Maryland DMV Name Change (Driver's License)

Most states need 24–48 hours for the Social Security sync, but Maryland's own guidance asks for at least 72 hours after your SSA update before you visit the MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Go earlier and the records won't match yet, and you'll be sent home. Start with the free Maryland SS-5 step.

Bring the following to the MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA):

• Certified copy of marriage certificate (or divorce decree/court order), original/certified, not a photocopy
• Updated Social Security card / proof of SSA name change (update SSA first, wait 72 hours)
• Current Maryland driver's license or state ID
• Proof of Maryland residency (required for REAL ID-compliant credential)
• Completed MVA name/address change request (form used at branch visit)

REAL ID note: Bring proof of Social Security Administration name update (update SSA first and wait at least 72 hours before your MVA appointment); a certified marriage certificate or other certified name-change document is required, photocopies not accepted; if upgrading to REAL ID additional proof of residency/identity documents may be requested.

The Maryland fee to update your license is typically about $30 (confirm with the agency). This change generally must be done in person. You can confirm the current requirements on the official MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) page. To see how Maryland compares with every other state, use our name change fee table.

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