Name change after marriage in Virginia
To change your name after marriage in Virginia, update Social Security first, then your Virginia 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 Virginia'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.
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Virginia DMV name-change steps
Change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) FIRST, before visiting DMV.
Virginia DMV states: "You must FIRST process your name change with the Social Security Administration before visiting DMV." DMV verifies your name against SSA records, so the SSA update must be completed first or the DMV transaction can fail.
SourceStart the name change online (or complete a Driver's License and Identification Card Application requesting a name change).
You can begin the request through the DMV online Start Name Change transaction, after which you receive confirmation/instructions to bring to a customer service center. Online start does not complete the change.
SourceVisit a DMV customer service center in person to complete the name change.
An in-person visit is mandatory. The transaction cannot be completed entirely online or by mail. You will provide a new photo and signature at the center.
SourcePresent certified proof of the marriage name change.
Bring a certified marriage certificate filed with a government agency or court. Marriage licenses, civil union documents, and marriage certificates signed only by the wedding officiant (e.g., clergy) will NOT be accepted. Documents must be originals and are subject to verification.
SourceSurrender your current Virginia license/ID and pay the applicable licensing fee.
DMV states you must surrender your current license/ID at the customer service center and "pay the appropriate licensing fees," after which a replacement credential reflecting the new name is issued.
Source
What you need to bring
- Certified marriage certificate filed with a government agency or court (original; officiant/clergy-only signed certificates and marriage licenses are NOT accepted)
- Your current valid Virginia driver's license, learner's permit, or photo ID card (to be surrendered)
- If your name has changed more than once, additional certified documents to establish a continuous chain linking each prior name to your current legal name (e.g., birth certificate maiden name to marriage certificate to current name)
Virginia fees
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Name change / replacement license or ID card | fee varies - see source. DMV states you must 'pay the appropriate licensing fees'; the exact dollar amount is not stated on the name-change pages reviewed. | dmv.virginia.gov |
Watch out for these in Virginia
SSA FIRST: You must process your marriage name change with the Social Security Administration before visiting DMV. Going to DMV first is a common wasted trip.
IN-PERSON REQUIRED: The name change cannot be completed online or by mail. Starting online only initiates the request; you must appear in person at a DMV customer service center, surrender your current credential, and provide a new photo/signature.
CERTIFIED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE ONLY: A certified marriage certificate filed with a government agency or court is required. Marriage licenses, civil union documents, and marriage certificates signed only by the wedding officiant (e.g., clergy) will NOT be accepted - bringing the wrong document is a frequent cause of failed visits.
REAL ID NAME-MATCH: For a REAL ID, your name must match across all documents. If your name differs from your identity document due to marriage, you must show proof of the name change; without it, DMV cannot issue the credential.
MULTIPLE NAME CHANGES: If your name changed more than once, you may need multiple certified documents to create an unbroken chain from your prior name(s) to your current legal name.
The federal steps (every state)
Your Virginia DMV step sits between Social Security and your passport. The three steps below are the same wherever you live.
Official Virginia & federal sources
Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/online-services/name-change
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/personal-information-updates
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/name-change
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/name-change-documents
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/real-id/faq
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/real-id
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/dmv141.pdf
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I change my license name online in Virginia, or must it be in person?
- IN-PERSON REQUIRED: The name change cannot be completed online or by mail. Starting online only initiates the request; you must appear in person at a DMV customer service center, surrender your current credential, and provide a new photo/signature.
- Do I change my name at the Virginia DMV or Social Security first?
- Social Security first. Virginia'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 Virginia need to change my license name after marriage?
- Certified marriage certificate filed with a government agency or court (original; officiant/clergy-only signed certificates and marriage licenses are NOT accepted) See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Virginia page.
- How much does a Virginia name change cost?
- Name change / replacement license or ID card: fee varies - see source. DMV states you must 'pay the appropriate licensing fees'; the exact dollar amount is not stated on the name-change pages reviewed.. The federal Social Security update is always free.
- When was this Virginia guidance last checked?
- 2026-06-14. We checked every step against Virginia'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.