Name Change in South Dakota

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Legally changed your name in South Dakota—after marriage, divorce, or a court order? Update your driver's license, registration, and Social Security record. Here's exactly how, plus ask Sam.

Changing your name on your South Dakota 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 South Dakota steps below show exactly what to bring and in what order—then work through the list of everything else to update.

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How to Change Your Name in South Dakota

Summary: How to Change Your Name in South Dakota

To change your name on your South Dakota driver’s license/ID card, and vehicle documents, you'll need to visit your local DPS office in person. Prior to this, you should change your name with the Social Security Administration. At the DPS, you'll need to provide proof of your name change as well as other documents to prove your identity. You'll also need to pay appropriate fees for updated documents, such as a new driver's license or registration certificate.

Follow the instructions on this page to update your name on your South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) documents.

Change Your Name with the SSA

If you've just been divorced, gotten married, or changed your name for any other reason, you'll need to update the Social Security Administration (SSA). Do this first.

You will need to submit the following documents to the SSA either in person or by mail:

Proof of your:
- Identity (e.g. driver's license, ID card, passport).
- U.S. citizenship OR immigration status (e.g. U.S. birth certificate, U.S. citizenship certificate, I-94 and employment visa).
- Name change (e.g. court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree).
A completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).

Once the SSA has processed your application, you should receive your updated Social Security card in the mail within 14 business days.

For more information and a list of required documents, visit the SSA website.

SD Driver's License/ID Card Name Change

To change your name on your South Dakota driver's license or ID card, you'll need to visit your local DPS office in person and:

Show proof of your name change, such as your:
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce decree.
- Official court order.
Show proof of your identity, date of birth, and lawful status in the U.S., such as your:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- U.S. citizenship certificate.
- Valid employment authorization card.
Show proof of your Social Security number (SSN), such as your:
- Social Security card.
- W-2 form.
- Pay stub (showing both your name and SSN).
Show 2 documents proving your SD address, such as your:
- Utility bill.
- Rental receipt.
- Bank statement.
Pay the $20 fee.

A complete list of required documents can be found on the SD DPS website.

Car Registration & Title Name Change

Once you've updated your South Dakota driver's license with the Department of Public Safety (DPS), you can request an updated certificate of title and car registration showing your new name from the SD DMV.

Contact the South Dakota DMV directly for specific instructions. You will likely need to visit your local SD DMV office in person and submit:

Proof of your name change.
Your current title certificate.
Your current registration document.
Payment for duplicate documents.

For more information about applying for duplicate documents, visit our following pages:

Fees to Change Your Name in SD

To change your name on your SD DPS and DMV documents, you will need to pay the following fees:

Driver's license/ID card: $20.
Title: $10.

If you have any questions about fees, including accepted payment methods, contact:

The SD DPS: For driver's license and ID card information.
The South Dakota DMV: For motor vehicle (title and registration) information.

Changing your name touches more than your license. Here's what else to update—we've linked our full guides.

Change of AddressMoved too? Update your address on your license, registration, and title.

Driver's License & IDRenew, replace, or update the details on your license or state ID.

REAL IDGetting a REAL ID? Make sure your name matches across every document.

Voter RegistrationRe-register or update your name on the voter rolls.

Find a DMV OfficeFind your nearest office, hours, and appointment options.

DMV FormsName-change and duplicate-license forms, all in one place.

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.

Name Change FAQs

How do I change the name on my South Dakota driver's license?

Update Social Security first, then bring your certified name-change document and your current license to the South Dakota DMV. The steps above lay out exactly what South Dakota asks for, in order.

Do I have to change my name with Social Security before the DMV?

Start there. It's a federal update—Form SS-5 is free and your Social Security number never changes. The South Dakota steps above show where it fits and what to bring next.

What documents do I need to change my name in South Dakota?

A certified copy of whatever changed your name—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—plus your current license and proof of identity. The South Dakota document list above is the one to work from.

How much does it cost to change your name in South Dakota?

It depends on what gets reissued—your license or ID, and your vehicle title and registration. The South Dakota steps above cover each one.

Do I need to update my car title and registration too?

Yes—your title and registration should match your legal name. The vehicle section above covers what South Dakota requires.