Drivers must complete a drivers license name change in Colorado whenever they change their name after marriage, divorce, court order or for any other reason. To change name on driving license documents, motorists must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office under the state Department of Revenue (CDOR), as it is not possible to make the request online or by mail. Applicants will need to furnish documents that are evidence of the legal name change in order for the DMV to complete the modification on driving licenses.

Furthermore, motorists who need to perform a change of name on driving license or identification cards must change their names with the Social Security Administration (SSA). To learn more about how to change name on drivers license materials and identification cards, review the information below.

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

Motorists must complete a DMV name change in Colorado if they change their name after marriage, civil union, divorce, legal separation, adoption, court order or undergoing a gender change. When changing name on drivers license materials, motorists also need to update the name on their voter registration, motor vehicle registration documents and title certificate.

However, DMV offices can only complete driver license name changes for last names and cannot change first names without a court order. Additionally, the DMV cannot change the name on driving licenses unless the new name matches the records on file with the SSA. As such, drivers must complete a driving license name change after they apply for a name change through the SSA.

Colorado Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

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

How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration

Motorists cannot change the name on a CO driver license until they update their identification details with the SSA. However, 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, motorists must complete the following steps:

• Visit a local SSA office to obtain an application for a Social Security card or download the application online.
• Complete the application and submit it in person at a local SSA branch or mail the form to a local Social Security office.
• Provide the SSA with a certified copy of the marriage license, divorce decree or another legal document.
• Submit a valid form of identification, such as a drivers license, passport or state-issued ID card.

After changing your name with the SSA, the administration provides you with a new Social Security card.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

Motorists must change the name on their CO driving license in person at a DMV office. Drivers cannot complete online drivers license name changes and they cannot apply for a driving license name change through the mail. Additionally, motorists cannot apply for a DMV name change until they change the name on their Social Security card. The driver license office verifies all name changes with the SSA before processing the update. Additionally, motorists who apply for a drivers license change of name must renew their licenses and submit payment for the replacement drivers license card with the new name.

Furthermore, applicants who need to perform a change of name on driving license documents must complete the following steps:

• Visit a local DMV office to submit proof of completing a name change with the SSA. Applicants may submit a letter from the SSA or they may submit the new Social Security card as proof of the name change.
• Complete the drivers license renewal process and submit two proofs of address. 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 displaying the change of name, including a marriage certificate, certified civil union certificate, tribal court marriage certificate, certified divorce decree, decree of separation or a court order of name change.
• Submit proof of identity, such as a state driver license, ID card or U.S. passport.
• Furnish a certified birth certificate if returning to a maiden name.

When changing your name on your driving license, you cannot submit a foreign marriage certificate. If your marriage took place outside of the U.S., then you must obtain a Colorado marriage license before you may update your identification card or license. For additional information, contact your county clerk and recorder’s office. After applying for a Colorado drivers license name change, the DMV mails applicants their new drivers license or identification card within 30 days.

Colorado DMV Name Change Fees

When motorists complete a drivers license name change in Colorado, they must purchase a replacement drivers license for $12. However, the cost of completing a DMV name change and obtaining an up-to-date drivers license varies. For instance, in the case of motorists older than 60 years of age, there is no fee to obtain a new identification card. New commercial driver licenses also have separate fees. When applicants change the name on a driving license, they may submit payment in the form of cash, credit card or a check.

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