When motorists apply for a drivers license name change in Arizona, they must do so through the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) under the state Department of Transportation (ADOT). Drivers must apply for a change of name on driving license in Arizona within a timely manner of making the legal name change due to marriage, divorce or court order. Failure to modify identification such as a license by the time limit is punishable under state law and often results in additional complications with the MVD like renewing a drivers license or vehicle registration.

Additionally, drivers making a DMV name change must provide the MVD with legal documentation to support the name change. This documentation can vary depending on the reason for the name modification. To learn more about how to change name on drivers license in AZ, review the sections highlighted below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Arizona Drivers License

Motorists must apply for a name change on drivers license and identification cards after changing their legal name due to marriage, divorce, legal separation or adoption. Additionally, drivers often apply for an AZ driving license change of name after undergoing a gender change and making the decision to change their legal name. The same DMV name change rules apply to driver licenses and commercial licenses.

Arizona Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

A driver must complete the process of changing name on drivers license or identification cards within 10 days of making the legal name change. If a motorist needs to apply for a drivers license name change due to marriage, for instance, then he or she must apply for a new drivers license within 10 days of the date of marriage. Failure to complete the process may result in citations from law enforcement officials, potential driving record issues or delays in receiving future correspondence from the MVD.

Before changing your name on driving license or identification cards, you must report the Arizona change of name to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration

When you apply for a DMV name change in Arizona, the MVD verifies your legal name change with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before updating your information in the MVD system. For this reason, you must change your name with the SSA before you may change the name on your AZ driving license or identification card. After you apply for a name change with the SSA, you must wait two days before you may change the name on your drivers license, permit or identification card. To apply for a new Social Security card with the SSA, you must complete the following steps:

• Complete an application for a Social Security card
• Gather information to support the legal name change, including a marriage certificate, divorce decree, certificate of court order or a certificate of naturalization
• Submit proof of identification, including a U.S. drivers license, passport or state-issued ID card
• Visit a local SSA office to submit all application materials in person or submit all information by mail

The MVD must be able to verify the change of your name through the SSA before they may update your name in the MVD system. For this reason, you cannot apply for a change of name on driving license until you update your name with the SSA.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

When changing the name on your AZ drivers license, you must complete the process in person at a local MVD branch or authorized third-party provider. You cannot apply for an online drivers license name change in Arizona using the electronic ServiceArizona system. When applying for a name change on your drivers license, you must visit an MVD branch at least two days after changing your name with the SSA but no more than 10 days from the date of the legal name change. When notifying the MVD of a drivers license name change, you must provide the division with proof of your previous name and your current name, such as a certified marriage license, divorce decree, court order or certificate of citizenship.

When you notify the MVD of a DMV name change, the division does not automatically issue replacement drivers licenses. If you wish to display the change of name on your drivers license and obtain a new license or ID card, then you must apply for a replacement (duplicate) drivers license and pay the replacement fee. In this case, you must complete an application for duplicate credentials and submit it to the MVD along with proof of the name change. You cannot request a replacement driver license or identification card online using ServiceArizona after a name change. You may only use ServiceArizona to replace your drivers license after an address change or if you lose or damage your current license.

If you change the name on your driving license after undergoing a gender change, then you must visit an MVD branch and not a third-party provider. During your visit to the MVD, you can change the name on your license and update your gender marker simultaneously. To do so, you must submit a certified copy of the name change order, your current drivers license or identification card and a doctor’s letter confirming the gender change.

Arizona DMV Name Change Fees

When reporting a DMV change of name to the MVD driver licensing office, you must pay a $12 fee if you wish to change the name on your drivers license and obtain a replacement (duplicate) license or identification card. This fee may vary depending on which license class you hold.

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