Do I change my name at the District of Columbia DMV or Social Security first?

Social Security first. District of Columbia'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 District of Columbia need to change my license name after marriage?

Certified marriage certificate (original) as proof of the name change See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official District of Columbia page.

When was this District of Columbia guidance last checked?

2026-06-20. We checked every step against District of Columbia'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.

District of Columbia · checked against the real .gov pages Last verified 2026-06-20

Name change after marriage in District of Columbia

To change your name after marriage in District of Columbia, update Social Security first, then your District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia'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.

In District of Columbia, the name change runs through the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV): the District of Columbia driver's-license update is listed at Varies — see source. The DC DMV name-change page does not publish a single flat dollar figure for a name change; the fee is the applicable driver-license/ID service fee. We link the official source rather than assert a number., it must be done in person, not online, and you'll bring 3 documents (full list below). Every step below is linked to the official District of Columbia page it came from (last checked 2026-06-20).

District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV)

What's specific to District of Columbia

Agency: District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV)
Name change / replacement DC driver license or ID: Varies — see source. The DC DMV name-change page does not publish a single flat dollar figure for a name change; the fee is the applicable driver-license/ID service fee. We link the official source rather than assert a number. Washington, D.C. DMV
In person or by mail: IN PERSON REQUIRED: To change your name, you must visit a DC DMV Service Center; the page does not offer an online or mail name-change option.

Don't want to fill the SS-5 and passport form yourself? The Filled Packet ($59) fills them with your details and gives you a per-field answer key for your state's form. We never store your SSN.

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District of Columbia DMV name-change steps

Change your name with the Social Security Administration first.
Update your name with the Social Security Administration before visiting DC DMV so your records match. The SSA update after marriage is free.
Source
Visit a DC DMV Service Center in person to change your name.
DC DMV states: "To change your name, you will need to visit a DMV Service Center." Bring the required original documents; DC DMV cannot accept photocopies or scanned documents.
Source
Present a certified marriage certificate and your current DC credential.
Bring an original certified marriage certificate as proof of the name change, plus your current DC driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID card. DC DMV requires original documents.
Source

What you need to bring

Certified marriage certificate (original) as proof of the name change
Your current DC driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID card
Original documents only — DC DMV cannot accept photocopies or scanned documents

District of Columbia fees

Item	Cost	Source
Name change / replacement DC driver license or ID	Varies — see source. The DC DMV name-change page does not publish a single flat dollar figure for a name change; the fee is the applicable driver-license/ID service fee. We link the official source rather than assert a number.	Washington, D.C. DMV

Watch out for these in District of Columbia

IN PERSON REQUIRED: To change your name, you must visit a DC DMV Service Center; the page does not offer an online or mail name-change option.

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS ONLY: DC DMV cannot accept photocopies or scanned documents — bring an original certified marriage certificate.

The federal steps (every state)

Your District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia & 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

Can I change my license name online in District of Columbia, or must it be in person?: IN PERSON REQUIRED: To change your name, you must visit a DC DMV Service Center; the page does not offer an online or mail name-change option.
Do I change my name at the District of Columbia DMV or Social Security first?: Social Security first. District of Columbia'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 District of Columbia need to change my license name after marriage?: Certified marriage certificate (original) as proof of the name change See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official District of Columbia page.
How much does a District of Columbia name change cost?: Name change / replacement DC driver license or ID: Varies — see source. The DC DMV name-change page does not publish a single flat dollar figure for a name change; the fee is the applicable driver-license/ID service fee. We link the official source rather than assert a number.. The federal Social Security update is always free.
When was this District of Columbia guidance last checked?: 2026-06-20. We checked every step against District of Columbia'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.

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