Do I change my name at the Vermont DMV or Social Security first?

Social Security first. Vermont'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 Vermont need to change my license name after marriage?

Documentation of your new name: an original or certified copy of a marriage license/certificate, a civil union certificate, or a court order clearly stating your new name (a church/chapel certificate is not acceptable; the certified copy must have a stamp or raised seal of the issuing authority) See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Vermont page.

When was this Vermont guidance last checked?

2026-06-20. We checked every step against Vermont'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.

Vermont · checked against the real .gov pages Last verified 2026-06-20

Name change after marriage in Vermont

To change your name after marriage in Vermont, update Social Security first, then your Vermont 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 Vermont'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 Vermont, the name change runs through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): the Vermont driver's-license update is listed at $24.00 — Vermont's official fees table lists the driver-license 'Replacement' fee at $24.00; a name change is issued as a replacement/corrected license. (There is no line literally labeled 'name change'.), it must be done in person, not online, there's a deadline to update after your name change, and you'll bring 2 documents (full list below). Every step below is linked to the official Vermont page it came from (last checked 2026-06-20).

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

What's specific to Vermont

Agency: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Replacement (corrected) Vermont driver license — the fee a name change is issued under: $24.00 — Vermont's official fees table lists the driver-license 'Replacement' fee at $24.00; a name change is issued as a replacement/corrected license. (There is no line literally labeled 'name change'.) dmv.vermont.gov
In person or by mail: IN PERSON REQUIRED: Name changes must be done in person at a DMV office location; Vermont DMV states the change cannot be done online.
Deadline: 30-DAY DEADLINE: You are required by law to notify the Vermont DMV within 30 days of any change to your address or name.

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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Vermont DMV name-change steps

If your credential is REAL ID compliant, update your name with the Social Security Administration first.
Vermont DMV states: "You must update your records with the Social Security Administration prior to processing a name change at DMV. Before a license or ID can be issued in the new name, SSA records must be updated." (This is required for a REAL ID-compliant credential.)
Source
Complete the Name/Address Change Form (VL-040).
Complete Vermont form VL-040, the Name/Address Change Form, for the name change (for a CDL, use form VL-031).
Source
Apply in person at a Vermont DMV office with your certified name-change document.
Vermont DMV states: "You must apply in person in order to have your name changed on your license or non-driver ID card." Bring a certified marriage certificate (or court order) and the completed VL-040.
Source

What you need to bring

Documentation of your new name: an original or certified copy of a marriage license/certificate, a civil union certificate, or a court order clearly stating your new name (a church/chapel certificate is not acceptable; the certified copy must have a stamp or raised seal of the issuing authority)
Completed Name/Address Change Form (VL-040)

Vermont fees

Item	Cost	Source
Replacement (corrected) Vermont driver license — the fee a name change is issued under	$24.00 — Vermont's official fees table lists the driver-license 'Replacement' fee at $24.00; a name change is issued as a replacement/corrected license. (There is no line literally labeled 'name change'.)	dmv.vermont.gov

Watch out for these in Vermont

30-DAY DEADLINE: You are required by law to notify the Vermont DMV within 30 days of any change to your address or name.

IN PERSON REQUIRED: Name changes must be done in person at a DMV office location; Vermont DMV states the change cannot be done online.

SSA FIRST (REAL ID): For a REAL ID-compliant credential, you must update your records with the Social Security Administration before DMV can issue the license in your new name.

CERTIFIED, SEALED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE: The marriage certificate must be a certified copy with a stamp or raised seal; a church/chapel certificate is not acceptable.

The federal steps (every state)

Your Vermont 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 Vermont & 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 Vermont?: 30-DAY DEADLINE: You are required by law to notify the Vermont DMV within 30 days of any change to your address or name.
Do I change my name at the Vermont DMV or Social Security first?: Social Security first. Vermont'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 Vermont need to change my license name after marriage?: Documentation of your new name: an original or certified copy of a marriage license/certificate, a civil union certificate, or a court order clearly stating your new name (a church/chapel certificate is not acceptable; the certified copy must have a stamp or raised seal of the issuing authority) See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Vermont page.
How much does a Vermont name change cost?: Replacement (corrected) Vermont driver license — the fee a name change is issued under: $24.00 — Vermont's official fees table lists the driver-license 'Replacement' fee at $24.00; a name change is issued as a replacement/corrected license. (There is no line literally labeled 'name change'.). The federal Social Security update is always free.
When was this Vermont guidance last checked?: 2026-06-20. We checked every step against Vermont'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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