Changing Name in Your Driver's License in New York

If you have recently married, divorced, or have a court order, you must change your name on your New York driver's license, learner permit, or ID. Unfortunately, unlike other NY driver's license transactions, you cannot change your name online or by mail. The only way is to visit your nearest DMV office in person.

How To Change Name In New York DMV

  1. It would be best to go to your nearest DMV office in New York.
  2. You must complete an MV-44 Form Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card. You can either download this form in advance or request one at the DMV. Please ensure that you check the "Change" checkbox at the top of the page.
  3. The fee for changing the name on a driver's license is $12.50. This includes obtaining a new driver's license or permit with your new photo and name. The cost of changing your ID card's name is $5.00.
  4. Please show either your Proof of Name Change documents or the valid NYS Proof of Identity Documents to demonstrate your new name.

Required Documents

When visiting your local DMV office, either of the following documents will serve as proof of name change:
  • U.S. Marriage License/Certificate
  • Divorce Decree in the U.S.
  • Court documents displaying your new name.
To change your name on your registration and title, you must go to a DMV office and bring the following documents.
  • Your current title or another acceptable form of proof of ownership
  • A Vehicle Registration/Title Application that has been completed (MV-82)
  • Your current driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID, or at least six points of identification and proof of date of birth
  • Original or certified copy of your US marriage certificate, US divorce documents, or other court papers issued in the US for a name change
Changing your name on your registration documents and title certificate is free.

Fees

To change your name on your NY DMV documents, you must pay the following fees:
  • $12.50 for a driver's license or learner's permit.
  • ID card for non-drivers: $5.
  • Vehicle registration is completely free.
  • Title certificate: free.

Payment Methods Accepted

You can pay for most in-person New York DMV transactions with:
  • Major credit and debit cards are accepted.
  • Personal checks are accepted.
  • Money orders
  • Thru cash.