Under state law, motorists must apply for a drivers license name change in Illinois whenever they change their name after marriage, divorce, adoption or court order. To change name on driving license materials, drivers must visit a local Secretary of State (SOS) office to complete the application process in person. Additionally, applicants must provide legal documentation to support the name change, which will vary depending on the reason for the name modification.

However, before applicants file a DMV name change, they must change their name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and apply for a new Social Security card. Both the state and federal governments must have the same legal name on file in order to issue a replacement drivers license or identification card with a different name to an applicant. To learn more about how to change name on drivers license documents and Social Security cards, review the information below.

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

You must begin the process of changing your name on driving license documents if you undergo a name change after marriage, court order, legal separation, divorce, adoption or for any other reason. Additionally, you must apply for a name change on drivers license materials if you undergo a gender change and choose to change your legal name. However, before you apply for a driving license name change in Illinois, you must update your identification details with the SSA.

Illinois Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

Under state law, drivers must change the name on their IL driving license within 10 days of the name change. Failure to apply for a DMV name change is punishable under the Illinois Vehicle Code. Furthermore, failure to change the name on a driver license may result in delays in receiving license and vehicle registration renewal notices or future correspondence from the SOS.

Keep in mind that in addition to changing your name with the SOS, you must update your address within 10 days of moving or changing your address. If you need to change your address but not your name, then you may report the address change online through the SOS website. However, you can only apply for a new drivers license in person at an SOS branch.

How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration

Before beginning the process of changing name on drivers license in Illinois, drivers must apply for a name change through the SSA. To apply for a change of name through the SSA, motorists must complete the following steps:

• Obtain and complete an application for a Social Security card and submit the form in person at a Social Security office or submit the form by mail
• Provide the Social Security office with proof of the name change, including a certified or original divorce decree, marriage certificate or court order document
• Provide the SSA with proof of identity, including a current driver license, U.S. passport or state identification card

After you change your name with the SSA, wait at least 24 hours before applying for a name change with the SOS.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

The change of name on driving license materials requires you to visit a local SOS office within 10 days of changing your name legally. You cannot complete online drivers license name changes or mail-in name changes at this time. Remember, you cannot change the name on your license until you update your name through the SSA. In addition to changing your name on your driving license, you must update the name on your vehicle’s registration ID card and title if applicable.

To change the name on your driver license or identification card, you must visit an SOS office to submit the following documentation:

• Your current driver license or identification card
• An original or certified copy of the legal name change document, including a marriage certificate or divorce decree
• Proof of a written signature, such as a canceled check, credit or debit card, state driver license or ID card, Medicare card, Social Security card or military service record
• Proof of state residency if applying for a DMV name change and a change of address
• Proof of undergoing a gender change if applying for a name and gender change
  • Acceptable proof of gender change includes a Medical Report Form, physician’s statement, court order or Psychiatric Report Form
• Payment for the drivers license name change and duplicate driver license

In some cases, the SOS may verify your change of name with the SSA before processing the name change and providing you with a new driver license. If your name is not identical in both systems, then the SOS office may refuse to issue a new license. For this reason, you must report your name change to your local Social Security office before correcting your drivers license or ID card.

Illinois DMV Name Change Fees

When applying for a change of name on driving licenses in IL, motorists must pay a fee of $5 to obtain a duplicate or corrected credential. However, the fee may more or less depending on the applicants’ age or military status. For instance, duplicate driving licenses, identification cards or permits are free for active duty military members and their families, or applicants who are 60 years of age and older.

Note: There is no charge to apply for a new Social Security card through the SSA.

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