Name Change in Virginia
SUMMARY: How to Change Your Name in Virginia
If you've recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or other court order, you'll need to update your information with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). You'll also need to order replacement documents, including your driver’s license and car registration documents.
Change Your Name with the SSA
Before you can change your name with the VA DMV, you'll need to first change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The DMV verifies your details with the SSA, so you must complete this step first.
You must change your name with the SSA either by mail or in person. You will need:
- A completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
- Proof of your change of name, such as your:
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce decree.
- Court order.
- Proof of your identity, such as your:
- Driver's license.
- U.S. passport (unexpired).
- ID card.
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship, such as your:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- Valid U.S. passport.
All documents must be originals or certified copies. See the SSA website for a complete list of accepted documents.
Submit the above documents to the SSA either in person or by mail. Your documents will be returned once your details have been updated.
You will receive a new Social Security card in the mail within 14 business days. You will have the same Social Security number (SSN).
VA Driver's License & ID Card Name Changes
To change your name on your Virginia driver's license or ID card, you will need to visit your local VA DMV office in person with:
- A completed Driver’s License and Identification Card Application (Form DL 1P).
- Proof of your name change, such as your original:
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce decree.
- Court order.
- Your VA driver's license or ID card. If you don't have this, you'll need alternative proof of identity.
Once the Virginia DMV has updated your records, you'll need to apply for a replacement driver's license/ID showing your new name. For more information, see our Replacing a Driver’s License and Identification Cards in Virginia pages.
Vehicle Title/Registration Name Change
To change your name on your car registration and title documents, you'll need to first update your VA driver's license records (see “ VA Drivers License & ID Card Name Changes" above).
To order a replacement registration card, follow the instructions on our Replacing a Lost Registration page. You can either order a replacement in person or online.
To obtain a replacement certificate of title showing your new name, you'll need to submit the following in person to the VA DMV:
- A completed Supplemental and Transfer Liens or Replacement and Substitute Titles (Form VSA 66).
- Proof of your name change.
- Your current title certificate.
- Payment for the $15 fee.
More information, see our Replacing a Lost Title in Virginia page.
Fees to Change Your Name in Virginia
When you change your name with the Virginia DMV, you'll need to pay the following fees for updated documents:
- Driver's license: $20.
- Learner's permit: $2.
- ID card: $10.
- Registration card: $2.
- Online transaction: Free.
- Certificate of title: $15.
Accepted Payment Methods
The Virginia DMV accepts payment by:
- Cash.
- Check/e-check.
- Money order.
- Discover, MasterCard, VISA, and American Express debit/credit card.
Changing Your Virginia Address
If you've changed your address in Virginia, the DMV requires that you update your information within 30 days of the move.
You can change your address either online, by phone, by mail, or in person at your local Virginia DMV office. For more information, visit our page about changing your Virginia address.
