Iowa DMV Name Change (Driver's License)

Before you visit the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), Motor Vehicle Division, 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 Iowa SS-5 step.

Bring the following to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), Motor Vehicle Division:

• Certified copy of marriage certificate (or court order) showing the name change
• Updated Social Security card reflecting new name (recommended to update with SSA before visiting Iowa DOT)
• Current Iowa driver's license or ID card
• Proof of Iowa residency, e.g. two documents such as a utility bill, bank statement, or postmarked mail (especially for REAL ID)
• Payment for the $10 name-change fee

REAL ID note: Applicants changing their name should update their Social Security card first, as the Iowa DOT may verify the name change with SSA; for REAL ID-compliant credentials additional proof of Iowa residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement) is required. Only certified documents are accepted, no photocopies or faxes.

The Iowa fee to update your license is typically about $10 (confirm with the agency). This change generally must be done in person. You can confirm the current requirements on the official Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), Motor Vehicle Division page. To see how Iowa compares with every other state, use our name change fee table.

Iowa requires an appointment for a name change, so book one before you go: Iowa appointment options.