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 Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with a court order showing your legal name change, or with a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers if your name changed through one of those events. You'll fill out an process for Identification (Form DL-43), pay a fee, and have your photo taken. Colorado does not allow name changes by mail or online — you must appear at a DMV office yourself.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV staff for a temporary paper license on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers — one of these documents is required to prove your name legally changed.
  • The DMV will not process a name change without proof; a letter from an attorney or a notarized statement is not enough.
  • You must go to a DMV office in person; Colorado does not accept mail-in or online name change requests.
  • The fee for a name change is the same as renewing your license, which varies depending on your license type and how long you want it valid.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in about a week, but you can get a temporary paper license to drive when ready if needed.

What documents prove your name change

Colorado accepts four types of documents to prove a legal name change. A court order is the most common — this is a document signed by a judge that officially changes your name. You need the certified copy (the one with the court seal), not a photocopy. If you lost your certified copy, you can get another from the district court that issued it.

A marriage certificate shows your name changed when you married. Colorado accepts the certified copy issued by the county clerk where you were married. A divorce decree works the same way — it must be certified and show your name as it appears after the divorce. An adoption decree or adoption papers work if your name changed through adoption.

If your name changed in another state or country, bring the certified document from that state or country plus a certified English translation if the document is not in English. The DMV will not accept photocopies, faxes, or uncertified documents.

The step-by-step process at the DMV

First, find a DMV office near you on the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours, because some offices have limited schedules. Bring your current driver's license, your proof of name change (court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers), and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

At the office, tell the staff you want to change your name. They will give you Form DL-43 (process for Identification) to fill out. Write your new legal name on the form. The staff will check your documents, take a new photo, and tell you the fee. Pay by cash, check, or card. You'll receive a receipt and a temporary paper license you can use to drive right away.

Your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it after two weeks, call the DMV to check the status. Keep your temporary paper license until the plastic one arrives.

Fees and how long the license is valid

The fee for a name change depends on what type of license you have and how long you want it valid. A standard driver's license valid for five years costs less than one valid for ten years. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more. Colorado does not charge an extra fee just for the name change — you pay the standard renewal fee.

You can choose how long your new license is valid when you pay. Most people choose the longest option available to avoid renewing again soon. If you're not sure what type of license you have, look at your current license or ask the DMV staff when you arrive.

What to do if you don't have a certified copy of your documents

If you have a court order but only a photocopy, contact the district court that issued it. Most courts will mail you a certified copy for a small fee, usually $5 to $15. You can often request it by phone, mail, or in person. Look up the court's phone number on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.

If you were married or divorced in Colorado, contact the county clerk's office in the county where the marriage or divorce happened. If it happened in another state, contact that state's vital records office. These offices charge a fee to send you a certified copy, usually $10 to $25. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail.

If you cannot get a certified copy in time, you have the option to go to court and ask a judge to issue a new certified copy of your original order. This takes longer and costs more, so it's usually a last resort. Talk to the DMV staff about your situation — they may be able to tell you the fastest path.

Name changes through marriage, divorce, or adoption

If your name changed because you married, you don't need a separate court order — your marriage certificate is proof enough. Bring the certified copy issued by the county clerk. If you took your spouse's last name, hyphenated your name, or kept your maiden name, the marriage certificate shows what happened.

If your name changed because of a divorce, bring the certified divorce decree. Some people change their name back to their maiden name, others keep their married name, and some choose a different name entirely. The decree shows what name you chose.

If your name changed through adoption, bring the certified adoption decree or adoption papers. These documents show your new legal name.

What happens if you change your name but keep the same license number

Your new license will have a new number. Colorado does not keep the same number when you change your name. This is normal and does not affect your driving record — your record follows you by your Social Security number and date of birth, not by your license number.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a name change may require you to update your medical certification and other CDL-specific documents. Ask the DMV staff about this when you arrive, or call ahead to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name at the DMV without a court order?

Only if your name changed through marriage, divorce, or adoption. Bring the certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers. If you want to change your name for any other reason, you need a court order from a judge.

What if I lost my marriage certificate?

Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. They can send you a certified copy for a fee, usually $10 to $25. This takes one to two weeks by mail. Some county clerks allow you to request it online or by phone.

Do I have to renew my license when I change my name?

No, but you're paying the renewal fee anyway. Most people choose to get a longer-validity license at the same time, since they're already at the DMV. You can keep your current expiration date if you prefer, though this is less common.

Can I change my name online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office. You must bring your original documents and have a new photo taken.

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

About 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use to drive when ready. If your new license doesn't arrive after two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.