Washington DMV Name Change (Driver's License)

Before you visit the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), you must update Social Security and then wait 24–48 hours for their systems to sync. Most DMVs check your new name against SSA data electronically, so if you go too soon you can be rejected. Start with the free Washington SS-5 step.

Bring the following to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL):

• Certified copy of marriage certificate (county-auditor copy if recently married, or state DOH copy)
• Updated Social Security card / confirmation that SSA records reflect new name
• Current Washington driver's license or ID card
• Proof of Washington residency (for REAL ID compliant credentials)
• Payment for the $20 name-change fee

REAL ID note: Must first update your name with the Social Security Administration and wait for it to reflect in SSA records before DOL can process the name change; notify DOL within 10 days per RCW 46.20.205. In-person visit required (appointment recommended); a new photo is taken.

The Washington fee to update your license is typically about $20 (confirm with the agency). This change generally must be done in person. You can confirm the current requirements on the official Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) page. To see how Washington compares with every other state, use our name change fee table.

Mind the clock: Washington asks you to update your license within 10 days of your legal name change, so don't park this step for later. The law: RCW 46.20.205.

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