What an "Ms" designation means and where it appears
An "Ms" designation on your driver license is a title prefix that appears on the front or back of your card, depending on your state. It is not a legal name change — it is a prefix choice that some states offer alongside "Mr," "Mrs," "Miss," or no prefix at all. The designation sits before your first name in the name field of your license.
Not all states offer title prefix options on driver licenses. States that do include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. If your state is not on this list, your DMV will not print a prefix on your license, even if you request one. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm whether your state supports title prefixes before you begin your process.
The "Ms" prefix is purely a personal choice and has no legal effect on your identity, voting rights, tax status, or any other government record. It is a formatting option only.
Key Takeaways
- Only 14 states currently print title prefixes like "Ms" on driver licenses, so you must confirm your state offers this option before requesting it.
- Requesting "Ms" on your license does not change your legal name or affect any other government documents — it is a display choice only.
- You can request a title prefix during your first-time license process or add one during a renewal, depending on your state's rules.
- Some states require you to select a prefix from a dropdown menu during the process, while others let you write it in or skip it entirely.
- If you change your mind later, you can remove or change the prefix during your next renewal without penalty or extra fees.
How to request "Ms" during your first-time process
When you fill out your process form at the DMV — either in person or online, depending on your state — you will see a field for your name. In states that offer title prefixes, this field usually has a dropdown menu or a separate box labeled "Title" or "Prefix." Select "Ms" from the dropdown, or type it into the prefix box if your state allows write-in options.
Some states print the prefix on the front of the card as part of your name line (for example, "Ms Jane Smith"). Others print it on the back in a separate field. A few states ask you to choose whether you want the prefix visible on the front or back only. Read the instructions on your process form carefully, because the placement varies.
If you are unsure whether your state supports "Ms" or how to request it, ask the DMV staff member when you submit your process in person, or call your local DMV office before you go. Do not guess — if you select an option that your state does not support, your process may be rejected or processed without the prefix, and you will have to reapply or wait until your renewal to correct it.
States that support title prefixes and their specific rules
| State | Prefix Options | How to Request | Visible On |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, Mx | Dropdown on DL 44 form | Front of card |
| Colorado | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss | Dropdown during online or in-person process | Front of card |
| Connecticut | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, Mx | Dropdown on process form | Front of card |
| Delaware | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss | Dropdown during process | Front of card |
| Illinois | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, Mx | Dropdown on process form | Front of card |
| Maine | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, Mx | Dropdown during process | Front of card |
| Maryland | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss | Dropdown on process | Front of card |
| New Hampshire | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, Mx | Dropdown on process form | Front of card |
| New Mexico | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss | Dropdown during process | Front of card |
| New York | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, Mx | Dropdown on process or at DMV counter | Front of card |
| Oregon | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, Mx | Dropdown during online or in-person process | Front of card |
| Rhode Island | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, Mx | Dropdown on process form | Front of card |
| Vermont | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, Mx | Dropdown during process | Front of card |
| Washington | Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, Mx | Dropdown on process form | Front of card |
This table reflects current state policies, but DMV rules change. Before you submit your process, visit your state's official DMV website or call your local office to confirm the prefix options available and the method for requesting them. Some states have added or removed prefix options in recent years.
What documents you need to request "Ms" on your license
Requesting a title prefix does not require any additional documents beyond what you already need for a first-time driver license process. You do not need a court order, a name change certificate, or any legal paperwork. The prefix is a formatting choice, not a legal change.
You will still need to bring your standard first-time process documents: proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), your Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal residency if required by your state. The title prefix field is straightforward one more dropdown or text box on the same form you are already filling out.
If you are renewing your license and want to add or change a prefix, the process is the same — no extra documents required. You select the prefix during the renewal process, and it will appear on your new card.
Changing or removing your "Ms" prefix later
If you request "Ms" on your license and later want to remove it, change it to a different prefix, or remove the prefix entirely, you can do so during your next renewal. There is no fee for this change, and you do not need to provide any reason or documentation.
Some states also allow you to change your prefix between renewals by visiting a DMV office in person and requesting a corrected card. A few states charge a small fee for an interim replacement card (usually $5 to $15), while others issue it at no cost. Call your local DMV office to ask whether you can change your prefix before your renewal date and what, if anything, it will cost.
Removing or changing a prefix does not affect your legal name, your license number, your driving record, or any other government document. It is treated as a straightforward formatting correction.
Common mistakes when requesting "Ms" on your first-time license
Mistake 1: Assuming your state offers title prefixes. Many states do not. If you request "Ms" in a state that does not support prefixes, your process may be rejected, delayed, or processed without the prefix. Always check your state's DMV website first.
Mistake 2: Confusing a title prefix with a legal name change. Some people think requesting "Ms" means they are legally changing their name or their marital status. It does not. Your legal name remains exactly what is on your birth certificate. The prefix is only a display choice on your license card.
Mistake 3: Not reading the process instructions carefully. Some states ask you to select a prefix from a dropdown; others ask you to write it in. If you write "Ms" in a field that expects you to select from a dropdown, your process may be rejected. Read the form instructions line by line.
Mistake 4: Requesting a prefix that your state does not offer. For example, if your state offers "Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss" but not "Mx," and you write in "Mx," your process will likely be rejected. Stick to the options your state lists.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to request the prefix during your first process. If you do not select a prefix during your initial process, you can add one during your renewal, but you will have to wait until your renewal date to do so. If you know you want "Ms" on your license, request it the first time.
What happens after you submit your process with "Ms"
After you submit your process with the "Ms" prefix selected, your process is processed the same way as any other first-time license process. The DMV will verify your documents, run a background check, and process your photo. The only difference is that when your license is printed, the "Ms" prefix will appear on the front of your card (in most states) as part of your name line.
Your license will arrive by mail within the timeframe your state specifies — usually 7 to 14 business days for a standard first-time license. When it arrives, check the front of the card to confirm that "Ms" appears correctly before your first name. If it does not appear, or if it is misspelled, contact your DMV office and request a corrected card. Most states will reissue a corrected card at no charge if the error was made by the DMV.
Once your license arrives with "Ms" on it, you can use it for all standard identification purposes — opening a bank account, voting, boarding a plane, or any other situation where a driver license is accepted as ID. The prefix has no legal effect and will not cause any problems with identification or background checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will requesting "Ms" on my license change my legal name?
No. A title prefix on your driver license is a display choice only and does not change your legal name, your birth certificate, your Social Security record, or any other legal document. Your legal name remains exactly what it is on your birth certificate. The prefix appears only on your license card.
Can I request "Ms" if I am married or divorced?
Yes. Title prefixes on driver licenses are personal choices and have no connection to marital status. You can request "Ms," "Mrs," "Miss," or no prefix at all, regardless of whether you are married, divorced, or single. The choice is entirely yours.
What if my state does not offer "Ms" as an option?
If your state is not on the list of 14 states that support title prefixes, your DMV will not print a prefix on your license, even if you request one. Your only option is to use your license without a prefix. You cannot force a state to add a prefix option that it does not support.
Can I add "Ms" to my license during a renewal instead of a first-time process?
Yes. If you did not request "Ms" during your first-time process, you can add it during your renewal. The process is the same — select "Ms" from the dropdown or text field on your renewal form. You will not need any extra documents or pay any extra fee.
What if I change my mind and want to remove "Ms" later?
You can remove the prefix during your next renewal at no cost. Some states also allow you to request a corrected card between renewals, though a small fee may explore. Contact your local DMV office to ask about your state's policy on interim corrections.