Vermont DMV Name Change (Driver's License)

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

Bring the following to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

• Original or certified copy of marriage license/certificate (or civil union certificate, or court order showing new name)
• Completed Name/Address Change Form (DMV form #VL-021, per the DMV name-change page, checked 2026-08)
• Updated Social Security Administration record reflecting new name (required before DMV can process a REAL ID-compliant license/ID)
• Current Vermont driver's license or ID card
• Valid photo ID or other proof of identity if also updating voter registration for the first time

REAL ID note: Vermont law requires you to notify the DMV within 30 days of a name change (per the DMV's own page, checked 2026-08). For REAL ID-compliant licenses/IDs, Vermont DMV must verify name and date of birth via Social Security Online Verification (SSOLV); you must update your record with the Social Security Administration before DMV can process the name change.

The Vermont fee to update your license is typically about $29 (confirm with the agency). This change generally must be done in person. You can confirm the current requirements on the official Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) page.

Mind the clock: Vermont asks you to update your license within 30 days of your legal name change, so don't park this step for later.

Many Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations let you skip the line by booking ahead: book a Vermont appointment.