Name Change in Delaware
Changing your name on your Delaware license isn't automatic. After a marriage, divorce, or court-ordered name change, you'll update Social Security first, then your driver's license, vehicle title, and registration. The Delaware steps below show exactly what to bring and in what order—then work through the list of everything else to update.
How to Change Your Name in Delaware
Summary: How to Change Your Name in Delaware
To change your name on your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and certificate of title, you'll FIRST need to change your name on your Social Security card. Afterwards, visit the Delaware DMV office in person. You'll need to provide proof of your name change, as well as payment for duplicate documents showing your new name.
Learn how to change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) below.
Change Your Name with the SSA
Before you can change your name with the Delaware DMV, you must update your records with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and obtain a new Social Security card showing your new name.
To do this, take or mail the following documents to your local SSA office:
- Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
- Proof of your:
- Name change (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).
- U.S. citizenship (if not currently on file) OR lawful U.S. presence.
- Identity (e.g. driver's license, passport, ID card).
For a complete list of required documents, visit the SSA website. You will receive a new Social Security card in the mail showing your new name.
Driver's License/ID Card Name Change
After you've changed your name, you have 30 days to change your name with the Delaware DMV. You can do this once you've received your updated Social Security card that has your new name on it.
To change your name on your DE driver's license or ID card, visit your local DE DMV office in person with:
- Your current driver's license or ID card.
- An original or certified copy of a document proving your name change, such as your:
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce decree.
- Court order.
- Your updated Social Security card.
- Payment for the ;$10 fee.
You will need to have your photo taken and provide a new signature. The Delaware DMV will issue you an updated driver's license or ID card showing your new name.
DE Registration & Title Name Change
To change your name on your vehicle registration and certificate of title, visit your local Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person and:
- Provide your current certificate of title (see below if you have a lien on your vehicle) and registration card.
- Show proof of your car insurance.
- Present your DE driver's license with your new name OR proof of your name change (e.g. marriage certificate, court order, divorce decree).
- Payment for the $35 fee.
If you have a lien on your vehicle, you'll need to send a completed Request of Title from Lienholder to DMV (Form MV35 ) to the lien holder. Once the DMV has received the certificate of title from the lien holder, they will notify you by mail. Follow the instructions you receive to change your name on your title certificate.
Fees to Change Your Name in DE
To change your name on your driver's license and vehicle documents, you'll need to pay the following fees:
- Driver's license: $10.
- Vehicle registration and title certificate: $35.
Delaware DMV offices accept payment by:
- Cash.
- Check.
- Money order.
- VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit/debit card.
Change Your Delaware Address
If you change address in Delaware, the DMV requires you to notify them within 30 days of your move. For more information, visit our Change of Address in Delaware page.
Related DMV tasks
Changing your name touches more than your license. Here's what else to update—we've linked our full guides.
Don't forget these after your name change:
✓Social Security—update this FIRST at ssa.gov (Form SS-5, free) so your DMV records match.
✓U.S. passport—update with the U.S. State Department if you travel.
✓Car insurance & banks—update your policy, cards, and accounts.
✓Employer & IRS—update payroll and tax records with your new legal name.
