Change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

When you apply for a new DL/ID card using your new name, the first thing DMV will do is verify your information with SSA, so make sure you have informed SSA of your new name.

If your SSA information does not match your new DL/ID application information, your application will be denied, and you will receive a Request for Verification of Information letter from DMV telling you what to do.

Complete a new DL/ID application

Use our solicitud en línea to apply for a new DL/ID card or commercial driver’s license (CDL) with your new name. 

If you want your new DL/ID to be a REAL ID, you will be able to apply for one in the application.

Gather the required proof documents to show DMV

If you want a REAL ID as your updated DL/ID, you will need to provide 1.) proof of identity, 2.) Social Security Number, and 3.) two proofs of California residency. See acceptable documents list.

If you want a non-REAL ID DL/ID you need only provide proof of your true full name. See acceptable documents list.

California Commercial Driver’s License Documents List

If you are applying for a CDL, you will need to provide 1.) proof of your true full name (see acceptable documents list), 2.) a 10 Year History Record Check form (DL939) (if you have been issued a DL of any kind in another state or jurisdiction in the last 10 years), and 3.) a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate from the medical examiner who performed your current commercial medical examination.

Not your first name change? If you have ever legally changed your name before, you may need to provide proof of all former name changes (whether DMV was notified of them or not). This may include any combination of the following:

• Name change document(s) containing your legal name both before and after the name change.
• Marriage certificate(s).
• Dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership document(s) containing the legal name as a result of the court action.
• Document(s) verifying the formation of a domestic partnership.
• Adoption documents that contain the legal name as a result of the adoption.

Visit a DMV office to complete the process

Your name change is not complete until you come into a field office! You may either make an appointment or visit a field office at your convenience without an appointment.

Bring your current DL/ID and proof documents with you, and be prepared to pay the appropriate licensing fee and scan your thumbprint to protect against identity theft.

If you applied for a DL, you will be given a temporary license valid for 60 days. If you applied for an ID card, you will be given a receipt as proof of application. You should receive your new DL/ID card in the mail within 3-4 weeks.  If you have not received your DL/ID card after 60 days, visit Driver’s License & ID Card Status.

Complete a new DL/ID application

Use our solicitud en línea to apply for a new DL/ID card with your updated gender category.

If you want your new DL/ID to be a REAL ID, you will be able to apply for one in the application.

Gather the required documents to show DMV

If you want a REAL ID as your updated DL/ID, you will need to provide 1.) proof of identity, 2.) Social Security Number, and 3.) two proofs of California residency. See acceptable REAL ID documents list.

Visit a DMV office to complete the process

Your gender category change isn’t complete until you come into a field office!

Bring your current DL/ID (and any required proof documents with you, if your updated DL/ID will be a REAL ID), and be prepared to pay the appropriate licensing fee and scan your thumbprint to protect against identity theft.

If you applied for a DL (REAL ID or not), you will be given a temporary DL valid for 60 days. If you applied for an ID card, you will be given a receipt as proof of application. You should receive your new DL/ID card in the mail within three to four weeks. If you have not received your driver’s license and/or ID card after 60 days, visit Driver’s License & ID Card Status.