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Name change after marriage in Virginia: checklist and DMV steps
The order to change your name after marriage in Virginia, and what the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles asks for, from its own pages. Each step links its source.
How to change your name after marriage in Virginia
Get certified copies of your marriage certificate first. Then change your name with Social Security, then at the Virginia 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. Fairfax certified copies are $2.50 each, in person or by mail, for licenses it issued. State Vital Records can help if the court is unknown. (Source: fairfaxcounty.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 Virginia driver's license or ID. The Virginia 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 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
From the agency’s own pages, last checked October 30, 2026. Open the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles page. Fees and rules change: confirm on that page before you go.
- What to do
- Start online or complete the license application requesting a name change, then visit a DMV customer service center with one name-change document and your Virginia credential or confirmation email. (Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Documents accepted as proof of the new name
- Marriage certificate or civil union document, divorce decree stating the change from married to maiden name, or a court order granting the name change. (Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Fee
- Replacement license is $20, plus a one-time $10 for REAL ID. The name change page says you need a replacement once the change is processed. (Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- In person or online
- You can start the name change online, but you must visit a DMV customer service center to complete it. (Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Social Security first
- Not stated on the pages we read. Check the agency page. Official page
- Deadline
- No deadline for a name change is stated on the pages we read. Official page
Common questions
How do I change my name on my Virginia driver's license after marriage?
Start online or complete the license application requesting a name change, then visit a DMV customer service center with one name-change document and your Virginia credential or confirmation email.
How much does it cost to change the name on a Virginia license?
Replacement license is $20, plus a one-time $10 for REAL ID. The name change page says you need a replacement once the change is processed.
What documents do I need to change my name at the Virginia DMV?
Marriage certificate or civil union document, divorce decree stating the change from married to maiden name, or a court order granting the name change.
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