What you need to do to change your name on your driver's license
To change your name on your driver's license, you must visit your state's DMV in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. The DMV will not process a name change by mail, phone, or online in any state. You will receive a new license with your updated name, and in most states you can choose whether to keep your current license number or receive a new one.
The process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes at the DMV counter, but the time to receive your new license in the mail varies by state — typically 7 to 21 days. Some states issue a temporary paper license on the spot so you have proof of your new name while you wait for the plastic card.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a DMV office with your current license and legal proof of your name change — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree depending on your situation.
- Every state requires you to bring the original or certified copy of your name change document; photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
- Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 21 days depending on your state, though some states issue a temporary license when ready.
- Some states charge a fee for a name change on your license, while others include it in a standard renewal fee or charge nothing.
- If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, the document proving that change is what the DMV needs — not a birth certificate.
What documents to bring to the DMV
Bring your current driver's license and the original or certified copy of the document that proves your legal name change. The DMV will not accept photocopies, scanned images, or photos of documents — only originals or certified copies issued by the court, vital records office, or other government body.
The document you need depends on how your name changed. If you married, bring your marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring your divorce decree or final judgment showing your new name. If you changed your name through a court petition, bring the court order. If you are changing your name due to a name change judgment in your state, bring that order.
You will also need a second form of identification if your current license is expired or if the DMV in your state requires it. A passport, state ID card, or birth certificate usually works. Check your state's DMV website for the specific list before you go.
Fees and processing time by state
| Situation | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Fee for name change | Ranges from $0 to $25 depending on your state. Some states charge nothing; others charge a standard license replacement fee. A few charge a separate name change fee. |
| Processing time | 7 to 21 days by mail in most states. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee ($10 to $30). A few states issue a temporary license at the counter. |
| License number | Most states keep your current number. A few states issue a new number when you change your name. Ask the DMV clerk which applies to you. |
| Temporary proof | Some states print a temporary paper license on the spot. Others do not. If you need proof of your new name before the card arrives, ask whether a temporary is available. |
Your state's DMV website lists the exact fee and processing time. Call your local DMV office if the website does not specify, because some counties process faster than others.
When to change your name on your license
Change your name on your license as soon as possible after your legal name change takes effect. If you are married, divorced, or received a court order, your name change is official on the date the court or vital records office issues the document — not the date you receive it in the mail.
Driving with a license that does not match your legal name can create problems. Police may question the mismatch during a traffic stop. Banks, insurance companies, and rental car agencies may refuse to accept your license as proof of identity. Some states allow a grace period of 30 to 60 days after your name change before you must update your license, but it is safer to do it right away.
If your license is expiring soon, you may be able to renew and change your name at the same time. Some states combine these into one transaction; others require you to change your name first, then renew later. Ask the DMV which process applies to you.
What happens if you do not have the original document
If you lost your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can request a certified copy from the issuing office. For a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. For a court name change order, contact the court clerk in the county where the petition was filed.
Requesting a certified copy usually takes 5 to 10 business days and costs $10 to $30. Some vital records offices and courts offer rush processing for an additional fee. You can often request a copy by mail, phone, or online, though some offices require you to appear in person.
Do not go to the DMV without the document. The DMV cannot issue a new license with a different name without proof, and you will waste a trip.
Changing your name on other documents at the same time
Your driver's license is one of many documents that will need to show your new name. While you are at the DMV, you do not need to change anything else — but you will need to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, Social Security Administration, and the IRS separately.
The Social Security Administration does not require you to update your name with them before you update your driver's license, but doing so first can make the DMV process smoother. You can update your name with Social Security by visiting a local office with your birth certificate, marriage certificate or divorce decree, and proof of citizenship. This takes about 10 minutes and is free.
After you receive your new license, use it to update your name with your bank, insurance company, employer, and any other organization that has your information on file. Keep your old license until you receive the new one in case you need proof of identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license online or by mail?
No. Every state requires you to appear in person at a DMV office with your current license and proof of your legal name change. You cannot complete a name change remotely.
What if my name change document is from another country?
You will need an English translation of the document certified by a translator. Some DMVs accept translations; others require you to have the document officially translated by a court-certified translator. Contact your state DMV before you go to confirm what they will accept.
Do I have to change my license number when I change my name?
Most states keep your current license number. A few states issue a new number. Ask the DMV clerk at the counter — they can tell you what your state does before you complete the transaction.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
7 to 21 days depending on your state. Some states offer expedited mail for $10 to $30 extra. A few states issue a temporary paper license at the counter so you have proof of your new name when ready.
What if I changed my name but do not have a marriage certificate or court order yet?
Wait until you receive the official document before you go to the DMV. The DMV will not process a name change without proof. You can request a certified copy from the vital records office or court clerk while you wait for your original.