Name Change in Washington DC

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Legally changed your name in Washington DC—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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC

SUMMARY: How to Change Your Name in Washington, D.C.

To change your name on your D.C. driver’s license/ID card, car title, and registration, you'll need to visit your local DMV office in person. You'll need to show proof of your name change, pay the replacement fee, and show any other required documents.

Continue reading this page to find how to change your name on your Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (D.C. DMV) documents.

Change Your Name with the SSA

If you have a REAL ID driver's license or ID card in Washington, D.C., you'll need to first change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You will need to submit the following documents to the SSA either in person or by mail:

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

Your updated Social Security card will arrive in the mail in about 14 business days after processing.

NOTE: A complete list of documents required for a corrected Social Security card can be found on the SSA website.

D.C. Driver's License/ID Card Name Change

To change your name on your Washington, D.C. driver's license or ID card, you'll need to visit your local D.C. DMV office in person with:

Proof of your name change, such as your:
- Marriage certificate (certified).
- Divorce decree.
- Court order.
Your current D.C. driver's license/ID card.
Payment for the duplicate card fee.

NOTE: If you have a REAL ID driver's license or ID card, you must have already updated your name with the SSA (see above).

If you have a limited purpose driver's license/ID card (not a REAL ID), you will also need to provide:

Proof of your identity, such as your:
- Valid U.S. passport.
- Valid foreign passport with visa and I-94.
- U.S. citizenship certificate.
Proof of your Social Security number (SSN), such as your:
- Updated Social Security card.
- Pay statement.
- 1099 form.
2 documents proving your D.C. residency. Each document must be from a different company, business, or agency such as:
- Utility bill from within the last 60 days.
- Rental agreement.
- Telephone bill issued within the last 60 days.

You will be issued a REAL ID driver's license/ID card showing your new name.

Car Title & Registration Name Change

To change your name on your D.C. certificate of title, you'll need to visit your local D.C. DMV office and submit:

Proof of your name change (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).
A completed Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application (Form DMV-CTA-001).
Your current D.C. driver's license.
A document identifying your vehicle (e.g. registration, certificate of title number, tag number).
Payment for the replacement title and registration card fee.

Your replacement certificate of title will be mailed to you within 10 business days.

Visit our following pages for more information about replacing your vehicle documents:

Fees to Change Your Name in D.C.

To change your name on your Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (D.C. DMV) documents, you will need to pay the following fees:

Driver's license: $20.
ID card: $20.
Registration card: $20.
Title certificate: $26.

Change Your Washington, D.C. Address

If you change your address in Washington, D.C., you must update the DMV within 60 calendar days. You can do this either:

Online.
By mail.
OR
In person.

See our Change of Address page for more 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 Washington DC driver's license?

Update Social Security first, then bring your certified name-change document and your current license to the Washington DC DMV. The steps above lay out exactly what Washington DC 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 Washington DC steps above show where it fits and what to bring next.

What documents do I need to change my name in Washington DC?

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

How much does it cost to change your name in Washington DC?

It depends on what gets reissued—your license or ID, and your vehicle title and registration. The Washington DC 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 Washington DC requires.