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Arizona · checked against the real .gov pages Last verified 2026-06-14

Name change after marriage in Arizona

To change your name after marriage in Arizona, update Social Security first, then your Arizona driver's license / REAL ID, then your passport. Do it in that order and you won't get turned away at the counter on a name mismatch. Below are Arizona's exact DMV steps and fees, each linked to the real .gov page it came from, then the federal steps that apply in every state.

Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD)

Arizona DMV name-change steps

  1. Change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) FIRST

    MVD is required to verify your Social Security number before updating your information, so your name must be changed with SSA before MVD can update its records. Update with SSA online at ssa.gov or call 800.772.1213 (TTY 800.325.0778).

    Source

  2. Wait two business days after the SSA change before visiting MVD

    The page states to wait two business days after changing your name with SSA before you visit an MVD office, allowing the change to register.

    Source

  3. Visit an MVD or Authorized Third Party office in person

    The page states 'This requires an MVD office visit.' Visit any MVD or Authorized Third Party office. Bring proof of your legal name change (e.g., marriage license / domestic partnership certificate). Original or certified copies are required; certified copies must be certified by the issuing agency.

    Source

  4. Order a new (duplicate) driver license or ID card reflecting the new name

    A replacement/duplicate credential is issued with the updated name. Per the official fee schedule, a duplicate license or ID card costs $12.

    Source

What you need to bring

  • Legal proof of name change such as a marriage license / marriage certificate or domestic partnership certificate (original or a certified copy; certified copies must be certified by the issuing agency) - source: https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-license-ID/change-your-name
  • Name change must already be completed with the Social Security Administration before the MVD visit - source: https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-license-ID/change-your-name
  • For Arizona Travel ID (REAL ID): if your current legal name differs from the name on a document, you must show legal proof of name change such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order - source: https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/arizona-travel-id

Arizona fees

ItemCostSource
Duplicate driver license or ID card (issued with the new name)$12azdot.gov
Arizona Travel ID (REAL ID-compliant license or ID card)$25.00azdot.gov

Watch out for these in Arizona

SSA-FIRST: You must change your name with the Social Security Administration before MVD can update your records (MVD must verify your SSN). Source: azdot.gov change-your-name page.

WAITING PERIOD: Wait two business days after the SSA name change before visiting an MVD office. Source: azdot.gov change-your-name page.

DEADLINE: You must update your name with MVD within 10 days of your legal name change taking effect. Source: azdot.gov change-your-name page.

IN-PERSON REQUIRED: A name change requires an MVD (or Authorized Third Party) office visit - it cannot be done online or by mail. Source: azdot.gov change-your-name page.

CERTIFIED DOCUMENT: Bring an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate; certified copies must be certified by the issuing agency. Source: azdot.gov change-your-name page.

REAL ID NAME-MATCH: For the Arizona Travel ID (REAL ID), if your current legal name differs from the name on a presented document, you must show legal proof of name change (e.g., marriage certificate). Since May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant credential, U.S. passport, or other federally approved ID is required at TSA airport checkpoints for domestic air travel. Source: azdot.gov Arizona Travel ID page.

The federal steps (every state)

Your Arizona DMV step sits between Social Security and your passport. The three steps below are the same wherever you live.

1. Social Security (free)Do this first.2. REAL ID rulesName traceability + travel.3. PassportDS-5504 within 1 year.

Official Arizona & federal sources

Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a deadline to update my license name after marriage in Arizona?
DEADLINE: You must update your name with MVD within 10 days of your legal name change taking effect. Source: azdot.gov change-your-name page.
Do I change my name at the Arizona DMV or Social Security first?
Social Security first. Arizona's DMV verifies your name and SSN against SSA's records, so updating SSA before the DMV prevents your license or REAL ID from being rejected on a mismatch.
What documents does Arizona need to change my license name after marriage?
Legal proof of name change such as a marriage license / marriage certificate or domestic partnership certificate (original or a certified copy; certified copies must be certified by the issuing agency) - source: https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-license-ID/change-your-name See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Arizona page.
How much does a Arizona name change cost?
Duplicate driver license or ID card (issued with the new name): $12; Arizona Travel ID (REAL ID-compliant license or ID card): $25.00. The federal Social Security update is always free.
When was this Arizona guidance last checked?
2026-06-14. We checked every step against Arizona's official pages and show you the date so you know it's current — and we link every step to the real .gov page it came from.

Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.