Colorado Driver's License Change Of Name

The Social Security Administration is the best place to file for your new name. Please fill out the SS-5 form and submit it in person or by mail. Typically, you will receive your new social security card two weeks after submitting your application. It is important to note that even if your name on your SS card changes, your social security number does not. You must first apply for a new Social Security card and wait 24 hours to change your name on your Colorado driver's license. It would be best to go to a state DMV office because a county office cannot process a name change.

Why Do You Need A Name Change?

Drivers in Colorado must complete a DMV name change if they change their name due to marriage, civil union, divorce, legal separation, adoption, court order, or gender change. Motorists must update their voter registration, motor vehicle registration documents, and title certificate when changing their name on driver's license materials. However, DMV offices can only change last names on driver's licenses and cannot change first names without a court order. Furthermore, the DMV cannot change the name on a driver's license unless the new name matches the records on file with the Social Security Administration. As a result, drivers must complete a driving license name change after applying for a name change through the SSA.

Grace Period

When changing your name on driving license documents, you must apply at a driver's license office within 30 days of your marriage, divorce, civil union, or legal separation. Failure to change the name on your Colorado driver's license may result in discrepancies in your driving record, delays in receiving future DMV correspondence, and other complications with the division. Remember to change your name with the Social Security Administration before updating your driver's license.

Name Change Process

SSA

Drivers in Colorado cannot change their driver's license name until they update their identification information with the SSA. On the other hand, drivers who apply for a Colorado change of name through the SSA must wait 24 hours before updating their names with the DMV. To change the name on a Social Security card, drivers must do the following:
  • Go to your local SSA office or download the application online to apply for a Social Security card.
  • Please fill out the application, drop it off at a local SSA branch, or mail it to a local Social Security office.
  • Provide a certified copy of the marriage license, divorce decree, or other legal documents to the SSA.
  • A valid form of identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card, must be submitted.
The administration issues you a new Social Security card after you change your name with the SSA.

Driver's License

Drivers in Colorado must change their license names in person at a DMV office. Drivers cannot complete online driver's license name changes, nor can they apply for a driving license name change by mail. Furthermore, drivers cannot apply for a DMV name change until they have changed their name on their Social Security card. Before processing the update, the driver's license office verifies all name changes with the SSA. Motorists who apply for a driver's license change must also renew their licenses and pay for the replacement driver's license card with the new name. Additionally, applicants who need to change their name on their driving license documents must complete the following steps:
  • To submit proof of completing a name change with the SSA, go to your local DMV office. Applicants may submit either a letter from the SSA or their new Social Security card as proof of name change.
  • Complete the driver's license renewal process and provide two forms of identification. The DMV accepts bank statements, pre-printed pay stubs, first-class mail, computer-generated bills, and rental, mortgage, or lease contracts.
  • Submit a certified document that demonstrates the name change, such as a marriage certificate, certified civil union certificate, tribal court marriage certificate, certified divorce decree, decree of separation, or a court order of name change.
  • Provide identification, such as a state driver's license, an ID card, or a U.S. passport.
  • You must provide a certified birth certificate if you return your maiden name.
You cannot submit a foreign marriage certificate when changing your name on your driver's license. If you marry outside of the United States, you must obtain a Colorado marriage license before updating your identification card or license. Contact your county clerk and recorder's office for more information. The DMV mails applicants their new driver's license or identification card within 30 days of applying for a Colorado driver's license name change.

Fees

When a driver's license name change is completed in Colorado, the motorist must purchase a replacement driver's license for $12. On the other hand, the cost of completing a DMV name change and obtaining an up-to-date driver's license varies. For example, there is no fee for motorists over 60 to obtain a new identification card. Separate fees apply to new commercial driver's licenses. When changing a driver's license name, applicants may pay with cash, credit card, or check.