Name change after marriage in Rhode Island
To change your name after marriage in Rhode Island, update Social Security first, then your Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island'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 Rhode Island, the name change runs through the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): the Rhode Island driver's-license update is listed at $28.50 — the RI DMV fee table lists the duplicate/update license fee at $28.50; the name-change page itself says costs are in the DMV Fee Table without an inline amount. There is no line literally labeled 'name change', so this is the applicable duplicate/update fee., 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 Rhode Island page it came from (last checked 2026-06-20).
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
What's specific to Rhode Island
- Agency
- Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Duplicate / update Rhode Island license (the fee a name change is processed under)
- $28.50 — the RI DMV fee table lists the duplicate/update license fee at $28.50; the name-change page itself says costs are in the DMV Fee Table without an inline amount. There is no line literally labeled 'name change', so this is the applicable duplicate/update fee. Rhode Island DMV
- In person or by mail
- IN PERSON REQUIRED: The name change is completed in person at a Rhode Island DMV branch; no online or mail option is stated for the name change itself.
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.
See what's includedRhode Island DMV name-change steps
Change your name with the Social Security Administration first.
Rhode Island DMV states the name change must be done with Social Security first, and it takes 24 hours for the change at Social Security to become effective for the DMV to process your transaction.
SourceComplete and sign the License/ID/Permit Application (LI-1 Form).
Complete and sign the LI-1 License/ID/Permit Application for the name change.
SourceVisit a Rhode Island DMV branch in person to complete the name change.
Bring your current Rhode Island license, the completed LI-1 form, and one document showing your correct (new) name to any DMV branch.
Source
What you need to bring
- Your current Rhode Island driver license
- Completed and signed License/ID/Permit Application (LI-1 Form)
- One document showing your correct (new) name, e.g., a certified marriage certificate
Rhode Island fees
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate / update Rhode Island license (the fee a name change is processed under) | $28.50 — the RI DMV fee table lists the duplicate/update license fee at $28.50; the name-change page itself says costs are in the DMV Fee Table without an inline amount. There is no line literally labeled 'name change', so this is the applicable duplicate/update fee. | Rhode Island DMV |
Watch out for these in Rhode Island
SSA FIRST (24-HOUR SYNC): The name change must be done with Social Security first; it takes 24 hours for the SSA change to become effective for the RI DMV to process your transaction.
IN PERSON REQUIRED: The name change is completed in person at a Rhode Island DMV branch; no online or mail option is stated for the name change itself.
FEE IS THE DUPLICATE/UPDATE FEE: The name-change page does not print a dollar amount; the DMV Fee Table lists the duplicate/update license fee at $28.50 (there is no separate 'name change' line item).
The federal steps (every state)
Your Rhode Island DMV step sits between Social Security and your passport. The three steps below are the same wherever you live.
Official Rhode Island & 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 show you the steps in order, each linked to the real .gov page. No account, no card.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I change my license name online in Rhode Island, or must it be in person?
- IN PERSON REQUIRED: The name change is completed in person at a Rhode Island DMV branch; no online or mail option is stated for the name change itself.
- Do I change my name at the Rhode Island DMV or Social Security first?
- Social Security first. Rhode Island'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 Rhode Island need to change my license name after marriage?
- Your current Rhode Island driver license See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Rhode Island page.
- How much does a Rhode Island name change cost?
- Duplicate / update Rhode Island license (the fee a name change is processed under): $28.50 — the RI DMV fee table lists the duplicate/update license fee at $28.50; the name-change page itself says costs are in the DMV Fee Table without an inline amount. There is no line literally labeled 'name change', so this is the applicable duplicate/update fee.. The federal Social Security update is always free.
- When was this Rhode Island guidance last checked?
- 2026-06-20. We checked every step against Rhode Island'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.