Name Change in West Virginia

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Legally changed your name in West Virginia—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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia

Summary: How to Change Your Name in West Virginia

To change your name on your WV driver’s license/ID card, car registration, and title certificate, you'll need to visit your local DMV office in person. You'll need to provide proof of your name change, payment for duplicate documents, and other required documents.

Continue reading this page to learn more about how to change your name with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Change Your Name with the SSA

Before you update your name on your driver's license and vehicle documents, update the Social Security Administration (SSA) first.

To change your name with the SSA and receive a new Social Security card, you'll need:

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

NOTE: See the SSA website for a list of required documents for a corrected Social Security card. Your requirements will differ depending on whether you are a U.S. citizenship or not.

Submit all of the documents above to the Social Security Administration either by mail or in person.

You should receive your updated Social Security card in the mail within 14 business days after your application is processed.

WV Driver's License/ID Card Name Change

To change your name on your West Virginia driver's license or ID card, you'll need to visit your local WV DMV office in person. You will need to submit:

Proof of your name change, such as your:
- Certified marriage certificate.
- Court order.
- Certified divorce decree.
Proof of your identity, such as your:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- Valid U.S. passport.
- Permanent resident card.
2 documents proving your address (if it has changed), such as your:
- Utility bill.
- WV voter registration card.
- Rental agreement.
Proof of your Social Security number (for a REAL ID card), such as your:
- Social Security card.
- Pay stub.
- 1099 form.
A completed Application for a Driver’s License or Photo ID Card (Form DMV-DS-23P).
Payment for the required fee.

You will be given a temporary driver's license before you leave the DMV office. You will receive your WV driver's license/ID card in the mail within 15 business days.

Car Registration & Title Name Change

While you're at the WV DMV office changing your name on your driver's license, you may be able to update your car registration and title documents at the same time.

You'll likely need:

Proof of your name change (e.g. court order, divorce decree, marriage certificate).
Your current WV driver's license or other proof of your identity.
Your current certificate of title.
Your current registration document.
Payment for duplicate document fees.

For more information about how to apply for replacement documents, visit our following pages:

Fees to Change Your Name in WV

For updated documents showing your new name, you'll need to pay the following DMV fees:

Driver's license: $7.50.
- A REAL ID card will cost an additional $10.
Registration card: $10.
Certificate of title: $15.

Contact the West Virginia DMV directly to confirm the fees you'll need to pay and what methods of payment they accept.

Change Your West Virginia Address

If you change your address in West Virginia, you must notify the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 20 days of your move.

You will need to submit your change of address in writing and provide documents to prove your new residence.

See our Change of Address in West Virginia page for instructions.

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 West Virginia driver's license?

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

What documents do I need to change my name in West Virginia?

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

How much does it cost to change your name in West Virginia?

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