How to Change Your Name at the DMV
Steps
- Update Social Security first.
- How long to wait depends on your state.
- Bring original or certified proof of the name change.
- Many states require an office visit, but some allow mail for some cards (for example, an eligible NY Standard license).
Update Social Security first, bring original or certified proof, then check your state's fee and deadline.
Forms and where to start: Social Security, change your name with SSA. North Carolina, a notarized DL-101, which NCDMV says comes from a DMV office. California, the DMV online application, which you finish at a DMV field office. For the other states, see the table below. Checked 10/19/2026.
This page explains the general steps and links to official driver-license pages for the states it covers. Fees, deadlines and document lists change; the official page for your state is the final word.
Free guides, plus an optional tool that copies what you type onto blank official forms you choose. How the tool works
Step order: Social Security, wait, then the DMV
This is the order to update your agencies for a driver's license or state ID.
Step 1: Update Social Security
SSA says you may be able to request the change online; if not, make an appointment at a local Social Security office (ssa.gov: change your name). The replacement card is free and arrives 5–10 business days after SSA completes the request (ssa.gov: replace your card). See our Social Security guide.
Step 2: Wait before the DMV visit
How long to wait depends on your state. North Carolina's rule: NCDMV says to make the Social Security change at least 24–36 hours before your visit, and it verifies the change through SSOLV (NCDMV: name changes). That is NC's rule only, not a national rule; check your state's page.
Step 3: Update your license or ID
Visit your state's licensing office, or use a mail option if your state offers one and you are eligible. See online or by mail and the state table.
What to bring
A general list. Your state's checklist is the source for what it asks for.
- Current license or ID. The driver's license or state ID you are updating.
- Original or certified proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, a divorce decree that restores the name, or a court order.
- Originals, not photocopies, in some states. Texas requires an original or certified copy and accepts no photocopies (Texas DPS); New Jersey asks for original or certified documents with seals (NJ MVC).
See also documents needed for a name change and the name change checklist.
Can I do it online or by mail?
- Most states in the table require a visit.
- NY: Standard license by mail on MV-44NC if eligible (name already changed with Social Security, SSN on file with DMV, no CDL/CLP, no other changes). REAL ID or Enhanced requires an office visit with MV-44. Source: NY DMV.
Where to go and what to bring, by state
This table covers 5 states: New Jersey, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas and California. Each entry quotes or summarizes that state's official page, linked in the cell, checked 10/19/2026. Other states are not listed yet; we add a state only after checking its official page.
| State | Where to go | What to bring |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (NJ) | "Any MVC Licensing Center on a walk-in basis"; "You do not need an appointment" for a name change. Source: NJ MVC name change and NJ MVC agency services, checked 10/19/2026. | Your "6 points" documents and legal proof such as a "certified marriage or civil union certificate, a divorce decree or a court order". Documents "must be original or certified copies". Source: NJ MVC, checked 10/19/2026. |
| Georgia (GA) | "In person at a DDS Customer Service Center." Source: Georgia DDS driver's manual, checked 10/19/2026. | A "certified copy of a marriage license application (if the marriage occurred in Georgia), marriage license, state-issued marriage certificate, or court-ordered name change". Source: Georgia DDS driver's manual, checked 10/19/2026. |
| North Carolina (NC) | A "driver license office". NCDMV says to visit Social Security "at least 24-36 hours" before changing your name with NCDMV. Source: NCDMV, checked 10/19/2026. | Proof such as a "certified marriage license or certificate, divorce decree or document from the courts or Register of Deeds", plus a "notarized DL-101" from a DMV office. Source: NCDMV, checked 10/19/2026. |
| Texas (TX) | "Any driver license office within 30 days of the change." Source: Texas DPS, checked 10/19/2026. | One document such as a marriage license, divorce decree, annulment or "certified court order". It must be an "original or certified copy"; "No photocopies can be accepted." Source: Texas DPS, checked 10/19/2026. |
| California (CA) | Start with the DMV "online application", then finish at a "field office": "make an appointment" or go "without an appointment". Source: California DMV, checked 10/19/2026. | Your "current DL/ID and proof documents". For a non-REAL ID card, "proof of your true full name"; for a REAL ID, proof of identity, your Social Security number and "two proofs of California residency". Source: California DMV, checked 10/19/2026. |
For the other costs of a name change, see name change cost or estimate your total.
State guides
REAL ID
REAL ID enforcement began May 7, 2025 (tsa.gov/realid). If you also want a REAL ID, you may be able to do the upgrade in the same visit as the name change; your state's document checklist is the source for what to bring.
Vehicle title and registration
Ask your state; it is often a separate form. In North Carolina, NCDMV lists the Corrected or Substitute Title Application (MVR-5) (NCDMV).
Common mistakes
- Bringing photocopies. Some states ask for originals or certified copies. Texas accepts no photocopies (Texas DPS); New Jersey asks for original or certified documents with seals (NJ MVC).
- Skipping Social Security. Update Social Security first. In North Carolina, NCDMV says at least 24–36 hours before your visit (NCDMV).
- Assuming there is never a mail option. Most states in the table require a visit, but New York allows an eligible Standard license name change by mail on MV-44NC (NY DMV). Check your state's page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to change your name on a driver's license?
Each state sets its own fee. Georgia allows one free name or address change during the term of your original license (Georgia DDS). Checked 10/19/2026. Check your state's page for the current fee.
Does the DMV charge for a name change?
It depends on the state. Georgia: one free name or address change during the original license term (Georgia DDS). Checked 10/19/2026. Check your state's page for the current fee.
Can I change my name on my license online or by mail?
Most states in the table require an office visit. New York allows a Standard license name change by mail on form MV-44NC if you are eligible (name already changed with Social Security, SSN on file with DMV, no CDL/CLP, no other changes). REAL ID or Enhanced requires an office visit with form MV-44 (NY DMV).
Do I have to go in person? Do I need an appointment?
In most states in the table you visit an office. New Jersey: walk-in at any Licensing Center, no appointment (NJ MVC). Georgia: in person at a DDS Customer Service Center (Georgia DDS). California: field office, by appointment or walk-in (California DMV). Check your state's page.
What documents do I bring? Is there a form?
Bring your current license or ID and original or certified proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree that restores the name, or court order). Forms differ by state: New York uses MV-44NC by mail or MV-44 at an office (NY DMV); North Carolina asks for a notarized DL-101 (NCDMV). Check your state's page for the full list.
Do I update Social Security first, and how long do I wait?
Yes, update Social Security first. SSA says you may be able to request the change online; if not, make an appointment at a local office (SSA). How long to wait before the DMV visit depends on your state. North Carolina says at least 24–36 hours after the Social Security change (NCDMV); that is NC's rule, not a national one.
Is there a deadline?
Some states set one. Texas: within 30 days of the change (Texas DPS). Georgia: within 60 days of the name change (Georgia DDS). North Carolina: within 60 days (NCDMV). Checked 10/19/2026. Check your state's page.
Official sources
Last checked 10/19/2026. Fees, deadlines and document lists change; the official page for your state is the final word.
- Change your name with Social Security (Social Security Administration)
- Replace your Social Security card (Social Security Administration)
- How to change your name and what government agencies to notify (USAGov)
- Change information on DMV photo documents (New York DMV)
- Name change (New Jersey MVC)
- Agency services (walk-in) (New Jersey MVC)
- How do I update my license, ID or permit (Georgia DDS)
- License FAQs (Georgia DDS)
- Name changes (NCDMV)
- License and ID replacement (NCDMV)
- Driver's Manual, Section 4 (continued): name change (Georgia DDS)
- Online application for a driver license or ID card (California DMV)
- MVR-5: Corrected or Substitute Title Application (NCDMV)
- How to change information on your driver license or ID card (Texas DPS)
- Updating information on your driver license or ID card (California DMV)
- REAL ID (TSA)
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Last checked 10/19/2026 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy