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.
To see how Michigan's license fee compares with every other state, use our name change fee table.
Instructions verified August 2026 against official Michigan government sites. How we verify
DMV appointment optionsWhat 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
Sources
We checked the details on this page against the official sources below in August 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm anything you are about to act on at the agency's own page. The legal citations were last re-read against their sources in October 2026. How we verify.
- State agencyMichigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), Vital Records: certified copies
- State agencyMichigan Department of State (Secretary of State): name change on a license or ID
- State agencyMichigan Department of State (Secretary of State): appointments
- State agencyMichigan official voter registration page
- The lawMCL 168.497Register by mail or online until the 15th day before an election; in person afterward.
- FederalSocial Security Administration: change your name
- FederalSocial Security Administration: Form SS-5
- FederalU.S. Department of State: change or correct a passport
NameWright is not a government agency and this is not legal advice. We prepare your paperwork; you file it.
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