between your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order and your current license, the DMV may ask for additional paperwork before processing your request. For example, if you were divorced and your decree shows you returning to a maiden name, but your current license shows a different name, you may need to bring the divorce decree that led to your current name as well.

If you have changed your name multiple times, bring documentation for each change in order. The DMV staff can usually resolve these issues on the spot, but having all relevant documents with you will speed up the process. If the office cannot resolve it when ready, they will tell you what additional documents to bring on a second visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?

No. Colorado DMV requires a certified copy from the county clerk's office. You can request a certified copy from the clerk in the county where you were married. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs a small fee. Some county clerks offer rush processing for an additional charge.

Do I have to change my name on my license right after I get married or divorced?

No. You can change your name on your license at any time after your marriage or divorce is finalized. There is no important date. However, if you are pulled over or need to show your license for any reason, your name on the license should match your legal name.

What if I want to change my name to something other than what my divorce decree says?

You will need a separate court order authorizing that name change. You cannot use a divorce decree alone to change to a name that does not appear in the decree. File a petition for a name change in Colorado district court, obtain the court order, and then bring both the court order and your divorce decree to the DMV.

Can I change my name on my license by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office with your documents. You cannot submit a name change process by mail or online. However, once your new license is issued, you can choose to have it mailed to you rather than picking it up at the office.

How long does it take to get my new license after I explore?

If you pick it up at the office the same day, you will have it when ready. If you request mail delivery, it typically arrives within one to two weeks. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to use it for identification.