What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your PA License
To change the name on your Pennsylvania driver's license, you must visit a PennDOT Driver's License Center in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Pennsylvania does not allow name changes by mail or online. The process takes one visit and costs $19.50 for a replacement license (as of 2024, though fees can change). You will receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The state recognizes name changes through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means. You cannot straightforward request a name change without documentation showing the change is official. PennDOT will not process your request without the correct paperwork, so gathering your documents before you go is essential.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a PennDOT Driver's License Center in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change.
- Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified name change document from another state.
- The replacement license costs $19.50 and arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You cannot change your name online, by phone, or by mail — in-person is the only option.
- If your license is expired, you may need to renew it at the same time, which adds $30.50 to the cost.
Documents You Must Bring to the License Center
Bring your current Pennsylvania driver's license and one original or certified copy of the document that proves your legal name change. PennDOT accepts the following as proof:
- Marriage certificate (original or certified copy)
- Divorce decree showing your new name (original or certified copy)
- Court order for name change (original or certified copy)
- Adoption papers (original or certified copy)
- A valid driver's license or ID from another state showing your new name
If you obtained your name change outside Pennsylvania, bring the certified document from that state. PennDOT will not accept photocopies, faxes, or documents that are not certified or original. If you do not have a certified copy, contact the court or agency that issued the original document and request one before your visit.
You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works. If you changed your name legally, your Social Security number may not have changed — that is separate from your license and handled by the Social Security Administration.
How to Find and Schedule Your Visit
Visit the PennDOT website and use the Driver's License Center locator to find the office nearest you. Enter your county or city, and the tool will show all centers in your area, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments.
Many centers now require appointments, especially in urban areas. You can schedule online through the PennDOT website or call the center directly. Walk-in service is still available at some locations, but wait times can be long. Scheduling ahead saves time and guarantees you a slot.
Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The staff will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your replacement license on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What Happens After You Submit Your Documents
Once PennDOT processes your request, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some centers offer expedited printing, which produces your license on the spot for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15, though this varies by location). Ask the staff whether your center offers this option when you arrive.
Your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued. You do not need to return it. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver's License Center where you applied and provide your transaction number (you will receive a receipt with this number).
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 former name and your new name. If you were married outside Pennsylvania, the certificate must be certified by the state or county where you were married.
If you changed your name through divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree. The decree must clearly show your new name and the date the divorce became final. Some divorce decrees do not automatically restore your maiden name — if yours does not, you may need a separate court order for the name change, which you would bring instead of or in addition to the decree.
If you are unsure whether your marriage certificate or divorce decree is certified, contact the courthouse or vital records office in the county where the event occurred. They can issue a certified copy for a small fee, usually $10 to $25.
If Your License Is Expired or Expiring Soon
If your current license is expired or will expire within 60 days, you have two options. You can change your name only (paying $19.50 for the replacement), or you can renew your license and change your name at the same time (paying $30.50 for the renewal with name change). The second option is usually worth it if your license is close to expiring, because you avoid a second trip.
If you choose to renew and change your name together, bring the same documents — your current license and proof of your legal name change. The process is the same, and you will receive a new license valid for four years from the date of issue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not bring photocopies or uncertified documents. PennDOT will reject them and you will have wasted a trip. If you are unsure whether your document is certified, call the courthouse or vital records office before you go.
Do not assume your Social Security number changed when your name changed. It did not. Your Social Security card still shows your old name until you update it separately with the Social Security Administration. Your driver's license name change is independent of your Social Security record.
Do not go to a PennDOT office without an appointment if appointments are required in your area. You may be turned away. Check the Driver's License Center locator on the PennDOT website to see whether your location takes walk-ins.
Do not expect to use your old license after your new one is issued. Once the new license is mailed, your old one is no longer valid. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the Driver's License Center, though this is not standard practice — ask the staff whether it is available in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
No. PennDOT requires an original or certified copy. Contact the courthouse or vital records office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. Most offices mail them within 5 to 10 business days for a fee of $10 to $25.
What if I changed my name through a court order in another state?
Bring the certified court order from that state. PennDOT accepts name change orders from any state as long as the document is original or certified and clearly shows your new legal name.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change it on my license?
No. You can change your license name first. However, you will eventually need to update your Social Security record separately by visiting your local Social Security office with your new license and a certified name change document. The two systems do not automatically sync.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days. Some Driver's License Centers offer expedited on-site printing for an additional fee, which gives you your license the same day. Ask the staff at your center whether this option is available.
What if my new license arrives with the wrong name or information?
Contact the Driver's License Center where you applied with your transaction number. They can issue a corrected license. Bring the incorrect license and the same proof of name change documents. There is usually no additional fee for a correction error made by PennDOT.