What you need to do to change your name on your New Jersey license

To change the name on your New Jersey driver's license, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. New Jersey does not allow name changes by mail or online. The MVC will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can request the new card on the same day you explore — it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you changed your name through marriage, divorce, court order, or another legal means. In all cases, you will need to bring original documents or certified copies that show both your old name and your new name.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVC office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change — no online or mail options exist.
  • Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified copy from the vital records office in the county where the change occurred.
  • You will need to complete form BA-298 (process for New Jersey Driver's License or Identification Card) at the office.
  • A new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days; you can request it on the same day you submit your process.
  • The fee for a name change on an existing license is the same as a standard license renewal in New Jersey.

Documents you must bring to the MVC office

Bring your current New Jersey driver's license and the original or certified copy of the document that proves your legal name change. If you were married, bring your marriage certificate. If you were divorced, bring your divorce decree. If you obtained a court order for a name change, bring that order.

The document must be an original or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. If your name-change document was issued outside New Jersey, you may need to bring a certified copy from the vital records office in that state. The MVC staff can tell you whether your specific document meets their requirements when you call ahead or visit.

You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days). Bring your current license as well.

How to find and book an appointment at an MVC office

Visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website at nj.gov/mvc and use their appointment scheduling system. You can search for offices by county or town. Most MVC offices now require appointments; walk-ins are not accepted at many locations.

When you book, select "Driver's License Name Change" or "Identification Card Name Change" from the service menu. The system will show you available dates and times. If you cannot find an appointment in your preferred location, try nearby offices — they often have different availability.

If you have trouble booking online, you can call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to request an appointment by phone. Have your current license number ready when you call.

What happens at your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. The MVC staff will review your name-change proof and verify that it matches your identity. They will ask you to complete form BA-298, which is the standard process for a New Jersey driver's license or identification card.

You will be asked to confirm your address, sign the form, and have your photo taken for the new license. The staff will also verify your Social Security number and check your driving record. If everything is in order, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready.

Your new plastic license card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the temporary paper license until the card arrives.

The fee for a name change on your license

The cost of a name change on your New Jersey driver's license is the same as the cost of a standard license renewal. As of 2024, a four-year license costs $24.50 and an eight-year license costs $48. The exact fee may vary depending on your age and the type of license you hold.

The MVC accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Check the MVC website or call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location.

Name changes due to marriage or divorce

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. The certificate must show both your maiden name and your married name. If you obtained the certificate outside New Jersey, request a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were married.

If you changed your name through divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree. The decree must clearly show your former name and your new name. Some divorce decrees do not explicitly state a name change — if yours does not, you may need to obtain a separate court order for the name change, which requires filing a petition in the family court in the county where you live.

Name changes through court order

If you obtained a legal name change through a court order (not marriage or divorce), bring the original or certified copy of that order to the MVC. The order must be from a New Jersey court or, if from another state, must be certified by that state's vital records office.

To obtain a court-ordered name change in New Jersey, you file a petition in the Superior Court in the county where you live. You will need to pay a filing fee (typically $200 to $300) and may need to publish notice of your petition in a local newspaper, depending on the court's rules. Once the judge approves your petition, you receive a certified copy of the order, which you then bring to the MVC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license by mail?

No. New Jersey requires you to appear in person at an MVC office with your original documents. You cannot complete a name change by mail or online.

How long does it take to get my new license after I explore?

Your new plastic license card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license when ready after your appointment that you can use right away.

What if my name-change document is from another state?

You will need a certified copy from the vital records office in that state. Contact the vital records office in the county or state where the document was issued and request a certified copy. Photocopies are not accepted by the MVC.

Do I need to change my name on other documents before I change my license?

No. You can change your license name as soon as you have your legal name-change document. However, you may want to update your Social Security card and other documents afterward for consistency.

What if I lost my current license?

You can still change your name, but you will need to report your license as lost and request a replacement at the same time. Bring a police report of the lost license if you have one. The MVC can issue both a replacement license and a name change in a single transaction.