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Name change by state ยท Washington, DC

How to change your name in Washington, DC

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

DMV feeThe license renewal fee (DC handles a name change as an in-person renewal)
DeadlineNo set deadline found, but update it before you travel or renew
WhereDC 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 DC DMV checks your new name against Social Security's records, so wait a day or two after this step.

  3. Get a new Washington, DC driver's license

    The form is the DC Driver License or ID Card Application. Sasha fills it in for you with your new name, so you just check it and sign at the office.

    Bring:

    • Current DC license
    • Certified marriage certificate

    Good to know:

    • The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days; the card is mailed within 10 business days.
    • Cards aren't mailed to PO boxes.

  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 and the Washington, DC DMV form. It also writes your letters for banks and insurers. The checklist is free.

See how Sasha works

Official sources

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