What you need to do to change your name on your California driver's license or ID card

You can change your name on your California driver's license or ID card by visiting a DMV office in person with a court order or other legal name-change document. The DMV does not process name changes by mail or online. You will need to bring the document that proves your name change — usually a court decree, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — along with your current license or ID and proof of your current address.

The process itself is straightforward: you show your documents, pay a fee (currently $39 for a replacement license or $32 for an ID card), and receive a new card with your updated name. The new card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests unless your current license or ID is expiring soon, in which case the DMV may issue a card valid for the full renewal period.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with a court order or legal document proving your name change — the DMV will not process this by mail or online.
  • Acceptable documents include a court decree, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official record showing your legal name change.
  • Bring your current driver's license or ID card, the name-change document, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The replacement card costs $39 for a driver's license or $32 for an ID card and arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
  • If your license or ID is expiring within the next six months, the DMV may issue a new card valid for the full renewal period instead of just updating your name.

What documents prove a legal name change

The DMV accepts several types of documents as proof of a legal name change. A court order is the most common and covers name changes filed through the court system. A marriage certificate proves a name change through marriage. A divorce decree or judgment of dissolution proves a name change through divorce. A certificate of naturalization proves a name change through the naturalization process. Some people also use adoption papers or court-ordered gender recognition documents.

The document must be an official copy — not a photocopy you made yourself. If you have a certified copy from the court or the agency that issued it, bring that. If you have only an uncertified copy, you may still bring it to the DMV, but staff will tell you whether it is acceptable. The document must show your old name and your new name clearly.

If you lost your original document or cannot get a certified copy quickly, you can request a certified copy from the court that issued the order or from the vital records office in the county where the change was recorded. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25 depending on the county.

Documents to bring to the DMV office

Bring these items when you visit:

  • Your current California driver's license or ID card
  • Your legal name-change document (court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official record)
  • Proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days
  • Your Social Security number or Social Security card
  • A second form of identification if your current license or ID is expired

If your current address on your license or ID does not match your actual address, bring proof of the current address anyway. The DMV will update both your name and your address at the same time.

If you are changing your name and your address at the same time, the fee remains the same — $39 for a driver's license or $32 for an ID card.

How to find a DMV office and make an appointment

You can visit any DMV office in California to change your name. Use the DMV office locator at dmv.ca.gov to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Hours vary by location.

You can make an appointment online through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Making an appointment is not required but is strongly recommended — walk-ins may wait several hours or be turned away if the office reaches capacity. Appointments can usually be scheduled within one to two weeks of your preferred date.

When you book an appointment, select "Change of Name" or "Replacement License/ID Card" as your transaction type. The appointment confirmation will show the date, time, and office location. Bring this confirmation with you, though it is not required.

What happens at the DMV office

When you arrive at your appointment, check in at the front desk and give staff your confirmation number if you have one. A DMV representative will call you to a window. Show them your current license or ID, your name-change document, and your proof of address. They will verify that your name-change document is acceptable and that all your information matches.

You will not need to take a new photo unless your current license or ID photo is damaged or your license or ID is expiring within the next six months. If a new photo is needed, the DMV will take one at no extra cost. You will not retake the written or driving test.

Pay the fee ($39 for a driver's license or $32 for an ID card) by cash, debit card, or credit card. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license or ID valid for 60 days while your new card is printed and mailed. Your permanent card will arrive at the address you provided within two to three weeks.

Scam alert: Fake name-change services

Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to change your name at the DMV for you or to process your name change online. These services are scams. The DMV does not authorize any private company to handle name changes on its behalf. You must visit a DMV office in person.

Scammers often charge $100 to $300 and promise to "file your name change" or "submit your process" without you visiting the DMV. They may send you to a fake website that looks like dmv.ca.gov but has a slightly different web address. They may also ask for your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information and use it for identity theft.

The only official California DMV website is dmv.ca.gov. If you are unsure whether a service is legitimate, call the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133 and ask. Never pay a third party to do something you can do yourself at the DMV.

Name changes and your vehicle registration

Changing your name on your driver's license does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must update your registration separately through the DMV. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office.

To update your vehicle registration by mail, send a completed process for Title or Registration (Form REG 343) along with your current registration card and proof of your name change to the DMV address shown on your registration. Processing takes two to three weeks.

To update online, visit dmv.ca.gov and select "Register a Vehicle" or "Update Registration." You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number. The fee for updating your registration is $26.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name at the DMV without a court order?

No. The DMV requires an official legal document proving your name change. A court order is the most common, but a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or naturalization certificate also work. A letter from you or a notarized statement is not enough.

How long does it take to get my new license or ID card in the mail?

Your new card arrives within two to three weeks of your visit. You receive a temporary paper license or ID valid for 60 days while you wait. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.

Do I need to renew my license or ID if I am only changing my name?

No. If your license or ID is not expiring soon, you only pay the replacement fee ($39 or $32). If your license or ID expires within the next six months, the DMV may issue a new card valid for the full renewal period at no extra cost.

What if I changed my name years ago but never updated my license?

You can still update it now. Bring your current license and the original legal document that proves your name change (court order, marriage certificate, etc.). If you no longer have the original, request a certified copy from the court or vital records office.

Can I change my name online or by mail?

No. You must visit a DMV office in person. You cannot change your name through the DMV website, by phone, or by mail. You can make an appointment online to reduce wait time, but you must appear in person with your documents.