District of Columbia Driver's License Name Change After Marriage

Before you visit the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV), you must update Social Security and then wait 24–48 hours for their systems to sync. District of Columbia verifies your new name against SSA data in real time, so if you go too soon you'll be rejected. Start with the free District of Columbia SS-5 step.

Bring the following to the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV):

• Current DC driver's license, learner permit, or non-driver ID card (original, no photocopies)
• Certified marriage certificate showing the name change (original, no photocopies/scans)
• Proof of updated Social Security Administration record (required first if credential is REAL ID)
• Additional original proof of identity, SSN, and DC residency documents (required only if current credential is NOT already a REAL ID)

REAL ID note: If the credential is a REAL ID (has the star), you must update your name with the Social Security Administration BEFORE visiting DC DMV. Non-REAL ID holders must bring additional original source documents proving identity, SSN, and DC residency.

The District of Columbia fee to update your license is typically about $20 (confirm with the agency). This change generally must be done in person. You can confirm the current requirements on the official District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) page.

Many District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) locations let you skip the line by booking ahead: book a District of Columbia appointment.