Name change after marriage in West Virginia
To change your name after marriage in West Virginia, update Social Security first, then your West 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 West 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.
In West Virginia, the name change runs through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): the West Virginia driver's-license update is listed at Varies — see source. West Virginia does not publish a flat duplicate/name-change dollar figure; renewal fees follow an age-based formula ($5.00 per year until your age is divisible by five), and a REAL ID adds an additional $10.00 fee. We link the official source rather than assert a single name-change number., and you'll bring 2 documents (full list below). Every step below is linked to the official West Virginia page it came from (last checked 2026-06-20).
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
What's specific to West Virginia
- Agency
- West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Name change / duplicate West Virginia driver license
- Varies — see source. West Virginia does not publish a flat duplicate/name-change dollar figure; renewal fees follow an age-based formula ($5.00 per year until your age is divisible by five), and a REAL ID adds an additional $10.00 fee. We link the official source rather than assert a single name-change number. transportation.wv.gov
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 includedWest Virginia DMV name-change steps
Make sure your Social Security record shows your full legal (new) name.
West Virginia DMV states your Social Security records must reflect your full legal name, and your full legal name must match your name on file with the Social Security Administration.
SourceApply for a duplicate credential and provide proof of the legal name change.
West Virginia DMV processes a name change as a Duplicate application: "if your legal name has changed from what was listed on your previous license or ID card, you must also provide proof of legal name change document(s)."
SourceReceive a temporary card; your permanent credential is mailed.
West Virginia DMV states: "Customers applying for duplicate credentials will also receive a temporary card and their permanent credential in the mail."
Source
What you need to bring
- Proof of legal name change: a certified marriage certificate (for each marriage if married more than once; souvenir documents or minister's copies are not acceptable), a court order with the legal name/name change, or a certified divorce decree
- For a REAL ID name change: one proof of Social Security number document (and your SSA record must already match your full legal name)
West Virginia fees
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Name change / duplicate West Virginia driver license | Varies — see source. West Virginia does not publish a flat duplicate/name-change dollar figure; renewal fees follow an age-based formula ($5.00 per year until your age is divisible by five), and a REAL ID adds an additional $10.00 fee. We link the official source rather than assert a single name-change number. | transportation.wv.gov |
Watch out for these in West Virginia
PROCESSED AS A DUPLICATE: A West Virginia name change is handled as a Duplicate application; you must provide proof of the legal name change. The online self-service covers address changes, not name changes.
CERTIFIED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE ONLY: Souvenir documents or minister's copies are not acceptable; a certified marriage certificate is required (one for each marriage if married more than once).
SSA MUST MATCH: Your full legal name must match your name on file with the Social Security Administration.
AGE 50+ STATEMENT: If you are age 50 or over, a signed statement may be submitted in lieu of the name-change document such as the marriage certificate.
The federal steps (every state)
Your West Virginia DMV step sits between Social Security and your passport. The three steps below are the same wherever you live.
Official West Virginia & 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
- Do I change my name at the West Virginia DMV or Social Security first?
- Social Security first. West 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 West Virginia need to change my license name after marriage?
- Proof of legal name change: a certified marriage certificate (for each marriage if married more than once; souvenir documents or minister's copies are not acceptable), a court order with the legal name/name change, or a certified divorce decree See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official West Virginia page.
- How much does a West Virginia name change cost?
- Name change / duplicate West Virginia driver license: Varies — see source. West Virginia does not publish a flat duplicate/name-change dollar figure; renewal fees follow an age-based formula ($5.00 per year until your age is divisible by five), and a REAL ID adds an additional $10.00 fee. We link the official source rather than assert a single name-change number.. The federal Social Security update is always free.
- When was this West Virginia guidance last checked?
- 2026-06-20. We checked every step against West 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.