Change Your Name on Your Credential

Social Security Administration: Before you go to the driver license office to change your name, the change must already be recorded with the Social Security Administration if you have a Social Security number. It takes about 24-48 hours for the Social Security Administration to process name changes. You must also provide one of the required name change documents below that matches the name on your Social Security card.

First Time Credential (including out of state transfers): Make sure your name is consistent—If your documents or prior Colorado credentials have different names (e.g., marriage, divorce, or court order name change), you must bring additional documents showing all name changes. Full legal names are required on all documents. If your passport and/or license/ID uses only an initial for a name, you will be asked to provide additional documentation to confirm your full legal name.  For a list of acceptable documents, see the next tab. Click here for more information about being New to Colorado.

Appointment Needed: To change your name, you must make an appointment to visit a driver license office. Click here for the DMV's Appointment Scheduling webpage. 

NOTE: If you already have a Colorado driver license or ID and need to change your name, you should pick the Driver License Renewal appointment option.

Proof of Address: In addition to the acceptable proof of name change documents listed below, you will need to bring proof of your physical address if:

• You are temporarily lawfully present; or
• You are non-lawfully present; or
• You are changing your type of credential

Click here for more information about required documents. 

DMV Notification Requirement: If you choose to change your name because of marriage, divorce, civil union, or a similar legal change, you must renew your credential with the new name within 30 days of the name change.

You can only change your name to the name reflected on one of the required documents below:

• A certified marriage certificate (from a city, county, state, U.S. territory, or another country, but foreign ones must be translated into English). Church documents are not accepted.
• A certified civil union certificate. (From a city, county, state, or US territory)
• A certified tribal court marriage certificate with a file registration number and Bureau of Indian Affairs seal with the tribal name
• A certified divorce decree with a case number and official signature (from a city, county, state, or US territory). The name restoration must be specifically stated in that decree.
• A certified legal separation document signed by a judge with the name restored.
• A certified court order of name change. (From a city, county, state, or US territory)
• A certified U.S. birth certificate. (From a city, county, state, or US territory)
• Updated USCIS documents( Certified of Citizenship, Certified Certificate of Naturalization, Resident Card)
• Employment Authorization Card, Passport and I-94 or Passport and I-797.  
• For Non-Lawful Presence: Current Passport or Consular Card from your country of origin. (Marriage Certificates and Certified Court order name change cannot be used.)

What is a certified document?  A certified document is a copy of an original document verified as an accurate reproduction by a qualified person or authority (a notary is NOT a qualified person/authority). These documents generally have a raised/embossed seal.

Name change documents must be in English or translated into English. You are responsible for paying for any translation costs. The original and translated documents must be presented at the office. To be accepted, the translated document must have the following affirmation typed or electronically printed on the same page as the translation, not on separate pieces of paper.

“I, [insert translator’s full name], affirm that the foregoing is a complete and accurate translation from [insert foreign language] to the English language to the best of my ability. I further affirm that I am fully competent to translate from [insert foreign language] to the English language and that I am proficient in both languages.”

The translated document must also include the number and state of issuance of the translator’s unexpired driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card. The applicant’s permanent motor vehicle record will include all translated documents and information. Applicants are responsible for all costs of translation.

To update your name on your vehicle title or registration, please visit your local county motor vehicle office.