Changing Your Name

On a Driver's License or ID Card

There are plenty of reasons why you'd have to change your name: marriage, divorce, legal name change, adoption, etc. If you need to change the name on your driver's license or ID card, you'll have to change it with Social Security first.

The DMV has to see the name change in the Social Security system before processing the transaction. Visit Social Security Online for more information about that process.

After you've done this, take the following steps:

• Go to any DMV office.

• Bring your current driver's license or ID card.

• Bring proof of name change. The most common documents are marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court-ordered papers.

• Pay the $6.50 fee.

The DMV allows you to show other forms of identification besides your driver's license and proof of name change. Instead, you can present an affidavit of name change, which is available at any DMV office. Have the affidavit notarized and present it with two documents as proof of name change (new Social Security card, valid voter registration card, U.S. passport, etc).

On a Registration

Go to a DMV office with your new or temporary license, title, proof of insurance and acceptable proof of your new name. The DMV will ask you to fill out an application, but you can always download and complete it ahead of time. Fees for the name change are $5 for registration and $25 for title, along with a required $1.50 technology fee.

On a Title

It's easier to change your name on a title, because you can act as both seller and buyer in a transaction. In other words, you can actually sign the title from your old name to your new name. Sign and print your old name under the space entitled, "seller," and then sign and print your new name under "buyer." Note: you can only do this if you're in possession of the title, and if you have the original title.