Change your name in California
The exact steps, documents, and official California links to change your name after marriage or divorce, in the correct order.
DMV / license agency
California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)License update fee
$37 license / $40 ID (change of info)
Marriage certificate
California Department of Public Health, Vital Records (CDPH-VR)Voter deadline
Register/update online or by mail at least 15 days before an election. Within 15 days of an election (including on Election Day), you must use Same Day Voter Registration in person at your county elections office or a polling/vote center.
Instructions verified August 2026 against official California government sites. How we verify
Book a DMV appointmentWhat California asks you to bring
Documents for the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Certified copy of marriage certificate showing new name
- Updated Social Security card/record (change with SSA before visiting DMV)
- Current California driver's license or ID card
- Proof of true full name (marriage certificate suffices for non-REAL ID)
- For REAL ID upgrade: proof of identity + SSN + two proofs of CA residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
Online or in person
California handles part of the license name change online, but not all of it. A visit to California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required.
REAL ID in California
For a REAL ID-compliant card you must also provide proof of identity, your Social Security Number, and two proofs of California residency; for a standard (non-REAL ID) card you need only provide proof of your true full name.
Updating your California voter registration
California lets you update your registration online. Register/update online or by mail at least 15 days before an election. Within 15 days of an election (including on Election Day), you must use Same Day Voter Registration in person at your county elections office or a polling/vote center.
Update your registrationCalifornia step-by-step guides
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