How to Change Your Name on Your New Jersey License or ID
To change your name on your New Jersey driver's license or ID card, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. New Jersey does not allow name changes by mail or online. The MVC will issue you a new license or ID card with your updated name, and you can request it be mailed to you or pick it up at the office the same day if you pay an expedited fee.
The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, but you need to bring the right documents. Most people complete the transaction in one visit, though processing times for mailed cards vary by volume.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVC office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change — no online or mail-in name changes are available.
- Acceptable proof of name change includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or civil union dissolution document.
- The standard fee for a name change on a license or non-driver ID is $24.50, plus an additional $5 if you want the card mailed to you instead of picked up same-day.
- You can find your nearest MVC office and check wait times on the New Jersey MVC website before you go.
What Documents You Need to Bring
You must bring your current New Jersey driver's license or ID card and one document that proves your legal name change. The MVC accepts a court order changing your name, a certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree, or a certified civil union dissolution document. The document must be an official certified copy — a photocopy or uncertified version will not be accepted.
You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your name and date of birth, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Bring your current address proof as well if your address has changed since you got your license. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your name and current address.
MVC Office Locations and How to Schedule
New Jersey has 19 MVC offices across the state. You can visit any office regardless of where you live or where your license was issued. The offices are located in Newark, Trenton, Atlantic City, Paterson, Vineland, Freehold, Lodi, Randolph, Lakewood, Toms River, Flemington, Hackensack, Jersey City, Paramus, Clifton, Kearny, Secaucus, Eatontown, and Brick.
You do not need an appointment to change your name on your license, but the MVC recommends checking wait times on its website before you go. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online through the MVC website if you prefer a reserved time slot, which may reduce your wait.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours on certain days. A few offices have Saturday hours. Check the MVC website for the specific hours of your nearest office.
Fees and How to Pay
The fee for a name change on a New Jersey driver's license is $24.50. If you want the new license mailed to you instead of picking it up at the office, add $5 for postage. The total cost is either $24.50 (if you pick up same-day) or $29.50 (if you request mail delivery).
The MVC accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices. You cannot pay by check or money order. If you pick up your card the same day, you will receive it before you leave the office. If you request mail delivery, your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
What Happens After You Submit Your Documents
Once you hand over your documents and pay the fee, an MVC employee will verify your proof of name change and enter your new name into the system. They will take a new photo if your current license photo is more than five years old, or use your existing photo if it is recent. You will review the information on your new license before it is printed.
If you chose same-day pickup, your new license will be printed and ready within a few minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. If you chose mail delivery, the MVC will mail your card to the address on file. You can update your address at the office if it has changed since your last license renewal.
Your old license becomes invalid once you receive your new one. You do not need to return the old license to the MVC, but you should destroy it or keep it for your records.
Name Changes for Non-Driver ID Cards
If you have a New Jersey non-driver ID card instead of a license, the process is identical. You visit an MVC office with your current ID card and proof of your legal name change, pay $24.50 (or $29.50 with mail delivery), and receive your new card. Non-driver ID cards are used by people who do not drive but need a state-issued photo ID for identification purposes.
The same documents that prove a name change for a license work for a non-driver ID: a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or civil union dissolution document. The same fee applies, and the same office locations and hours are available.
If Your Name Change Document Is From Another State
If your legal name change was finalized in another state, you can still use that document at a New Jersey MVC office. The document must be a certified copy and must clearly show your old name, new name, and the date the change became effective. The MVC will accept court orders, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and civil union dissolution documents from any U.S. state.
If your document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. The MVC will not accept a document without an English translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license by mail or online?
No. New Jersey requires you to visit an MVC office in person to change your name on your license or ID card. You cannot complete this transaction by mail, phone, or online.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the county clerk's office in the county where the marriage or divorce was finalized and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25. You can often order certified copies online or by mail from the county clerk.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I go to the MVC?
No, but it is a good idea to do so first. If your Social Security records still show your old name, the MVC may flag a mismatch. You can change your name with Social Security at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.
How long does it take to receive my new license if I request mail delivery?
The MVC typically mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your office visit. Delivery time depends on your location and mail volume. If you need your license faster, pick it up at the office the same day.
Can someone else pick up my new license for me?
If you chose same-day pickup, you must pick up your license in person. If you chose mail delivery, the MVC will mail it to the address you provide, and anyone at that address can receive it.