Change your name in Delaware
The exact steps, documents, and official Delaware links to change your name after marriage or divorce, in the correct order.
DMV / license agency
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)License update fee
Standard duplicate/replacement license fee applies (exact amount not published on this page; contact DMV at 302-744-2506)
Marriage certificate
Delaware Office of Vital Statistics, Division of Public Health (Jesse S. Cooper Building, Dover)Voter deadline
Registration/update deadline is the fourth Saturday before an election, 11:59 p.m. (e.g., 2026 Primary: Aug 22, 2026; 2026 General: Oct 10, 2026). Updates can also be made online at ivote.de.gov, by mail, phone, in person, or at the polling place on Election Day.
Instructions verified August 2026 against official Delaware government sites. How we verify
What Delaware asks you to bring
Documents for the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Current driver license or state ID
- Original or certified copy of marriage certificate (or divorce decree/legal name change document)
- Proof from the Social Security Administration confirming the name change (update SSA records first, wait 48-72 hours)
- Payment for license replacement fee
Online or in person
Delaware does not accept the license name change online. A visit to Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required.
REAL ID in Delaware
Must update Social Security Administration records first and wait 48-72 hours before visiting DMV; bring current license, certified marriage certificate/divorce decree/legal name change document, and SSA proof of update. Must be done within 30 days of legal name change, in person at one of four DMV offices (Wilmington, New Castle, Dover, Georgetown).
Ordering your Delaware marriage certificate
Certified marriage certificates ($25/copy, payable to Office of Vital Statistics) can be ordered in person at three county offices (New Castle, Kent, Sussex), by mail, or online via third-party vendors GoCertificates.com or VitalChek (additional fees apply for online orders).
Delaware Office of Vital Statistics, Division of Public Health (Jesse S. Cooper Building, Dover)Updating your Delaware voter registration
Delaware lets you update your registration online. Registration/update deadline is the fourth Saturday before an election, 11:59 p.m. (e.g., 2026 Primary: Aug 22, 2026; 2026 General: Oct 10, 2026). Updates can also be made online at ivote.de.gov, by mail, phone, in person, or at the polling place on Election Day.
Update your registrationDelaware step-by-step guides
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