How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Wyoming
A Wyoming driver’s license name change procedure can only be processed after you request a name change with the Social Security Administration (SSA). After filing with the SSA, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will verify your newly amended Social Security card and allow you to change your name on a driving license.
Furthermore, a change of name on a driving license may require you to submit additional documents depending on your unique circumstances, such as in the case that the WYDOT needs to verify your citizenship or legal residency. To learn more about how to change your name on a driver’s license in Wyoming, refer to the following sections.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Wyoming Driver’s License
The process to change a name on a driving license in Wyoming may be important to various motorists for a number of reasons. Ultimately, the predominant reason for a change of name on a driving license is marriage. Thus, a name change is typically requested by an individual after he or she is legally married.
Overall, changing your name after getting married is not a legal requirement. However, this procedure has historically been a cultural switch that signals to family, friends and the community that two individuals have decided to unite as one family under one surname.
Motorists may request a WY driver’s license name change for other reasons. For instance, transgender residents often choose a different name than the one given to them at birth. Moreover, certain individuals have always disliked the names they were given, and feel the need to request a name change as adults. Whatever your reason for changing your name on a driver’s license is, this process is generally considered easy to accomplish.
Wyoming Driver’s License Name Change Time Limits
According to Wyoming state laws, licensed motorists must promptly request a change of name on a driving license after changing their names on other official documents. As a general rule, the WYDOT requires motorists to apply for a name change on a driver’s license in person or by mail, and within 10 days after an official change of name took place.
Furthermore, it is important to note that while the WYDOT can accept mailed-in name change notifications in order to update its database, applicants cannot obtain a new hard copy of their licenses by mail. Thus, motorists must visit a local WYDOT office in order to finalize their Wyoming DMV name change procedures.
How to Change Your Name with the Social Security Administration
Because the Wyoming Department of Transportation will not recognize a driver’s license name change until a change of name is processed by the Social Security Administration, you must update your name with the SSA first.
Before applying for a change of name on driving license credentials, you may request your name change with the SSA in person or by mail. This is a free service and requires that you submit appropriate name change documents, along with your photo ID and an application form.
Because of the 10-day time limit to request a driver’s license name change, it is imperative to apply for your updated Social Security card as soon as possible after your name change occurs. This will give the SSA enough time to update their database and notify WYDOT before you appear in person to obtain your DMV name change at the driver exam office.
How to Change Your Name on Your Driver’s License in Person
To obtain a name change on a driving license in Wyoming, you may apply in person at any local WYDOT branch. Before issuing your official name change, the WYDOT agent will ask you to surrender your current license, which displays your former name.
Additional documentation for changing your name on a driving license may include a certificate of marriage, a decree of divorce indicating that you are taking your maiden name back, or any other legal verification signed by a judge indicating a court-ordered change of name. Moreover, the WYDOT will verify your new name and date of birth with the SSA. You will only receive a change of name on a driving license card if the SSA’s records of your new name and date of birth match the information you presented to the WYDOT.
After verifying that you have met all of the aforementioned requirements, the WYDOT will issue your driver’s license name change. You will have a new driver’s license photo taken, and will be asked to provide the department with your new signature as well, just as you would for another license replacement or renewal. After undergoing a name change procedure, be mindful that your newly issued license will be valid for 4 years.
Moreover, you will not have to submit another change of name on driving license application when you renew, unless you have undergone another legal name change.
How to Change Your Name on Your Driver’s License by Mail
If you are interested in requesting a change of name on a driving license, be mindful that you will not be able to obtain your new license immediately. However, you are able to write to the WYDOT and mail your change of information to the department in order to meet the 10-day submission deadline.
Note: You must still appear in person at a WYDOT branch in order to obtain a new card bearing your new name, photo and signature.
Wyoming DMV Name Change Fees
Changing your name on driving license credentials in Wyoming costs the same as other types of license replacements. Furthermore, the new license reflecting the name change procedure will be mailed out and arrive within 4 weeks. The fee is $10 to replace your driver’s license.
Drivers License Name Change Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Driver License from WY.us
- Lost/Renewal from WY.us