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Name change by state ยท Pennsylvania

How to change your name in Pennsylvania

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

DMV feeFree for a change or correction on form DL-80 (PennDOT mails an update card)
DeadlineWithin 15 days of your name change
WherePennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services, 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 PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services checks your new name against Social Security's records, so wait a day or two after this step.

  3. Get a new Pennsylvania driver's license

    The form is the DL-80 (or DL-143 if expiring within 6 months). Sasha fills it in for you with your new name, so you just check it and sign at the office.

    Bring:

    • Certified marriage certificate issued by a county office such as Orphans' Court or Register of Wills (no photocopies)
    • Completed DL-80
    • Current license

    Good to know:

    • All name changes are done in person at a Driver License Center.
    • To update your vehicle title afterward, attach a copy of your updated license.

  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 Pennsylvania 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.