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

To change the name on your Colorado driver's license, you must visit a Colorado 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 DMV will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can choose to keep your current license number or receive a new one.

The process itself is straightforward, but the documents you bring matter. You need both proof that your name legally changed and proof of your current identity. What counts as proof depends on why your name changed — marriage, divorce, court order, or another reason — so start there.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person; name changes cannot be done by mail or online.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of your legal name change, and a second form of ID.
  • Acceptable proof of name change includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified birth certificate showing your new name.
  • The DMV will issue a new license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.
  • You may keep your current license number or request a new one when you update your name.

Proof of legal name change: what documents the DMV accepts

Colorado's DMV accepts different documents depending on how your name changed. If you married, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring your original or certified divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed your name by court order, bring the certified court order. If you were born outside the United States and your name appears differently on your birth certificate, bring that certified birth certificate.

All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies will not work. If your document is in another language, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator. The DMV office staff can tell you whether a translation meets their standard if you call ahead.

Identity documents to bring to the DMV office

Bring your current Colorado driver's license or ID card. You will also need a second form of identification to verify your identity. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. A Social Security card alone is not enough.

If you do not have your current license with you, bring two other forms of ID instead. Make sure at least one has your photo on it. Expired documents are acceptable as long as they show your current legal name or your previous legal name (whichever applies to your situation).

What happens at the DMV office

Walk into any Colorado DMV office during business hours with your documents. Tell the staff member you want to update your name on your driver's license. They will review your proof of name change and your ID, ask you to sign a form, and take a new photo if needed. You can request to keep your current license number or receive a new one.

Some offices issue your new license on the spot. Others mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff member which applies at your location. You will pay a fee for the replacement license — this varies but is typically between $20 and $30. Bring a debit or credit card, as not all offices accept cash.

Name changes due to marriage or divorce

If you married, your marriage certificate is your proof of name change. You do not need a court order. Bring the original or a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. If the certificate shows your maiden name and your new married name, that is all the DMV needs.

If you divorced and your divorce decree shows your restored maiden name or a new name you chose, bring that decree. Some people keep their married name after divorce, so the DMV will not assume you want to change it — you must bring the decree showing that the court authorized the name change. If your divorce was finalized in another state, bring a certified copy from that state's court.

Name changes by court order

If you changed your name through a legal name change petition (not marriage or divorce), you need a certified copy of the court order from the Colorado district court that issued it. This order must show your old name, your new name, and the judge's signature. The order must be certified by the court clerk — a photocopy will not work.

If you obtained your court order in another state, bring a certified copy from that state's court. Some states require you to file the order in Colorado before the DMV will accept it; call your local DMV office to ask whether this applies to your situation.

Finding a Colorado DMV office and what to expect

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Some offices take walk-ins; others use an appointment system. Call ahead or check online to see whether you need an appointment, as wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive early if possible — offices tend to be busier in the late morning and early afternoon. If you are missing a document, ask the staff member what you need to bring back; do not leave without knowing exactly what is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DMV requires an original or certified copy. You can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs $10 to $25. Some counties offer rush processing for an extra fee.

What if I changed my name in another state but now live in Colorado?

Bring your Colorado driver's license and the certified court order or decree from the other state showing your name change. Some Colorado DMV offices may ask you to file the order with a Colorado court first; call ahead to ask. If filing is required, you will need to do that before your DMV appointment.

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

The DMV will take a new photo at most offices. Some offices may waive this if your current photo is recent and you request it, but do not count on it. Bring yourself camera-ready just in case.

How long does it take to get my new license after I visit the DMV?

Some offices issue your license the same day. Others mail it within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff member at your office which applies. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

What if I want to change my name and renew my license at the same time?

You can do both in one visit. Bring your proof of name change, your current license, and your ID. The DMV will charge you for both the name change and the renewal — typically $40 to $50 total, depending on your license type and whether it is a standard or enhanced license.