Name change after marriage in Colorado
To change your name after marriage in Colorado, update Social Security first, then your Colorado 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 Colorado'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.
Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Colorado DMV name-change steps
Update your name with the Social Security Administration FIRST
Colorado DMV requires that all name changes be on file with the Social Security Administration before you visit a driver license office. Per the official page, it takes about 24-48 business hours for the change to be processed with Social Security. You cannot change your name at the DMV until this is done and matches.
SourceObtain a certified original marriage certificate
You may only change your name to the name reflected on a required name-change document. A certified marriage certificate from a city, county, state, U.S. territory, or U.S. federal court is acceptable. A certified document is an original or a certified copy verified as a true reproduction, bearing an official court/county/city/state government seal or stamp. Foreign marriage licenses are not accepted (foreign certificates must be translated into English).
SourceMake an appointment at a Colorado driver license office
To change your name you must make an appointment to visit a driver license office in person. Appointments are scheduled online at myDMV.Colorado.gov. The name change cannot be completed online or by mail; it requires an in-person visit.
SourceBring required identification documents (proof of identity, lawful presence, residency, and SSN)
Bring your current Colorado credential plus the documents required to establish identity, lawful presence, Colorado residency, and your Social Security number (which is verified through SSA). If documents show different names (marriage, divorce, court order), you must bring documents showing the full chain of name changes linking your prior name to your new name.
SourcePurchase a new (reissued) license or ID card and pay the applicable fee
Changing your name requires purchasing a new license or ID card. Be prepared to pay the applicable fee at the office. The new physical card is mailed; credentials typically arrive in about 10-14 business days and can take up to 30 days.
Source
What you need to bring
- Certified original marriage certificate (with official government seal/stamp; foreign marriage licenses are NOT accepted; foreign certificates must be translated into English)
- Name change already on file with the Social Security Administration matching the new name
- Proof of identity (per Colorado required-documents list)
- Proof of lawful presence (per Colorado required-documents list)
- Proof of Colorado residency (per Colorado required-documents list)
- Social Security number (verified through SSA)
- Current Colorado driver license / permit / ID card
- Additional documents showing the full chain of any prior name changes, if names differ across documents
Colorado fees
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New/reissued Colorado driver license or ID card for name change | fee varies — see source (official current fee schedule; Colorado DMV fees were adjusted June 30, 2025 and July 1, 2025, so confirm current amount on the State DMV Fees page) | dmv.colorado.gov |
Watch out for these in Colorado
SSA-FIRST: Your name change must be on file with the Social Security Administration before visiting a Colorado driver license office; allow about 24-48 business hours for SSA to process it.
DEADLINE: If you change your name due to marriage (or divorce, civil union, or similar legal change), you must renew/update your credential with the new name within 30 days of the name change.
IN-PERSON ONLY: A name change requires an in-person appointment at a driver license office; it cannot be done online or by mail.
CERTIFIED CERTIFICATE REQUIRED: You must present a certified original marriage certificate with an official government seal/stamp. Foreign marriage licenses are not accepted; foreign certificates must be translated into English.
REAL ID NAME-MATCH: For a REAL ID-compliant credential, your name must match across your identity, SSN, and name-change documents; bring documents showing the full name-change chain or the name will not be accepted.
NEW CARD PURCHASE: A name change requires purchasing a new license/ID and paying the applicable fee; you do not simply amend the existing card.
Card arrives by mail (about 10-14 business days, up to 30 days); confirm your mailing address is correct.
The federal steps (every state)
Your Colorado DMV step sits between Social Security and your passport. The three steps below are the same wherever you live.
Official Colorado & federal sources
Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.
See your exact steps free
Answer a few quick questions and we'll tell you what to do first, second, and third for your exact situation — each step linked to the real .gov page. No account, no card.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a deadline to update my license name after marriage in Colorado?
- DEADLINE: If you change your name due to marriage (or divorce, civil union, or similar legal change), you must renew/update your credential with the new name within 30 days of the name change.
- Do I change my name at the Colorado DMV or Social Security first?
- Social Security first. Colorado'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 Colorado need to change my license name after marriage?
- Certified original marriage certificate (with official government seal/stamp; foreign marriage licenses are NOT accepted; foreign certificates must be translated into English) See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Colorado page.
- How much does a Colorado name change cost?
- New/reissued Colorado driver license or ID card for name change: fee varies — see source (official current fee schedule; Colorado DMV fees were adjusted June 30, 2025 and July 1, 2025, so confirm current amount on the State DMV Fees page). The federal Social Security update is always free.
- When was this Colorado guidance last checked?
- 2026-06-14. We checked every step against Colorado'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.