What You Need to Do to Change Your Last Name on Your Colorado License
To change your last 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 process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a new license with your updated name on the same day if you pass the vision test and photo requirements.
The key requirement is proof that your name change is legal. This means a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document showing the name change. Without this document, the DMV will not process your request, and you will need to leave and return with the correct paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with your current license and a legal document proving your name change.
- Acceptable proof includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or naturalization papers showing your new name.
- You will receive your new license the same day if you pass the vision test and photo requirements.
- There is no fee to change your name on an existing license; you pay only if you need to renew your license at the same time.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Bring your current Colorado driver's license and one original or certified copy of the document that proves your legal name change. The DMV will not accept photocopies or photos of documents. If you do not have the original, you can request a certified copy from the court, county clerk, or vital records office that issued it.
Acceptable documents include:
- Court order for name change (from any state)
- Marriage certificate (original or certified copy)
- Divorce decree or dissolution of marriage decree showing your new name
- Naturalization papers or Certificate of Naturalization
- Amended birth certificate showing your new name
If your document is from outside Colorado, it must be an original or certified copy. The DMV staff will examine it at the counter and will not send it away or keep it on file. You will get it back when you leave.
Finding a Colorado DMV Office and Making an Appointment
Colorado DMV offices are located in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website under "Driver Services." Some offices are busier than others; rural offices often have shorter wait times than Denver-area locations.
You may schedule an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website, which can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office and time of day. Appointments can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance.
What Happens at the DMV Counter
When you arrive, tell the staff member you are changing your name on your license. Hand over your current license and your legal name-change document. The staff member will verify that the document is original or certified, check that the name on the document matches the name you want on your new license, and ask you to sign a form confirming the change.
You will then be sent to take a new photo and pass a vision test. The vision test is the same one you took for your original license: you read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you pass, your new license will be printed on the spot. If you fail the vision test, you will be told to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.
The entire process, from handing over your documents to receiving your new license, usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Fees and License Validity
There is no fee to change your name on your current Colorado driver's license. You pay nothing at the counter. However, if your license is expiring within the next 12 months, the DMV may recommend that you renew it at the same time. A renewal costs $31 for a five-year license or $61 for a ten-year license, depending on your age and license type.
Your new license with your updated name will be valid for the same expiration date as your old license. If you choose not to renew at the time of your name change, you will still need to renew later at the normal expiration date. You cannot extend your license expiration date by changing your name.
Name Changes from Marriage, Divorce, or Court Order
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. The certificate must show both your old name and your new name. A certified copy can be obtained from the county clerk in the county where you were married.
If you changed your name through divorce or dissolution of marriage, bring the original or certified divorce decree. The decree must show your new name after the divorce. If the decree does not show your new name, you may need a separate court order. Contact the court that issued the decree if you are unsure.
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 issued by a district court and shows the judge's approval of your new name.
What to Do If Your Name-Change Document Is Not in English
If your legal name-change document is in another language, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original document. The DMV will not accept a translation you made yourself or one made by a friend or family member. You must use a professional translator or a certified translation service. Many county clerks and court offices can recommend translators in your area.
Bring both the original document and the certified translation to the DMV. The staff member will examine both and may keep a copy of the translation on file, though the original document will be returned to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I have not gone to court?
No. Colorado requires a legal document proving your name change. If you changed your name through marriage, your marriage certificate counts. If you want to change your name for any other reason, you must file a petition with a district court first and receive a court order. Contact your county district court for the process and fees.
What if my marriage certificate does not show my maiden name?
Some marriage certificates show only the groom's name or use different naming conventions. If your certificate does not clearly show both your old and new names, contact the county clerk where you were married and request a certified copy that includes both names, or ask for a certified statement of your name change. Bring this to the DMV along with your current license.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I go to the DMV?
No. You can change your name at the DMV first. However, you should update your Social Security record within a few months to avoid problems with taxes, employment, and benefits. You can update Social Security online, by mail, or at your local Social Security office.
Can someone else pick up my new license if I cannot go to the DMV?
No. Colorado requires you to appear in person for a name change. You must be present for the photo and vision test. No one can do this for you or pick up the license on your behalf.
What if I lost my legal name-change document?
Contact the office that issued it: the court (for a court order), the county clerk (for a marriage certificate or divorce decree), or the vital records office (for an amended birth certificate). Request a certified copy. There is usually a small fee, and it may take one to two weeks to receive. You cannot proceed with your DMV name change until you have this document in hand.