Drivers must complete a drivers license name change in Iowa whenever their legal name changes after marriage, divorce or court order. As such, motorists must change name on driving license documents whenever their name differs from the name on their original birth certificate or record of birth. When drivers need to apply for a change of name on driving license materials, they must do so in person through the state Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT). They will need to bring the required documents and payment for the required fee. Failure to complete this process in a timely manner may result in problems later.

In addition to completing a DMV name change, drivers must update the name on their Social Security cards whenever they undergo a name change. In fact, motorists will need to complete the name change with the Social Security Administration (SSA) prior to visiting a DOT office in Iowa. To learn more about how to change name on drivers license materials and Social Security cards, review the information below.

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

Drivers must apply for a name change on drivers license materials and nonoperator identification cards if their current name differs from the name on their birth record or another identification document. For instance, motorists must apply for a driving license name change in Iowa if they change their name after marriage, divorce, legal separation, gender change, adoption or court order. In addition to changing the name on an IA driver license, motorists must perform a Social Security card name change. Applicants cannot apply for a new driver license until they update their information with the Social Security Administration.

Iowa Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

There is no time limit for when you need to change the name on your Iowa driving license after changing your legal name. However, failure to apply for a name change on your drivers license may result in delays in receiving driver license renewal notices or other correspondence from the Iowa DOT.

Additionally, you must report the change of name to the SSA before correcting the name on your driving license or non-operator identification card. Failure to change your name with the SSA makes it difficult for the administration to track your earnings history and work credits. For this reason, it is important to report the name change to the SSA as soon as possible.

How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration

Before changing your name on driving license materials or identification cards, you must notify the SSA of your name change. You cannot apply for a driving license name change until after you report the name change to the SSA. When changing your name with the SSA, the administration will update your information and mail you a new Social Security card at no cost to you. To report the change of name in IA, you must complete the following steps:

• Complete an application for a Social Security card and submit the form in person at a Social Security office or by mail. Provide your previous full name, current full name, Social Security Number, place and date of birth.
• When completing the application, include your citizenship status, ethnicity, gender and the names and Social Security Numbers of your parents (if known).
• Provide the SSA with a certified or original copy of the legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, certificate of naturalization or court order document.
• Present proof of identity, such as a drivers license, U.S. passport or state-issued identification card.

Note: If you need to change the name on your Social Security card but cannot provide the SSA with acceptable proof of identification, then the Social Security office may accept a health insurance card, employee identification, U.S. military identification card or school enrollment card.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

When changing name on drivers license in Iowa, motorists must visit a county drivers license issuance site to complete the name change in person. Drivers cannot complete online drivers license name changes or by-mail name changes. Most issuance sites allow drivers to change the name on their IA driving license between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, drivers may contact the office ahead of time to verify the location’s operating hours.

When changing the name on a driving license, motorists must provide the following information:

• Certified or original proof of the name change, which includes a court-ordered name change document such as a petition, divorce, annulment or adoption or a state-issued marriage certificate (the document must connect the applicant’s prior name to their new legal name and date of birth)
• Payment for completing the name change

Additionally, drivers applying for a DMV name change must complete an electronic name change affidavit. However, there is no print version of the driving license name change form and motorists can only complete the form in person at a drivers license issuance site.

In many cases, the Iowa DOT verifies the name change with the SSA before processing the driver license application. If the names do not match, then the department may deny the application. For this reason, you must change your name with the SSA and wait several days before correcting the name on your driving license.

Iowa DMV Name Change Fees

When applying for a change of name on driving licenses in Iowa, applicants must pay a driver license replacement fee of $10. However, there is no charge to obtain a replacement Social Security card.

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