Name Change California

In California, How Do I Change My Name?

A quick guide to changing your name with the California DMV is provided below:

• Visit the DMV office that is closest to you.
• Driver's License or Identification Card Application' should be completed.
• Bring the necessary paperwork to prove your legal name change.
• Present your previous driver's license to them.
• For a new license, pay the $41 fee.

More information on how to change your name on your Social Security card, California driver's license or ID card, and the title and registration of your car can be found in the following paragraphs.

The Social Security Administration: How Do I Change My Name?

You must first inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your name change before changing it at the California DMV.

This can be accomplished in person or by mail. Please be aware that changing your name online is not possible.

The SSA can change your name in the following ways:

• Application for a Social Security Card (form SS-5) should be completed.
• Bring proof of your legal name change, such as your marriage license, divorce judgment.
• Name change mandated by the court.
• resent identification documentation using either your:
  • US driving permit.
  • American passport.
  • Present evidence of your U.S. citizenship along with:
  • American birth certificate.
  • citizenship certificate.
• Verify that all documents are either certified copies or originals. For a comprehensive list of accepted documents, go to the SSA website.

You can mail these documents or deliver them in person to your neighborhood SSA office. After processing your name change, they will send your documents back.

Your new Social Security card will arrive in the mail from the SSA. Your Social Security number won't change, so keep that in mind.

How Can I Change My Name on My California ID Card or Driver's License?

You must obtain a new card with your new name on it in person if you want to have your California driver's license or ID changed.

You must first change your name with the SSA (see "How Do I Change My Name with the Social Security Administration?" section) before proceeding. You can verify your name, birthdate, and Social Security number with the California DMV.

Keep in mind that if you change your name on your California identification card or driver's license, it won't change on your vehicle records. Instructions on how to do this can be found in the section titled "Changing Your Name on Your California Vehicle Title/Registration". When you change your ID card or driver's license, be sure to update your title and registration information as well.

There are additional documents needed (details below) for people with commercial driver's licenses (CDLs).

Regular driver's license or identification card

Visit your neighborhood California DMV office, change your name on your ID or driver's license, and:

• Fill out a "Application for Driver's License or Identification Card".
• By calling (800) 777-0133, you can either pick up the form in person at the DMV or have it mailed to you.
• Bring your legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate, in original or certified copy, divorce petition, court mandate.
• Your thumbprint, please.
• Take a picture of yourself.
• Give them your previous California identification card or license.
• Pay the fee (see the section below on "Costs to Change Your Name in California").

Within 60 days, you ought to receive your new California ID card or driver's license via mail. They will issue you a temporary license or ID card receipt in the interim.

License for Commercial Vehicles (CDL):

Visit your nearby California DMV office if you're changing your name on your CDL, and then:

• 'Commercial Driver License Application' should be filled out.
• By calling (800) 777-0133, you can either pick up the form in person at the DMV office or have it mailed to you.
• '10 Year History Record Check' form (DL 939) must be completed.
• 'Medical Certificate Card' (MCSA-5876) should be presented.
• Bring your legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate, in original or certified copy. Divorce petition, court mandate.
• Your thumbprint, please.
• Take a picture of yourself.
• Give them your previous CDL from California.
• Pay the necessary fee (see the section below on "Costs to Change Your Name in California").

How Can I Update My Name on My California Vehicle Registration and Title?

Once your name has been legally changed, you must also update the information on your vehicle's title and registration. You have the option of doing this in person or by mail. Changes can't be made online, which is unfortunate. If you don't specifically request one, you won't receive a new title or registration card for your car.

If you don't have your original vehicle title, you'll need to apply for a duplicate one and pay the associated fee before you can update your name in California DMV records.

Your new name will require the following:

• A copy of the original title to your car, with your new name listed above your old name. In the absence of the original title, you will require:
  • Your passport or another ID card (such as a military, government, student, or employee ID) and your California driver's license or identification card, OR your out-of-state driver's license or identification card.
• A completed "Statement of Facts" form (REG 256), including the "Name Statement" section.

You must also submit the following if you need a duplicate title with your new name because you don't have your original.

• "Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title" form (REG 227), fully filled out.
• The $23 duplicate title fee has been paid.

These papers can be delivered in person to your neighborhood California DMV office or mailed to:

Vehicle Registration Operations
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269.

Follow the directions on our "Replacing a Lost Registration in California" page to get an updated registration card with your new name on it.

How Much Does It Cost in California to Change Your Name?

In California, changing your name on DMV records is cost-free. Only if you want to replace your California driver's license, ID card, vehicle registration, or title certificate will you be required to pay a fee.

The following are the fees:

• All driving permits: $41.
• ID card: $35 (for those younger than 62).
• Free ID card for people 62 and older.
• $10 for a reduced-cost ID card.
• Title certificate: $23.

Methods of Payment Accepted:

You may pay in person at the California DMV using:

• Cash.
• Check.
• Cashier's check.
• Debit or ATM cards.

You must use a check or money order if you're sending your payment by mail. Credit cards are not accepted for in-person or mail-order purchases.

How Do I Modify My California Address?

If you recently moved, you have 10 days to notify the California DMV of your new address.

Please visit our page on "Changing Your Address in California" for more details on this subject.

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