District of Columbia DMV Name Change (Driver's License)

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. Most DMVs check your new name against SSA data electronically, so if you go too soon you can 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. To see how District of Columbia compares with every other state, use our name change fee table.

Booking ahead can save you a wait at many District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) locations: District of Columbia appointment options.