How to Change Your Name on Your South Carolina Driver's License
What you need to do to change your name on your license
To change the name on your South Carolina driver's license, you must visit a DMV office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. South Carolina does not allow name changes by mail or online. The DMV will issue you a new license with your updated name, though you keep the same license number and expiration date.
The process itself is straightforward: bring the right documents, fill out one form, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. Most visits take 30 minutes to an hour. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change — mail-in and online requests are not accepted.
- Legal proof means a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document showing your new name.
- The fee for a name change is the same as renewing your license, and you will receive a temporary license to use immediately.
- Your new permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What counts as proof of a legal name change
South Carolina requires official documentation showing your name change. The type of document depends on why your name changed. A marriage certificate or certified divorce decree is the most common proof. If you changed your name through a court order — for example, a legal name change petition — bring the signed court order from the judge.
If you were born outside the United States, a naturalization certificate or passport showing your new name will work. If you are changing your name for any other reason, you will need a court order from a South Carolina family court judge approving the change. The DMV will not accept notarized documents, letters, or unofficial copies — the document must be an official original or a certified copy.
Which DMV office to visit and what to bring
Find your nearest DMV office on the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website. You do not need an appointment for a name change, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours.
Bring these documents: your current driver's license, your proof of legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or passport), and a completed Form DLAPP-14 (Application for Driver's License or Permit). You can fill this out at home before you go or at the DMV office. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, as the DMV will verify it matches your new name. If your address has changed, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
The fee and what happens after you pay
The fee for a name change on your driver's license is the same as the fee for a standard license renewal. As of now, that fee varies depending on the type of license you hold and how long you want it to be valid. Check the DMV website for the current fee amount, as it may change.
Once you pay, you will have your photo taken (unless your current license photo is less than five years old and you choose to keep it). You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Use this temporary license the same way you would use your regular license — it is legal to drive with it. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DMV office within 7 to 10 business days.
If your name change was through marriage or divorce
If you married and took your spouse's last name, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy. If you divorced and changed your name back or to a different name, bring your certified divorce decree. The decree must show your new name clearly. Some divorce decrees list the name change in a separate section; others include it in the main judgment. Either way, the DMV will accept it as long as it is certified and shows your new legal name.
If you were married in another state, your marriage certificate is still valid proof in South Carolina. The same applies to divorce decrees from other states — the DMV accepts them as long as they are official documents.
If you need a court order for a legal name change
If your name change is not due to marriage or divorce, you will need to petition a South Carolina family court for a legal name change before you can update your license. This is a separate legal process from the DMV. You file a petition in the family court in the county where you live, pay a court filing fee, and appear before a judge. The judge will sign an order approving your new name.
Once you have the signed court order, take it to the DMV along with your current license and the other required documents. The court order is your proof of the legal name change. If you need help with the court petition, contact your county's family court clerk's office or a legal aid organization in South Carolina.
What to do if your documents are lost or damaged
If you no longer have your marriage certificate or divorce decree, you can request a certified copy from the county where you were married or divorced. Contact the vital records office or clerk of court in that county. There is usually a small fee, and it may take a few days to a few weeks to receive the copy by mail.
If you have a court order for a name change and cannot find it, contact the family court clerk in the county where the order was issued. They can provide you with a certified copy. Bring this certified copy to the DMV along with your current license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license without going to the DMV in person?
No. South Carolina requires you to visit a DMV office in person. You cannot change your name by mail, online, or through a third party. You must bring your current license and proof of your legal name change to an office during business hours.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that is valid for 30 days, so you can drive legally while you wait for the permanent card.
Do I have to change my address at the same time I change my name?
No, but if your address has changed, it is a good time to update it. You can change your name only, your address only, or both at the same visit. If you change your address, bring proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
What if I got married in another state — will my marriage certificate work?
Yes. The DMV accepts marriage certificates and divorce decrees from any state as long as they are official documents. If you have an original or certified copy, bring it to the DMV.
Will my license number change when I change my name?
No. Your license number stays the same. Your expiration date also stays the same. Only your name will be updated on the new card.