How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Arkansas
Motorists must request a drivers license name change in Arkansas through the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). Although there is no specific time limit in place for making a DMV name change in AR, motorists can avoid potential issues with their driving records if they update their identification information immediately after making a legal name change.
Furthermore, drivers must apply to change name on driving license documents if they wish to obtain a replacement license displaying their new legal name. To change information on driver licenses or identification cards materials, motorists must visit their local DFA Revenue Office. To learn more about how to change name on drivers license in Arkansas and to find out how to apply for a name change through the Social Security Administration (SSA), review the information below.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Arkansas Drivers License
Drivers must apply for a change of name on drivers license or identification cards following instances such as marriage, court order name changes, divorce, adoption or legal separation. However, when motorists apply for a driving license name change in Arkansas, they must first change their name with the SSA.
Arkansas Drivers License Name Change Time Limits
When changing your name on driving license or identification cards, you must change your name through the DFA after making the legal name change. While state law does not require you to change the name on your AR driving license within a certain amount of time, it is important that you change your name as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues with the DFA or State Police.
If you do not apply for a change of name on your driving license, then you may not receive future correspondence from the DFA, including drivers license renewal notices.
How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration
When changing name on drivers license in Arkansas, motorists must first change their name with the SSA. If motorists do not apply for a change of name with the SSA, then the administration cannot accurately track their earnings history. Additionally, the DFA may verify the driver name change through the SSA before issuing a new drivers license. For this reason, drivers must apply for a name change through the SSA as soon as possible after the name change occurs. To do so, motorists must complete the following tasks:
- Complete an application for a Social Security card, which applicants may download the form online or contact their local SSA office to request a form
- Gather all required documentation, including proof of the legal name change and proof of identity
- Visit a local Social Security office to submit all documentation in person or mail the application and all required forms to a local SSA facility
When changing your name with the SSA, you must submit proof of the name change in the form of a court order document, certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or a certificate of naturalization. In some cases, you may need to submit an identity document as well, including a current drivers license, U.S. passport or state-issued identification card.
How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person
Motorists must change the name on an Arkansas driver license in person at a local Revenue Office. Applicants cannot apply for an online change of name through the DFA website or by mail. As such, drivers may only apply for a name change on drivers license or identification cards at Revenue Offices throughout the Ozarks, Delta, Timberlands, Ouachitas, River Valley and Central regions.
When applying for the DMV name change, applicants must provide the DFA with their current drivers license and proof of the legal name change. Acceptable proof for completing a drivers license name change includes a marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree. All documents must be original and they must state that you may change the name on your driving license or non-driver identification card. Additionally, you must submit proof of age, legal presence and identification.
Whether drivers need to apply for a driving license name change or not, all driver license applicants must submit the following documentation when requesting a new, duplicate or replacement license:
- One primary document to prove legal identity, such as a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate or a photo document from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- One secondary document, including an out-of-state drivers license or identification card, vehicle registration or title, sealed court order, marriage license or health insurance card
Motorists who need to apply for a drivers license change of name may submit two primary documents if they cannot provide the DFA with at least one primary document. Primary documents must be verifiable and they must contain the date of birth and full name of the applicant.
Arkansas DMV Name Change Fees
When changing a name on drivers license credentials, applicants will need to pay a $10 fee for a replacement card. To change your name on your identification card, the fee is $5. There is no fee to request a new Social Security card from the SSA.
Sources
- Frequently Asked Questions from Arkansas.gov