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Name Change in Wisconsin

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Legally changed your name in Wisconsin—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 Wisconsin license isn't automatic. After a marriage, divorce, or court-ordered name change, you'll usually update Social Security first, then your driver's license, vehicle title, and registration—each with its own proof and fee. Start with the steps below, then check the list of everything else to update.

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How to Change Your Name in Wisconsin

Summary: How to Change Your Name in Wisconsin

To change your name on your Wisconsin driver’s license/ID card, vehicle registration, and title certificate, you'll need to submit various documents to the DMV in person. You'll need proof of your name change, payment for replacement documents, and other documents.

This page gives you all the information you need to change your name on your Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records and obtain updated documents.

Change Your Name with the SSA

The first thing you should do after you change your name, is update the Social Security Administration (SSA). You will need to do this BEFORE updating your WI DMV documents.

Submit the following documents to the SSA either by mail or in person:

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

Visit the SSA website for a list of documents you will need to submit. Make sure you choose “Corrected" as the type of card, and choose your citizenship status.

Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive an updated Social Security card (with your new name) in the mail within about 14 business days.

WI Driver's License/ID Card Name Change

NOTE: Before changing your name on your Wisconsin driver's license or ID card, you must first update your Social Security card (see above).

To change your name on your WI driver's license or identification card, visit your local WI DMV office and:

Complete a Driver License Application (Form MV3001) or a Identification Card Application (Form MV3004).
Provide proof of your name change, such as your:
- Marriage certificate (original/certified copy).
- Record of divorce (certified).
- Court order (certified)
- U.S. passport showing your new name. Applicants that present a U.S. passport in their new name are not required to provide any other documents.

You may also be asked to provide proof of your:

Name and birth date, such as your:
- U.S. passport or foreign passport with current visa and I-94.
- U.S. birth certificate.
- Military ID card.
Wisconsin residency, such as your:
- Paycheck.
- Utility bills.
- Rental agreement.
Legal U.S. status, such as your:
- U.S. citizenship certificate.
- Foreign passport, U.S. visa, and I-94.
- Permanent resident card.

Surrender your current WI driver's license or ID card.
Pay the fee:
- Driver's license: $14.
- ID card: $16.

Car Title & Registration Name Change

When you have a name change, it's optional to have it changed on your certificate of title and registration. If you choose to obtain updated documents, you'll need to first update your name on your WI driver’s license (see above).

Once your WI driver's license shows your new name, you can request updated vehicle documents.

You can request a new title online, by mail or in person.

Online

In order to request a replacement title with your new name online you will need:

To be an owner of the vehicle (businesses cannot replace a title online).
Your date of birth.
A valid email address.
Your full name, or your Wisconsin driver license or identification card number.
The last four digits of your social security number.
The vehicle identification number (VIN).
A valid credit or debit card or the Automated Clearing House (ACH).*

The WI DMV accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. You can also use the ACH payment from your checking or savings account.

Your credit or debit card will be charged a convenience fee and a $20 application fee. ACH payments are only charged the $20 application fee.

In Person or by Mail

Your current title certificate (or other ownership documents).
Proof of identity such as your driver license or identification card with your new name (required for in person application). If you do not have your proof of identify the DMV will mail the title to the vehicle owner or lien holder
Payment:
- $20 duplicate title fee.
- $5 per vehicle counter fee (in person).
- Convenience fee when using debit or credit cards.

NOTE: If there is a lien on your vehicle, your updated certificate of title will be sent to the lien holder. You will receive a Confirmation of Ownership. If someone other than the owner or leinholder applies for the duplicate title, the person applying must proof of their identity and a Permission to Pick Up Title (Form MV2932). This form can be downloaded on the WI website.

Fees to Change Your Name in WI

To change your name on your Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) documents, you will need to pay the following fees:

Driver's license: $14.
ID card: $16.
Certificate of title:
- $20 title fee.
- Convenience fee when using debit or credit cards.
- $5 per vehicle counter fee (in person).

WI DMV offices accept payment by:

Cash.
Check.
Most debit cards.
MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards.

If you are sending payment by mail, payment should be made by check or money order. Contact the WI DMV to confirm.

Change Your Wisconsin Address

If you move to another residence in Wisconsin, you must notify the DMV within 10 days. You can do this either:

By phone.
By mail.
OR
Online.

If you own a vehicle, you will also need to change your address with the United States Postal Service.

Complete instructions and more information can be found on our Change of Address in Wisconsin page.

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 OfficeMost name changes are done in person—find your nearest office and hours.

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 my name on my driver's license?

After a legal name change from marriage, divorce, or a court order, most states require you to update your driver's license in person at the DMV, often within 10 to 30 days. Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name, your current license, and—in most states—proof that you've already updated Social Security.

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

Usually yes. Most state DMVs require your name to match Social Security Administration records first. Update your name with the SSA for free using Form SS-5 at ssa.gov, then bring the confirmation to the DMV to update your license and registration.

What documents do I need to change my name at the DMV?

Typically a certified copy of the legal document that changed your name—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—plus your current license, proof of identity, and often updated Social Security documentation. Exact requirements vary by state.

How much does it cost to change your name on your license and registration?

Fees vary by state. Many charge a duplicate or amendment fee, often 10 to 40 dollars, to reissue your license, plus a separate fee to update your vehicle title and registration. Your state's page lists the exact amounts.

Do I need to update my car title and registration after a name change?

Yes. Your vehicle title and registration should match your legal name. Most states let you update them during the same DMV visit—bring the same proof of your name change and expect a title amendment fee.