Name change after marriage in Indiana
To change your name after marriage in Indiana, update Social Security first, then your Indiana 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 Indiana'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.
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
Indiana DMV name-change steps
Change your last name with the Social Security Administration FIRST
After marriage you change your last name through the Social Security Administration; the BMV requires the SSA update to be done before you visit. Your legal name and date of birth must match Social Security Administration records.
SourceWait at least one business day after the SSA name change
The BMV instructs you to wait at least one business day after completing the Social Security name change before going to the BMV, so SSA records can update.
SourceVisit a BMV branch in person to amend your license/ID (cannot be done online)
Amending your name on a driver's license or ID card must be done in person at a BMV branch; it cannot be done online. You may also call 317-233-6000 option #2 for assistance.
SourcePresent your marriage license/certificate as proof of the name change
If your current legal name differs from the name on your identity/lawful status document, you must show legal proof of the change. A marriage license is an accepted name-change document. The BMV will only accept original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency. More than one name-change document may be required if multiple name changes have occurred.
SourceHave a new photo captured and pay the amend fee
Any change to what is printed on a Driver's License/ID card requires capturing a new photo (state and federal law). The amend fee applies.
Source
What you need to bring
- Certified copy of your marriage license/certificate (original or certified copy from the issuing agency) as proof of the name change
- Documentation for any prior name changes if you have ever changed your last name before (more than one document may be required)
- Your name and date of birth must already match Social Security Administration records (update SSA first)
Indiana fees
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Amend driver's license or identification card (name change) | $9.00 per the official BMV Fee Chart (fee to amend a credential). Confirm current amount on the source as fees can change. | in.gov |
Watch out for these in Indiana
SSA-FIRST: You must update your name with the Social Security Administration before visiting the BMV; the BMV requires your legal name and date of birth to match SSA records.
WAITING PERIOD: Wait at least one business day after the SSA name change before going to the BMV.
DEADLINE: You must visit a BMV branch within 30 days of a legal name change to apply for an updated license/ID card.
IN-PERSON ONLY: A name change cannot be done online or by mail; it must be done in person at a BMV branch.
CERTIFIED DOCUMENTS ONLY: The BMV accepts only original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency (a marriage license/certificate is the accepted name-change document).
REAL ID NAME-MATCH: If your current legal name differs from the name on your identity/lawful status document, you must show legal proof of every change; multiple documents may be required if you have had multiple name changes.
A new photo will be captured for any printed change to the credential.
The federal steps (every state)
Your Indiana DMV step sits between Social Security and your passport. The three steps below are the same wherever you live.
Official Indiana & federal sources
Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.
- https://www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/learners-permits-and-drivers-licenses-overview/drivers-license/amending-your-drivers-license-or-identification-card/
- https://faqs.in.gov/hc/en-us/articles/115005053247-I-recently-married-divorced-how-do-I-change-my-name
- https://www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/real-id-overview/
- https://www.in.gov/bmv/fees-taxes/drivers-license-fees/
- https://www.in.gov/bmv/files/Fee_Chart.pdf
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 Indiana?
- DEADLINE: You must visit a BMV branch within 30 days of a legal name change to apply for an updated license/ID card.
- Do I change my name at the Indiana DMV or Social Security first?
- Social Security first. Indiana'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 Indiana need to change my license name after marriage?
- Certified copy of your marriage license/certificate (original or certified copy from the issuing agency) as proof of the name change See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Indiana page.
- How much does a Indiana name change cost?
- Amend driver's license or identification card (name change): $9.00 per the official BMV Fee Chart (fee to amend a credential). Confirm current amount on the source as fees can change.. The federal Social Security update is always free.
- When was this Indiana guidance last checked?
- 2026-06-14. We checked every step against Indiana'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.