Motorists must apply for a drivers license name change in Missouri whenever their legal name changes after marriage, divorce, court order or for any other reason. When drivers change name on driving license documents, they must visit a driver license office under the state Department of Revenue (DOR) to apply for a name change in person. In addition to handling the process for licenses, the DOR processes name changes for vehicle registration documents and title certificates as well. However, drivers cannot request a change on driving credentials and vehicle registration materials in one transaction. Instead, drivers must complete the two transactions separately.

Additionally, drivers cannot complete a DMV name change without first notifying and completing a name change the Social Security Administration (SSA). To learn more about how to change name on drivers license materials or Social Security cards, review the information below.

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

Motorists must apply for a change of name on driving license documents or identification cards whenever they change their legal name. This may include modifications of first names or surnames after marriage, divorce, legal separation, adoption, gender change or for any other reason.

The reason for the alteration will influence which document must be presented at the licensing office to receive replacement credentials. In addition to changing a name on MO drivers license materials, motorists must change their name on their Social Security card as well. However, residents will not be able to modify information on their driving records before completing the change with the SSA.

Missouri Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

In some states, drivers must make a name change on drivers license and identification cards within a certain amount of time after making a legal name change. However, there is no specific time limit for changing name on drivers license documents or identification cards through the Missouri DOR. Instead, drivers may submit an application whenever the time is most convenient for them.

Although there is no specific time limit for changing your name on your Missouri driving license documents, the DOR recommends submitting a request for modification on driving-related documents as soon as possible to avoid potential issues in the future. Additionally, drivers must report their name change to the SSA as soon as possible, as they cannot correct their driver license until they obtain a new Social Security card.

How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration

Before changing your name on drivers license, you must report your name change to the SSA and apply for a new Social Security card. When you apply for a driving license name change through the DOR, you must submit the new Social Security card bearing your new legal name. To change the name on your Social Security card, you 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 by mail
  • Provide proof of identification, including a driver license, state-issued ID card or U.S. passport
  • Present proof of the legal name change, such as a certified or original marriage certificate or divorce decree

If you do not change your name with the SSA, then you may experience delays when filing your taxes and you may risk lowering your future Social Security benefits.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

When changing your name on driving license, you must visit a local DOR driver license office to complete the application process in person. You must provide the DOR with documentation to support the name change, including a certified or original court order document or marriage certificate, in addition to other important information. For this reason, you cannot apply for a drivers license name change online or by mail.

When you change the name on your driver license, you must submit the following information:

  • A certified or original marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, amended birth certificate, U.S. passport or court order document
  • Your new Social Security card (with your new legal name)
  • Payment for obtaining a replacement driver license with your new name

To complete the process, you must also take a new driver license photo and provide a new driver license signature. If your driver license is within six months of its expiration date (or 184 days), then you may renew your driver license early, instead of applying for a duplicate driver license.

Missouri DMV Name Change Fees

When applying for a drivers license name change in Missouri, applicants must pay a fee to obtain a duplicate driver license, permit or identification card. The fee varies depending on the type of credentials being applied for. For instance, there is a $7.50 fee for a duplicate Class A, B or C instruction permit and Class F intermediate license. Conversely, there is a different cost of $3.50 for a duplicate Class E, F or M instruction permit. Likewise, there is a separate cost for a duplicate non-driver license (ID card).

DMV name change fees can also vary by the driving class, such as for a commercial drivers license, as well as by the period of validity (when it expires). The state also has different fees for residents older than 70 years of age.

Note: There is no fee to change the name on a Social Security card or obtain a replacement card.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 3 2020.