The request for a driver’s license name change in Virginia is processed by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Moreover, this is a fairly straightforward procedure, granted that an applicant is able to gather the correct information and collect the appropriate documents. Overall, the change of a name on a driving license is important because, after altering your legal name, all of your documents must reflect that change. Thus, you may run into trouble if your driving credentials cannot be verified across government institutions.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, before you change your name on a driving license, you must file a request with the Social Security Administration (SSA). In the sections below, you will find useful information about how to change your name on a driver’s license, such as what are the steps and requirements for this procedure.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Virginia Driver’s License

The Virginia DMV name change services are offered to various residents under numerous circumstances. More often than not, motorists apply for a name change on a driver’s license because they have recently gotten married or divorced. However, there are several other reasons for changing your name on a driving license. For instance, transgender residents often request a name change on their driving credentials in order for their legal names to match their genders.

Moreover, other individuals may seek a VA DMV name change because they have been teased, discriminated against or felt uncomfortable due to having the names that they were given at birth. In addition, certain professionals may adopt a different legal name in order to better fit their career goals, such as those in the entertainment industry.

Virginia Driver’s License Name Change Time Limits

As a general rule, you must change your name on your driving license as quickly as possible after undergoing a legal name change. That is because, in order for law enforcement officials to properly identify you, all of your government-issued ID credentials must match the same information.

On the other hand, before you apply for a driver’s license name change in Virginia, you must update it with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and wait for the agency to properly alter its database.

How to Change Your Name with the Social Security Administration

Many people believe that a Virginia DMV name change is all that they need in order to modify their legal name. However, the DMV relies on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide accurate information concerning the identity of VA residents. In other words, a name change on a driver’s license should follow a legal name change with the SSA. Therefore, before you apply for a driver’s license name change in Virginia, you must file your request with the Social Security Administration.

The process to change your name on your driving license is very similar to the name change procedure with the SSA. First, the SSA will ask for proof of your name change by requesting original or certified copies of your marriage certificate, adoption papers, divorce decree or name change court order. Then, the agency will ask you to provide a valid photo ID, which may be your pre-DMV name change driver’s license.

Furthermore, altering your name with the SSA is free, and provides you with a new Social Security card that will display your updated name alongside your Social Security Number (SSN). As such, this document will play a significant role in proving your identity to other government agencies.

Online Driver’s License Name Changes

A driver’s license name change in Virginia may not be requested through any online method. Moreover, this procedure is also not available via mail. However, the state DMV encourages applicants to begin this process online by completing an application form. Overall, this can speed up the turnaround time for changing your name on a driving license.

How to Change Your Name on Your Driver’s License in Person

In Virginia, in order to change your name on a driving license, you must collect the appropriate documentation and visit a DMV location to apply in person. Before visiting a DMV branch to request a name change on a driver’s license, make sure to bring with you the following documents:

• Certificate of marriage
• Decree of divorce stating your name change
• Original copy of court orders showing that your change of name was granted

Note: It is important for applicants to be mindful that, during a Virginia DMV name change, they may not present civil union documents as suitable evidence that a change of name took place.

If you have lost your original driver’s license and would like to change your name on a driving license, you must present one document from the list of eligible paperwork that proves your identity. The most common documents on this list are state-issued birth certificates and valid passports. However, there are many other ways for you to verify your identification.

Furthermore, in addition to requesting a change of name on a driving license, be mindful that other state-issued credentials will have to undergo similar procedures. For instance, if you have a state-issued ID card, you will have to apply for a duplicate ID card with your updated name after your undergoing a legal change of name.

Virginia DMV Name Change Fees

In Virginia, a driver’s license name change requires a replacement license to be issued, which will reflect the requested name modifications. Therefore, the cost to change your name on a driving license is the same $20 fee charged when requesting a license replacement.

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