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Name change after marriage in Vermont: checklist and DMV steps

The order to change your name after marriage in Vermont, and what the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles asks for, from its own pages. Each step links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

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How to change your name after marriage in Vermont

Get certified copies of your marriage certificate first. Then change your name with Social Security, then at the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles for your license or ID, then on your passport, then with your bank, employer and everything else.

The steps, in order

Certified copies of your marriage certificate. Ask the town clerk where you bought the license, in person or in writing, for $10 per copy. The Health Department Vital Records Office also issues copies. (Source: healthvermont.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Social Security. You change your name with Social Security by requesting a replacement card. Depending on your situation you may be able to request it online; if not, you make an appointment at a local office. (Source: ssa.gov, checked October 26, 2026)
Your Vermont driver's license or ID. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles: what its pages say is below.
Your passport. The U.S. Department of State handles passports. Its site did not let us read it automatically when we checked, so open its passport pages for the form that fits your passport.
Everything else. Bank and credit accounts, your employer, insurance, voter registration and the rest: the name change after marriage checklist lists them in order.

USAGov lists the agencies to tell after a name change, including Social Security, your state driver license office and the U.S. passport office, and says to use certified copies of documents such as a marriage certificate as proof. (Source: usa.gov, checked October 26, 2026)

Changing your name at the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

From the agency’s own pages, last checked October 30, 2026. Open the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles page. Fees and rules change: confirm on that page before you go.

What to do: Apply in person at a DMV office with proof of the new name (marriage or civil union certificate, or court order) and the completed Name/Address Change Form VL-021. (Source: dmv.vermont.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Documents accepted as proof of the new name: Certified marriage or civil union certificate, or court order stating the new name. Marriage certificates must come from a state vital records office, not a church. (Source: dmv.vermont.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Fee: Replacement license is $24 standard (Real ID or non-Real ID). Reduced fee of $10 for SSI, SSDI or disability applicants when a new name is required. (Source: dmv.vermont.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
In person or online: Name changes cannot be done online; they must be done in person at a DMV office. (Source: dmv.vermont.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Social Security first: Update your name with Social Security before the DMV visit; for Real ID compliant cards the DMV verifies your name with SSA. (Source: dmv.vermont.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Deadline: You must notify Vermont DMV of a name change within 30 days. (Source: dmv.vermont.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How do I change my name on my Vermont driver's license after marriage?

Apply in person at a DMV office with proof of the new name (marriage or civil union certificate, or court order) and the completed Name/Address Change Form VL-021.

How much does it cost to change the name on a Vermont license?

Replacement license is $24 standard (Real ID or non-Real ID). Reduced fee of $10 for SSI, SSDI or disability applicants when a new name is required.

What documents do I need to change my name at the Vermont DMV?

Certified marriage or civil union certificate, or court order stating the new name. Marriage certificates must come from a state vital records office, not a church.

Do I need to update Social Security before the Vermont DMV?

Update your name with Social Security before the DMV visit; for Real ID compliant cards the DMV verifies your name with SSA.

Is there a deadline to change my name on my Vermont license?

You must notify Vermont DMV of a name change within 30 days.

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