How to Change Your Name on Your Driver's License or ID Card

What You Need to Do to Change Your Name at the DMV

To change the name on your driver's license or state ID card, you will need to visit your state's DMV office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Most states require you to bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your new name. The DMV will not process a name change by mail or online — you must appear at a local office, though some states let you schedule an appointment ahead of time to reduce wait time.

The exact documents required and the fee (if any) vary by state. Some states charge $15 to $50 for a replacement license with a new name; others include it in your regular renewal fee. A few states waive the fee for name changes due to marriage or court order. You will leave with either a temporary paper license or a new physical card, depending on your state's process.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DMV office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
The DMV will not accept name changes by phone, mail, or online in any state.
Fees range from nothing to $50 depending on your state and the reason for the change.
Processing time is usually same-day for the temporary document, though your permanent card may take two to four weeks to arrive by mail.
If you are changing your name due to marriage, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Gather Your Documents Before You Go

Start by collecting the document that proves your name change. If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name through a court, you will need the original or a certified copy of that document. A certified copy means a copy stamped and signed by the court clerk or vital records office — a photocopy you made yourself will not work.

For a marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For a divorce or legal name change, bring the court order or decree. Some states also accept a certified copy of a birth certificate if your name was changed at birth. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of acceptable documents, as some states have additional requirements or accept documents others do not.

You will also need your current driver's license or state ID card. If you have lost it, you will need to report it lost or stolen before explore for the name change — this is a separate step at the DMV. Bring a second form of identification as well, such as a passport, military ID, or Social Security card, in case the DMV staff need to verify your identity.

Complete the Name Change process

At the DMV office, you will fill out an process form for a replacement license or ID card. In most states, this is a single form — often called a Driver's License process or process for State ID — with a section for your new name. Some DMVs have a separate form specifically for name changes; ask the staff when you arrive.

The form asks for your current name, your new name, your date of birth, address, and other identifying information. You will sign the form in front of the DMV staff member. Do not sign it before you arrive at the office — the DMV requires your signature to be witnessed. If you are unsure how to fill out the form, DMV staff can walk you through it, though they cannot tell you whether your documents are acceptable until they review them in person.

Pay the Fee and Receive Your Temporary Document

Once your process and documents are approved, you will pay the fee if your state charges one. The cost varies: some states charge $15 to $25 for a replacement license, others charge $40 to $50, and a few charge nothing for name changes due to marriage or court order. Ask the staff what payment methods they accept — most DMVs take cash, debit, and credit cards, but some take only cash.

After payment, you will receive a temporary paper license or ID card valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on your state. This temporary document has your new name and can be used for most purposes while you wait for your permanent card. Your permanent card will be mailed to the address on file, usually within two to four weeks. If you move before it arrives, contact the DMV to update your address so the card reaches you.

Name Changes Due to Marriage

If you are changing your name because you married, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. Some states do not require a court order for a marriage-based name change — the marriage certificate alone is enough. However, a few states still require you to have legally changed your name through a court petition even if you married, so check your state's rules first.

The process is the same as any other name change: visit the DMV in person, fill out the process, show your marriage certificate, and pay the fee if charged. Some states waive the fee for marriage-related name changes or include it in your renewal fee if your license is expiring soon. If you are changing your name and renewing your license at the same time, ask whether you can do both in one visit — many states allow this and may charge only one fee.

Name Changes Due to Divorce or Legal Order

If you are changing your name because of a divorce, bring your certified copy of the divorce decree or final judgment. The decree must show your new name clearly. If the court order does not specify your new name but gives you the right to resume a former name, bring both the divorce decree and a certified copy of your birth certificate or marriage certificate showing that former name.

For a legal name change ordered by a court (not related to marriage or divorce), bring the certified copy of the court order. The order must be from a court in your state or, if from another state, must be recognized by your state's DMV. If you are unsure whether your out-of-state order will be accepted, call your DMV before you visit. The process and fee process are the same as for any name change.

What Happens If Your Documents Are Not Accepted

If the DMV staff tell you your documents do not meet their requirements, ask what is missing. Common reasons for rejection include a photocopy instead of a certified copy, a document that does not clearly show your new name, or a document from outside your state that your state does not recognize. If the problem is a photocopy, you can usually get a certified copy from the court clerk or vital records office and return to the DMV another day.

If your document is from another state, contact your state's DMV to ask whether it will be accepted. Some states have reciprocal agreements and will honor name changes from other states; others require you to go through a legal name change in your current state even if you already changed your name elsewhere. This can mean filing a petition in court, which takes several weeks and may involve a small fee. The DMV staff cannot waive this requirement, but they can tell you which court to contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Every state requires proof of a legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV cannot change your name based on your word alone or on a document you created yourself. If you have not yet legally changed your name, you will need to do that through a court or by marriage first.

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

Most states mail your new license within two to four weeks of your visit. A few states take up to six weeks. You can use your temporary paper license during this time. If your card does not arrive within the timeframe your state gave you, contact the DMV to check the status.

Do I have to renew my license at the same time I change my name?

No, you can change your name at any time during your license's validity. However, if your license is expiring soon, you may save money by renewing and changing your name in one visit — many states charge only one fee. Ask the DMV staff whether combining these transactions would save you money.

What if I changed my name in another state and now live in this state?

You will need to update your license in your new state. Bring your current out-of-state license and the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Your new state's DMV will review whether they recognize the name change. If they do, you can update your license. If they do not, you may need to go through a legal name change in your new state.

Can I change my name on my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support order?

Most states will still issue you a new license with your new name even if you have outstanding tickets or other legal issues. However, some states flag your record and may require you to resolve certain issues first. Call your state's DMV before you visit to ask whether any holds on your record will prevent you from getting a new license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.