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 name has legally changed. Georgia does not allow name changes by mail or online. You will need to bring the document that shows your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers — along with your current license and proof of your current address.
The process itself is straightforward: you fill out a form, show your documents, have a new photo taken, and pay a fee. Most people complete it in one visit. However, the time it takes depends on how busy your local DDS office is and whether your documents are in order before you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with your current license and the legal document proving your name change.
- Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers — the document must show both your old and new names.
- You will need to provide proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
- The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a standard license renewal, and your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Documents you must bring to the DDS office
Your legal name-change document is the most important item. This must be an official certified copy — not a photocopy — and it must clearly show both your old name and your new name. If you were married, bring your marriage certificate. If you were divorced, bring the final divorce decree. If you received a court order for a name change, bring that order. If you were adopted, bring the adoption papers.
You also need your current Georgia driver's license and proof of your current address. For the address, the DDS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your new name on it is helpful but not required — the address proof and your ID together are what matters.
If your legal name-change document is from outside Georgia, you may need a certified copy from the state or county where the change occurred. Call your local DDS office before you go to confirm they have what you need.
Which DDS office to visit and how to prepare
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county. However, some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary widely. Before you go, check the DDS website or call ahead to find an office near you and ask about current wait times.
Bring all your documents in originals (not copies, except for the address proof). Arrive early in the day if possible, as offices tend to be less crowded in the morning. You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if you can reserve a time slot.
The fee and timeline for your new license
The cost of a name change on your Georgia license is the same as a standard license renewal. As of now, that fee varies depending on the type of license you hold and how long you want it to be valid. A standard Class D license costs less than a Real ID-compliant license. Ask the DDS employee what the exact fee is for your situation when you arrive.
You will pay the fee at the office, have your photo taken, and then your new license will be mailed to you. Standard mailing takes one to two weeks. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification during that time.
Name changes due to marriage or divorce
If you changed your name because you got married, your marriage certificate is your proof. You do not need a court order. Bring the certified copy of your marriage certificate to the DDS office along with your current license and address proof.
If you changed your name because of a divorce, bring the final divorce decree — not just a separation agreement. The decree must show that the court approved your name change as part of the divorce. If your divorce papers do not show a name change, you may need to file a separate petition with the court for a legal name change, which is a different process.
What to do if you cannot find your legal name-change document
If you lost your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office or court where the document was issued. For a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the family court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. These offices can usually mail you a certified copy within one to two weeks, though some charge a small fee.
Do not go to the DDS office without this document. The DDS cannot process a name change without proof, and you will have wasted a trip. Get the certified copy first, then schedule your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I got married but did not take my spouse's last name?
Yes. Bring your marriage certificate to the DDS office and tell the employee what name you want on your license. You can keep your maiden name, use your spouse's name, or use a hyphenated name — the choice is yours. Your marriage certificate proves the marriage; what name you choose is up to you.
Do I need to change my name on my license right away after getting married or divorced?
No. There is no important date. You can change your name whenever you want, as long as you have the legal document to prove it. However, it is often easier to do it sooner rather than later, because you will need the old name on your license to match other documents for a while.
What if my name-change document is from another state?
Georgia will accept a certified copy of a name-change document from any state. Make sure it is a certified copy (with an official seal or stamp), not a photocopy. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call your local DDS office and describe it to them before you visit.
Will my license number change when I change my name?
No. Your license number stays the same. Only your name and photo will be updated on your new license. Your old license number will remain yours for the rest of your driving life in Georgia.
Can I change my name on my license if I am under 18?
Yes, but you will need a parent or guardian to come with you to the DDS office. Bring the same documents — your current license, proof of the legal name change, and proof of address — plus a parent or guardian with a valid ID.