Name Change on Driver’s License in California

1. What documents do I need to bring to change my name on my Driver’s License in California?


In order to change your name on your Driver’s License in California, you will need to bring an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, court document or other paperwork from the Social Security Administration showing the name change. You will also need to bring proof of identification and California residency such as your current California Driver’s License, passport, or birth certificate.

2. How do I change my name on my Driver’s License in California?


In order to change your name on your California Driver’s License, you must first visit a California DMV office and bring with you either a valid U.S. passport card, U.S. military ID card, or an original or certified copy of a document such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court-ordered name change document that proves your name change. You will also need to provide two documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate, passport or Social Security card. After submitting the required documents and paying the applicable fee, you will be issued a new driver’s license with your new name.

3. How long does it take for a name change to be reflected on my Driver’s License in California?


A name change on a California driver’s license can typically take up to 10 business days after the DMV receives the updated documentation.

4. Is there an additional fee for changing my name on my Driver’s License in California?


Yes, there is an additional fee to change your name on your Driver’s License in California. The fee is currently $29.

5. How can I update my signature after changing my name on my Driver’s License in California?


In California, you must visit a DMV office and update your name on your Driver’s License. Once your name is changed, you can also update your signature on the license. To do this, you should fill out an application form and provide proof of your identity, such as your birth certificate or a valid passport. After submitting the form, you will be given a new Driver’s License with your updated signature.

6. What is the process for changing my name on my Driver’s License if I’ve moved out of California?


In most states, you can change your name on your driver’s license by submitting an application, along with proof of your new name, to your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. You will typically need to provide a certified copy of your marriage license, court order or other document that shows the name change. You may also need to provide your old driver’s license and other forms of identification, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card. Depending on the state, you may need to pay a fee for the application.

7. Can I add a middle name to my Driver’s License in California?


Yes, you can add a middle name to your driver’s license in California. You will need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and submit the necessary documents. These documents can include proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of your identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), and two documents that prove your address (such as a utility bill or bank statement). There is usually a fee associated with making changes to your driver’s license.

8. What if I am unable to visit the DMV to change my name on my Driver’s License in California?


If you are unable to visit the DMV to change your name on your Driver’s License in California, you can submit a Name Change Request by mail. You must include a copy of your current Driver’s License, a completed Name Change Request form, and a copy of your court order or marriage certificate. Once the DMV receives and processes your request, they will issue you a new Driver’s License with the new name.

9. How soon can I start using my newly updated Driver’s License with my new name in California?


In California, you can start using your newly updated driver’s license with your new name as soon as you receive it. However, if you are traveling or need to use your license to verify your identity, you may want to wait a few days to make sure all information is updated in DMV systems.

10. Can I mail in a request to change my name on my Driver’s License in California?


Yes, you can mail in a request to change your name on your Driver’s License in California. You must complete a DL 44 form, which is available online, and mail it to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In addition to the completed form, you must also include proof of your legal name change, such as a court or marriage certificate, and the required fee.

11. Can I change the spelling of my first or last name on my Driver’s License in California?


Yes. You can apply for an amended driver’s license with the corrected name at your local California Department of Motor Vehicles office.

12. What happens if I need to renew or replace my Driver’s License before the name change is reflected in California?


If you need to renew or replace your driver’s license before your name change is reflected in California, you may use your current driver’s license with the name it is issued under. You must also provide a certified copy of the court order granting the name change.

13. How can I update information on my Driver’s License if I have an out-of-state license but live in California?


If you have an out-of-state driver’s license but live in California, you can update the information on your driver’s license by visiting the California Department of Motor Vehicle’s website and applying for an “Out-of-State to California” transfer. You will need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement, and you may need to provide additional documents, such as your birth certificate or Social Security card. After the DMV processes your application, you will receive a new California driver’s license in the mail.

14. Do I need to update any other documents after changing my name on my Driver’s License in California?


Yes. After changing your name on your driver’s license in California, you will need to update other important documents such as your Social Security card, bank accounts, credit cards, passport, and any other government-issued identification cards.

15. Is a notarized copy of a marriage certificate or court order required to change a name on a Driver’s License in California?


Yes, a notarized copy of a marriage certificate or court order is required to change a name on a Driver’s License in California.

16. Are there any age restrictions when changing a name on a Driver’s License in California?


Yes, there are age restrictions when changing a name on a Driver’s License in California. To change the name on a Driver’s License, you must be at least 18 years old.

17. Are there any additional requirements for international students changing their names on driver’s licenses in California?


Yes, international students must present their passport, visa, or other valid immigration document to verify their legal name and date of birth. They may also be required to submit a secondary form of identification, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card, to establish proof of identity. Additionally, the student must provide proof of residency in California (such as a utility bill or rental agreement) and any other required documents.

18. What are the restrictions for changing a minor’s name on a driver’s license in California?


In California, a minor’s name on a driver’s license can only be changed if it is changed legally on the minor’s official birth certificate or other government-issued document. The name change must also be accompanied by a certified copy of the document containing the legal name change. Additionally, any name change must be approved by a court or governmental agency.

19. Can I change the gender marker on my driver’s license if I have changed my name in California?


Yes. In California, you can update your gender marker or name on your driver’s license by submitting the appropriate forms to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV requires a court order or court-ordered name change document in order to update your gender marker. There are also additional forms and documents that may be required depending on the specific circumstances of your request.

20. Do I need an appointment to update the address and/or gender marker on the driver’s license after changing the name in California?


Yes, an appointment is typically necessary to update the address and/or gender marker on a driver’s license after changing the name in California. Appointments may be scheduled at the local DMV office or online.