What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Washington License

To change the name on your Washington driver's license, you must visit a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Washington does not allow name changes by mail or online. The process itself is straightforward — you complete an process, provide the required documents, and pay a fee — but the documents you bring depend on why your name changed.

You cannot change your name on your license until you have a court order, marriage certificate, or other legal document showing the change. Washington will not accept a name change request based on what you want your name to be; the state requires proof that your name has already changed under law.

The entire transaction at the DOL office typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DOL office in person with your current license and a legal document proving your name change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Washington requires proof that your name has already changed under law; you cannot request a name change based on preference alone.
  • The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a standard renewal, currently $72 for an eight-year license.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your old license until it arrives.
  • If your name change was through marriage, divorce, or adoption, bring the original or certified copy of the court document or certificate.

Documents You Need Based on How Your Name Changed

The document you bring depends on the reason for your name change. If you were married, bring your original or certified copy of the marriage certificate. If you were divorced and took back a former name, bring the certified copy of the divorce decree showing the name change. If you adopted a child or were adopted, bring the certified adoption decree. If you changed your name through a court petition (a legal name change unrelated to marriage or divorce), bring the certified court order.

All documents must be originals or certified copies issued by the court or vital records office. Photocopies, notarized copies, or documents from online services are not accepted. If your document is from another state or country, Washington may require an official English translation.

Bring your current Washington driver's license or ID card. If you do not have it, bring a passport or other state-issued ID. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number — your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works.

How to Get a Certified Copy of Your Name Change Document

If you do not have a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you must request one before you go to the DOL. Contact the courthouse or vital records office in the county where the document was issued. For marriage and divorce records, this is usually the county clerk's office or vital records department. For adoption or court-ordered name changes, contact the courthouse in the county where the case was filed.

You can request certified copies by mail, phone, or in person. Processing time varies by county but typically takes 5 to 15 business days. Some counties offer expedited service for an additional fee. Ask the office whether they accept payment by credit card, check, or money order, as methods vary.

If you were married or divorced in another state, contact that state's vital records office. If you were adopted internationally, you may need to provide a certified English translation of your adoption decree along with the original document.

What to Bring to the DOL Office

Bring these items to your appointment:

  • Your current Washington driver's license or ID card
  • Your certified copy of the document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, or court order)
  • Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099)
  • Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
  • Payment for the fee (cash, debit card, or credit card — check which methods your local office accepts)

Do not bring a photocopy of your name change document. Bring the original or a certified copy issued by the court or vital records office. If you cannot find your original document, order a certified copy from the issuing office before your DOL visit.

Finding a DOL Office and Making an Appointment

Washington has DOL offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Washington Department of Licensing website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require an appointment, especially since the pandemic. Booking an appointment online or by phone is faster and guarantees your spot.

To make an appointment, visit the DOL website and select your county and preferred office. You can book online for most locations. If you prefer to call, the main DOL customer service line can help you schedule. Appointments typically fill up 2 to 4 weeks in advance during busy seasons, so plan ahead if you need your name change completed by a specific date.

If you cannot reach your local office or the online system is down, you can visit in person during walk-in hours. Walk-in wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

Fees and Payment

The fee for a name change on your Washington driver's license is $72 for an eight-year license (the standard term). If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. If you are renewing your license at the same time you change your name, you pay only one renewal fee, not two.

Washington DOL offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but this varies. Call your local office ahead of time if you want to confirm payment methods.

There is no additional fee to change your name. The $72 covers the new license itself. If you need your new license faster than the standard 7 to 10 business days, Washington does not offer expedited mailing, but you can request a temporary paper license at the office to use while you wait.

What Happens After Your Visit

After you complete your process at the DOL office, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. Do not destroy your old license until you have the new one in hand.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DOL customer service line with your process receipt number. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if needed.

Once your new license arrives, keep it in a safe place. If you lose it, you will need to report the loss and request a replacement, which requires another visit to a DOL office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I changed it through a court petition but do not have the original order?

No. You must bring the original or a certified copy of the court order. If you lost it, contact the courthouse in the county where you filed the petition and request a certified copy. The clerk's office can issue one, usually within 5 to 15 business days.

What if my marriage certificate or divorce decree is from another country?

Washington may accept it, but you may need to provide a certified English translation along with the original document. Contact your local DOL office before your visit to confirm whether a translation is required and what format it must be in.

Do I have to change my name on my license if I get married?

No. Changing your name on your license is optional. You can keep your current name on your license even after marriage, divorce, or adoption. However, if you want your license to match your legal name, you must visit a DOL office with the required documents.

Can I change my name online or by mail?

No. Washington requires you to visit a DOL office in person. You cannot change your name on your license by mail, phone, or online. You must bring your current license and your name change document to an office and complete the process there.

What if I do not have a current Washington license?

You can still change your name on your license, but you will need to bring another form of state or federal ID, such as a passport. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address, just as you would with a current license.