Change your name in Michigan
The exact steps, documents, and official Michigan links to change your name after marriage or divorce, in the correct order.
DMV / license agency
Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State)License update fee
$9 (operator license; $18 chauffeur)
Marriage certificate
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), Vital RecordsVoter deadline
Register or update online or by mail up to 15 days before an election; in person through Election Day with proof of residency.
Instructions verified August 2026 against official Michigan government sites. How we verify
Book a DMV appointmentWhat Michigan asks you to bring
Documents for the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State)
- Certified copy of your marriage certificate
- Your current Michigan driver's license or state ID
- Proof your Social Security record is updated (wait 24–48h after SSA)
- Proof of Michigan residency for a REAL ID
Online or in person
Michigan does not accept the license name change online. A visit to Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) is required.
REAL ID in Michigan
Update your name with the Social Security Administration first, then visit a Secretary of State branch in person.
Updating your Michigan voter registration
Michigan lets you update your registration online. Register or update online or by mail up to 15 days before an election; in person through Election Day with proof of residency.
Update your registrationMichigan step-by-step guides
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