What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Illinois License
To change the name on your Illinois driver's license, you must first obtain a court order or certified vital record showing your legal name change, then submit that document to the Illinois Secretary of State's office along with your current license and a completed process. Illinois does not allow name changes through the DMV alone — the state requires proof that your name change is legal before they will reissue your license.
The process takes roughly two to four weeks from the date you submit your documents, though processing times vary depending on mail volume and whether your process is complete. You can submit your request by mail or in person at a Driver Services facility.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a court order or certified vital record (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court name-change judgment) before the Secretary of State will process your request.
- Submit your legal name-change document, current driver's license, and completed process (Form DL 612) by mail or in person at any Driver Services facility.
- Processing takes two to four weeks; you will receive your new license by mail at the address on file.
- The fee for a name-change reissue is the same as a standard renewal, which varies by license type and expiration date.
- If you are changing your name due to marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate; for divorce, bring your certified divorce decree.
Documents You Must Provide for a Name Change
Illinois requires one of three documents to prove your legal name change: a court order from an Illinois court authorizing the name change, a certified marriage certificate showing your new married name, or a certified divorce decree showing your name after divorce. The document must be an official certified copy — photocopies and uncertified documents will not be accepted, and your process will be returned.
If you were married or divorced outside Illinois, you must provide the certified vital record from that state. Contact the vital records office in the state where the event occurred to request a certified copy; this typically costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail.
You will also need your current Illinois driver's license and a completed process for Duplicate or Corrected Driver's License (Form DL 612). You can read this form from the Secretary of State website or pick one up at any Driver Services facility.
Where and How to Submit Your Name-Change Request
You have two options: mail your documents to the Secretary of State or submit them in person at a Driver Services facility. If you mail your request, send it to the address listed on Form DL 612 along with your current license, the completed process, and your certified name-change document. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your old license returned.
If you submit in person, bring all three items (process, current license, and certified document) to any Driver Services facility in Illinois. You do not need an appointment for a name-change reissue. The staff will verify your documents on the spot, take a new photo if needed, and process your request. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two to four weeks.
Driver Services facilities are located in most counties. You can find the nearest location and hours on the Secretary of State website. Processing times are the same whether you submit by mail or in person.
Fees and What to Expect After You Submit
The fee for a name-change reissue depends on your license type and how much time remains on your current license. If your license expires within one year, you typically pay a reduced fee; if it expires in two or more years, you pay the full renewal fee. Standard driver's licenses cost between $5 and $20 for a name-change reissue, though the exact amount varies. Contact your local Driver Services facility or check the Secretary of State website for the current fee in your situation.
After you submit your request, you will receive a receipt or confirmation. Keep this receipt until your new license arrives. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within two to four weeks. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving.
If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State's office to check the status of your request. Have your receipt or process number ready.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Your Request
The most frequent reason applications are returned is submitting an uncertified copy of a vital record. A photocopy, even if notarized, is not acceptable — you must request a certified copy from the vital records office that issued the original document. Marriage and divorce records are held by the county clerk's office in the county where the event took place.
Another common error is submitting an incomplete process. Make sure Form DL 612 is fully filled out, signed, and dated. If you are explore by mail, include your current driver's license; if you forget it, your process will be returned and you will have to resubmit.
Some applicants also submit documents that are too old. While there is no strict age limit, vital records more than several years old may be questioned. If your certified document is more than five years old, contact the Secretary of State before submitting to confirm it will be accepted.
Name Changes Due to Marriage, Divorce, or Court Order
If you are changing your name due to marriage, a certified marriage certificate is your proof document. You do not need a separate court order. Request a certified copy from the county clerk's office in the county where you were married.
If you are changing your name due to divorce, use your certified divorce decree as your proof document. The decree must clearly show your new legal name. If your divorce was finalized in another state, request a certified copy from that state's vital records office or the court that issued the decree.
If you obtained a legal name change through a court petition (not marriage or divorce), you will need the court order signed by the judge. This order is issued by the circuit court in the county where you filed the petition. Contact that court's clerk's office to request a certified copy.
What Happens If Your Name-Change Document Is Not Accepted
If the Secretary of State determines your document does not meet Illinois requirements, your process will be returned by mail with an explanation. Common reasons include submitting an uncertified copy, a document that does not clearly show your new legal name, or a document issued by a foreign country that cannot be verified.
If your process is rejected, you have the option to resubmit with corrected documents or contact the Secretary of State's office to discuss what additional documentation may be needed. Some situations — such as name changes recognized in another country — may require a court order from an Illinois court before the Secretary of State will process your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a court order if I changed my name when I got married?
No. A certified marriage certificate is sufficient proof of your legal name change. You do not need a separate court order. straightforward submit the certified marriage certificate along with your process and current license.
Can I change my name at a Driver Services facility without a court order or vital record?
No. Illinois requires legal proof of your name change before any DMV office will process the request. You must have a certified court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. The staff cannot override this requirement.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of my marriage or divorce record?
Certified copies typically take one to two weeks if you request them by mail from the county clerk's office. Some counties offer in-person service the same day. Fees range from $10 to $25 depending on the county. Contact the clerk's office in the county where the event occurred to confirm their processing time and fee.
What if I got married or divorced outside Illinois?
You must request a certified copy from the vital records office or county clerk in the state where the event took place. Contact that office directly to find out how to request a certified copy and what the fee is. Processing times vary by state but usually take one to three weeks.
Can I use my old name on my license while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your current license remains valid for driving until your new license arrives. You can continue to use it for identification and driving purposes during the two to four week processing period.