How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Oklahoma
An Oklahoma drivers license name change is required when motorists in the state have a legal alteration to their name. Drivers can face many life changes that demand a DMV name change as well as a modification to other government documents such as their Social Security card. It is important for residents to notify both federal and state governments if their name is changed legal so their identifying documents can reflect the change.
However, residents cannot change name on driving license records first, as there are other legal documents that must be altered first. The state mandates that drivers update their name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first. After updating your SSA records, you must notify the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) of your plan edit driving records. Keep reading the sections below to learn more about how to change name on drivers license records in Oklahoma, including the fees involved and the name-change methods available.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Oklahoma Drivers License
The most common reason for a change of name on drivers license documents is marriage or the dissolution of a union. After a marriage, a divorce or an annulment, drivers often wish to change their surname. Brides usually initiate changing name on drivers license cards after taking on their spouse’s last name. If a bride plans to use her maiden name as a middle name, then this must be printed on the marriage certificate.
It is becoming increasingly common for couples create a new surname from some combination of their existing last names. Whatever legal name is reflected on the marriage license or divorce decree needs to exactly match the new name appearing on Social Security and DMV documents.
Residents may also need to alter their records follows adoption, transgender name changes and taking on a new name for professional or religious reasons. Whether the legal name change is due to marriage, divorce, adoption or another reason, Oklahoma drivers must promptly change name on driving license documents to reflect the accurate new name.
Oklahoma Drivers License Name Change Time Limits
Oklahoma state law requires licensed drivers to notify the DPS of an impending name change on drivers license records within 10 days of any legal name change. Because you must take care of your SSA name change before requesting a DMV name change, do not delay in filing these changes with the appropriate agencies. Failing to update your OK DPS records could result in missing out on valuable driving notifications in the future, such as license renewals.
How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration
Motorists needing a name change on drivers license should first submit a name change request with the Social Security Administration. This can be accomplished in person or by mail and the service is always free of charge. The SSA will request documents that link together the two names associated with the name change. You must also provide your valid OK drivers license or state-issued identification card to prove your identity.
In some cases of changing your name on driving license or Social Security card, you may be asked to prove your current U.S. citizenship or provide a record of lawful noncitizen status. All applicants must complete and print an application for a Social Security card and submit it to the SSA along with supporting documents. These supporting documents must legally verify your new name. Examples include a marriage certificate, divorce or adoption decree, certificate of naturalization or a court-ordered name change.
Online Drivers License Name Changes
The Oklahoma DPS does not currently permit licensed drivers to obtain an OK drivers license name change online. However, you may schedule drivers license appointments online and conduct other driver-related business electronically.
How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person
When filing a change of name on driving license records in person at your local tag agent or DPS location, you must provide the Oklahoma DPS with your old and new names. The new name should exactly match the spelling and form entered on your SSA and DMV name change documents. Submit the applicable documents from the following list:
- Primary ID, usually a state-certified birth certificate
- Secondary ID, usually your updated Social Security card
- Certified marriage certificate
- Official divorce, adoption or name change decree
When couples in a common law marriage are changing on drivers license records in OK, they must submit an affidavit of common law marriage that includes the notarized signatures of the husband and the wife.
How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License by Mail
Oklahoma drivers must notify the DPS in writing of any plan to change name on drivers license records within 10 days of the name change happening. This DMV name change announcement may be delivered in person, as detailed above, or mailed to the DPS at the following address:
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Driver License Services PO Box 11415 Oklahoma City, OK 73136-0415
Oklahoma DMV Name Change Fees
When issuing a new drivers license to reflect a DMV name change, the OK DPS charges a $25 fee for the replacement drivers license with the new name. If notifying the DPS of your drivers license name change by mail, then include a check or money order for the exact payment amount. If paying in person, then most locations accept checks, money orders, cash and credit cards.
Sources
- Name Change from OK.gov