Massachusetts Driver's License Name Change After Marriage

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

Bring the following to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV):

• Certified marriage certificate (proof of legal name change)
• Current Massachusetts driver's license or ID card
• Proof of Social Security Number (SSA card, W-2, or 1099)
• Completed RMV license/ID application form
• Proof of residency (only if address also changed)

REAL ID note: Name change requests must be completed in person at an RMV Service Center by appointment; online/phone options only cover address changes, not name changes. For a REAL ID where the current name doesn't match lawful presence documents, you must prove the legal name change with an acceptable document. For a Standard (non-REAL) ID, name may be changed with no documentation absent fraud.

The Massachusetts fee to update your license is typically $25 (Driver's License/ID Amendment Fee). This change generally must be done in person. You can confirm the current requirements on the official Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) page.

Many Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) locations let you skip the line by booking ahead: book a Massachusetts appointment.