Change is inevitable, we know… which is why we’re committed to making it easy for you to ensure your driver’s license or identification (DL/ID) card accurately reflects who (and where!) you are.
How to Change Your Information
Changeyour name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)
When you apply for a newDL/ID cardusing your new name, the first thing DMV will do is verify your information with SSA, so make sure you have informed SSA of your new name.
See AlsoImplementation of the European Pharmacopoeia Supplement 11.6 – Notification for CEP holdersTitle Transfers and Changes - California DMVIf your SSA information does not match your newDL/IDapplication information, your application will be denied, and you will receive a Request for Verification of Information letter from DMV telling you what to do.
Complete a newDL/IDapplication
Use our online application to apply for a newDL/IDcard or commercial driver’slicense (CDL)with your new name.
If you want yournew DL/IDto be a REAL ID, you will be able to apply for one in the application.
Gather the required proof documents to showDMV
If you want aREAL IDas your updatedDL/ID, you will need to provide 1.) proof of identity, 2.) Social Security Number, and 3.) twoproofsof California residency. See acceptable documents list.
If you want anon-REAL IDDL/ID you need only provide proof of your true full name. See acceptable documents list.
California Commercial Driver’s License Documents List
If you are applying for aCDL,you will need to provide 1.) proof of your true full name (see acceptable documents list), 2.) a 10 Year History Record Check form (DL939) (if you have been issued a DL of any kind in another state or jurisdiction in the last 10 years), and 3.) a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate from the medical examiner who performed your current commercial medical examination.
Not your first name change?Ifyou haveever legally changed your name before, youmayneed to provide proof ofallformer name changes (whether DMV was notified of them or not). This may include any combination of the following:
- Namechange document(s) containing your legal name both before and after the name change.
- Marriage certificate(s).
- Dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership document(s) containing the legal name as a result of the court action.
- Document(s) verifying the formation of a domestic partnership.
- Adoption documents that contain the legal name as a result of the adoption.
Visit a DMV office to complete the process
Your name changeis notcomplete until you come into a field office! You may either make an appointment or visit a field office at your convenience without an appointment.
Bring your currentDL/IDand proof documents with you, and be prepared to pay the appropriate licensing fee and scan yourthumbprintto protect against identity theft.
If you applied for aDL, you will be given a temporary license valid for 60days. If you applied for an ID card, you will be given a receipt as proof of application. You should receive your newDL/IDcard in the mail within 3-4 weeks. If you have not received your DL/ID card after 60 days, visit.
Notifying DMV of an address change is easy and free! Just submit a Change ofAddress (DMV 14)form using the option below that is most convenient for you:
Online:Request a change of address in your MyDMV account.
By mail:Download the DMV 14 (or call DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request to have the form mailed to you; note this may take up to 5 days to receive) and mail the completed form to the address listed on the form.
In person: Visit any DMV office, complete aDMV 14, andgive it to a representative. The representative will submit the form to DMV headquarters for processing.
California law requires that you notify DMV within 10 days of changing your address.
As of January 1, 2019, individuals may self-select a gender identity of male (M), female (F), or nonbinary (X) to appear on their driver’slicense or identification (DL/ID).
If you are changing your name on yourDL/IDin addition to your gender category,please also follow the instructions within “Changing Your Name” above.
Complete a newDL/IDapplication
Use our online application to apply for a newDL/IDcard with your updated gender category.
If you want your newDL/ID to be a REAL ID, you will be able toapply for onein the application.
Gather the required documents to show DMV
If you want aREAL IDas your updatedDL/ID, you will need to provide 1.) proof of identity, 2.) Social Security Number, and 3.) twoproofsof California residencyin addition toa completed Gender Category Request form (DMV 329S). See acceptable REAL ID documents list.
If you want anon-REAL IDDL/ID, you only need to submit a completedGender Category Request form (DMV 329S).
Visit a DMV office to complete the process
Your gender category change isn’t complete until you come into a field office!
Bring your current DL/ID(and any required proof documents with you, if your updatedDL/IDwill be a REAL ID), and be prepared to pay the appropriate licensing fee and scan yourthumbprintto protect against identity theft.
If you applied for aDL(REAL ID or not), you will be given a temporaryDLvalid for 60days. If you applied for an ID card, you will be given a receipt as proof of application. You should receive your newDL/IDcard in the mail within three to four weeks. If you have not received your driver’s license and/or ID card after 60 days, visit .
