Name change by state ยท Colorado

How to change your name in Colorado

After a wedding or a divorce, here's the order that works in Colorado, what to bring, and what it costs.

DMV feeThe price of a new license (Colorado requires a new license for a name change, not a duplicate)
DeadlineWithin 30 days of your name change
WhereColorado DMV, in person
  1. Get certified copies

    Order certified copies of your marriage certificate (from the county that issued your license) or your divorce decree (from the court). Offices won't take photocopies. Most people need three or four.

    Divorce: check that your decree says you may go back to your former name. If it doesn't, ask the court about an order restoring it first.

  2. Update Social Security

    This comes first, and it's free. Fill in form SS-5 and bring it with your certified document to a Social Security office or mail it. Federal REAL ID rules mean the Colorado DMV checks your new name against Social Security's records, so wait a day or two after this step.

  3. Get a new Colorado driver's license

    Colorado doesn't use a paper form for this: the clerk enters your details at the counter.

    Bring:

    • Certified original marriage certificate (foreign marriage licenses not accepted)
    • Current license

    Good to know:

    • Make an appointment at a driver license office.
  4. Update your passport

    If your passport is less than a year old, use form DS-5504 (free). If it's older but you can renew by mail, use DS-82. Otherwise apply in person with DS-11.

  5. Everyone else

    Banks and credit cards, your employer and payroll, insurance, voter registration, your car title, doctors, utilities and online accounts. Most accept a short letter with a copy of your certificate or decree.

Let Sasha do the paperwork

Sasha builds this checklist for you, keeps track of what's done, and fills in your Social Security and passport forms. It also writes your letters for banks and insurers. The checklist is free.

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Official sources

Last checked October 7, 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm on the official site before you go.