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

Name change after marriage in Maryland

To change your name after marriage in Maryland, update Social Security first, then your Maryland 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 Maryland'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.

Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA)

Maryland DMV name-change steps

  1. Update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first

    Update your name with the SSA at least 72 hours before your MVA appointment. The new name must match the name the SSA has on record; the license/ID will not be issued if the new name does not match SSA records.

    Source

  2. Gather your required documents

    Bring your current Maryland driver's license, plus an original or certified document of your legal name change (photocopies are not accepted) such as a marriage certificate. If possible, also bring proof of the SSA name change.

    Source

  3. Schedule an in-person correction appointment online

    You must update your name in person. Schedule a Driver's License correction (or ID correction / CDL correction) appointment online through myMVA and visit an MVA branch office. Name changes cannot be completed online or by mail.

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  4. Visit the MVA branch for your appointment

    At the branch your documents are reviewed and a new photograph is taken if needed. A fee applies for a corrected license or ID showing the new name.

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  5. Receive your corrected license/ID by mail

    Your new (corrected) license or ID is mailed to you.

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What you need to bring

  • Current Maryland driver's license or ID card
  • Original or certified document of your legal name change (photocopies NOT accepted) — e.g., certified marriage certificate
  • Proof of SSA name change, if possible (name must match SSA records)

Maryland fees

ItemCostSource
Driver's License Corrected (name change)$30 (fee schedule effective September 1, 2025)mva.maryland.gov
Photo ID Card Duplicate/Correction (name change)$30 (fee schedule effective September 1, 2025)mva.maryland.gov

Watch out for these in Maryland

SSA FIRST: You must update your name with the Social Security Administration at least 72 hours before your MVA appointment.

REAL ID / SSA NAME-MATCH: The new name must match the name the SSA has on record. The license/ID card will NOT be issued if the new name does not match SSA records.

IN-PERSON ONLY: Name changes cannot be done online or by mail; you must update your name in person at an MVA branch by appointment.

CERTIFIED DOCUMENT REQUIRED: You must present an original or certified legal name-change document (e.g., certified marriage certificate). Photocopies are not accepted.

DEADLINE: Maryland law requires drivers to notify the MVA of a name change within 30 days.

The federal steps (every state)

Your Maryland 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 Maryland & 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 Maryland?
DEADLINE: Maryland law requires drivers to notify the MVA of a name change within 30 days.
Do I change my name at the Maryland DMV or Social Security first?
Social Security first. Maryland'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 Maryland need to change my license name after marriage?
Current Maryland driver's license or ID card See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Maryland page.
How much does a Maryland name change cost?
Driver's License Corrected (name change): $30 (fee schedule effective September 1, 2025); Photo ID Card Duplicate/Correction (name change): $30 (fee schedule effective September 1, 2025). The federal Social Security update is always free.
When was this Maryland guidance last checked?
2026-06-14. We checked every step against Maryland'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.