What you need to do to change your name on your license
To change your name on your driver's license, you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, bring proof of your legal name change, and submit a request form. The process itself is straightforward — most states let you do it the same way you would renew your license — but the paperwork you bring matters. Your state will not change the name on your license without official documentation showing that your name has legally changed.
The time this takes depends on your state and whether you need a new photo. Some states issue the updated license on the spot; others mail it to you within one to three weeks. You will usually pay a fee, though some states waive it for name changes related to marriage or divorce.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an official document proving your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers — to the DMV.
- Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept and whether you need originals, certified copies, or both.
- Most states require you to appear in person at a DMV office, though a few allow you to mail in the request if you already have a valid license.
- Fees for name changes vary by state and sometimes depend on the reason for the change; check your state's DMV site for the exact cost.
- If your name change was through the court system (not marriage or divorce), you will need a certified court order, not just a copy.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
The document you bring must be an official record of your legal name change. The most common ones are a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. Your state's DMV will accept one of these as proof that your name has legally changed.
Most states want either the original document or a certified copy — a copy stamped and signed by the government office that issued it. A photocopy you made yourself will not work. If you do not have the original, contact the office that issued it: the county clerk for a marriage certificate or divorce decree, the court that handled your case for a court order, or the adoption agency or court for adoption papers.
You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID, plus one or two forms of identification showing your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement usually works). Check your state's DMV website before you go, because some states have specific rules about which documents they accept and whether they need originals or certified copies.
The form you fill out at the DMV
Every state has a form for requesting a name change on your license. The form is usually called an process for Driver License or process for ID Card, sometimes with "Renewal" or "Replacement" in the title. You can read it from your state's DMV website before you go, or fill it out when you arrive at the office.
The form asks for your current name, your new name, your date of birth, and your address. It also asks why your name changed — you will check a box for marriage, divorce, court order, or other reason. Some states ask you to list your previous names as well. The form is short and takes only a few minutes to complete.
If you are unsure which form your state uses or where to find it, call your state's DMV or visit their website. Many states let you read the form, print it, fill it out at home, and bring it with you, which saves time at the office.
Whether you need a new photo and when you get your license
Most states will take a new photo when you change your name on your license, even if your current license photo is recent. A few states let you keep your old photo if your appearance has not changed much, but you should expect to have a new one taken. The photo is part of the license itself, so the DMV usually updates it at the same time.
When you get your new license depends on your state's process. Some DMV offices issue the license on the spot — you walk out with it the same day. Others print it at a central location and mail it to you, which usually takes one to three weeks. A few states offer rush processing for an extra fee if you need it faster. Check your state's DMV website or ask at the office to find out how long it will take in your area.
Fees and whether your state charges for a name change
Most states charge a fee to change your name on your license, but the amount varies. Some states charge the same fee as a license renewal (usually $20 to $60), while others charge less for a name change alone. A few states waive the fee entirely if your name changed because of marriage or divorce, though they may still charge if the change was through a court order.
Your state's DMV website will list the exact fee and whether it applies to your situation. Some offices accept cash, check, or card; others accept only certain payment methods. If cost is a concern, contact your local DMV office to ask whether they offer any fee waivers or reduced rates for your type of name change.
What to do if you changed your name through the court system
If your name change was ordered by a court — not through marriage or divorce — you will need a certified court order showing the judge's decision. This is different from a marriage certificate or divorce decree, which are issued by the county clerk without a court hearing.
To get a certified copy of your court order, contact the court that issued it (usually the district court or family court in the county where you filed). You can call, visit in person, or sometimes request it by mail. The court will send you a certified copy with an official seal and signature. This usually costs $5 to $15 and takes one to two weeks by mail, though you can often pick it up in person the same day.
Bring this certified court order to the DMV along with your current license and the name change form. The process is the same as for any other name change — the only difference is the type of document you bring as proof.
Changing your name if you do not have a current license
If your license has expired or you do not have one, you will need to renew or get a new license at the same time you change your name. The process is similar, but you will need more documents to prove your identity and residency. You will still bring your proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or other official document), but you will also need to bring documents showing your date of birth, Social Security number, and current address.
Your state's DMV website lists all the documents you need for a new license or renewal. Because you are doing both a name change and a new license at the same time, it may take longer than a straightforward name change on an existing license. Some states process it faster if you do it all in one visit; others treat it as a full process. Call your local DMV office to ask what to expect in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license by mail?
Most states require you to visit a DMV office in person for a name change, because the DMV needs to take a new photo and verify your identity. A few states let you mail in a name change request if you already have a valid license and the change is due to marriage or divorce, but this is uncommon. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out whether mail-in requests are an option where you live.
How long does it take to change my name on my license?
If your state issues the license on the spot, you will have it the same day. If your state mails it, expect one to three weeks. A few states offer rush processing for an extra fee if you need it faster. The DMV office can tell you the timeline for your area when you visit or call.
Do I need the original document or a copy?
Most states accept either the original or a certified copy. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the government office that issued it — not a copy you made yourself. If you do not have the original, contact the office that issued the document (county clerk, court, or adoption agency) and ask for a certified copy.
What if I changed my name but do not have a marriage certificate or court order yet?
You cannot change your name on your license without official proof of the name change. If you are waiting for a marriage certificate or court order, contact the office that issued it and ask how long it will take. Some offices can issue a certified copy faster if you visit in person or pay a rush fee. Once you have the document, you can go to the DMV.
Will I have to take a new photo?
Most states take a new photo when you change your name on your license. A few states may let you keep your old photo if your appearance has not changed, but this is rare. Expect to have a new photo taken as part of the process.