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Name change by state ยท West Virginia

How to change your name in West Virginia

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

DMV fee$7.50 for a duplicate (plus $10 for a REAL ID card)
DeadlineNo set deadline found, but update it before you travel or renew
WhereWV Division of Motor Vehicles, 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 WV Division of Motor Vehicles checks your new name against Social Security's records, so wait a day or two after this step.

  3. Get a new West Virginia driver's license

    The form is the DMV-DS-23P Application for a Driver's License or ID Card. Sasha fills it in for you with your new name, so you just check it and sign at the office.

    Bring:

    • Certified marriage certificate for each marriage (souvenir or minister's copies not accepted)
    • Current license

    Good to know:

    • Your name must match Social Security's records.
    • You can use your married last name with your maiden name in place of your middle name.

  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 West Virginia 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.