You can change or update your legal name on your Standard document by mail and order a new DMV document if
- you have a Social Security Number (SSN) on file with the DMV and you already changed your name with the Social Security Administration 2
- note: the name you request on your new DMV document must exactly match the name on your Social Security Card
- you do not have a commercial driver license (CDL) or commercial learner permit (CLP)
- you do not need to change any other information (for example, height, gender, address, etc.)
To change by mail
- complete an Application for Name Change Only on Standard Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) (MV-44NC)
- your full signature, which will be used on your new license, permit or ID, must be within the signature box (we will reject your application if your signature touches or crosses the edge of the box)
Example of a (good) signature within the box:
Example of a (bad) signature that crosses the edge of the box:
- provide a copy of your new Social Security Card
- the name on your card must exactly match the name requested for your new document
- provide a copy of your current "Standard" New York State license, permit or non-driver ID
- provide a copy of one or more of these proofs of your name change
- government issued marriage certificate
- government issued court order
- amended birth certificate
- divorce papers (must indicate name change)
- naturalization papers
- provide a check or money order for $12.50 (for license or permit) or $5.00 (non-driver ID) payable to 'Commission of Motor Vehicles'
Mail to
Department of Motor Vehicles
55 Hanson Place, 6th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11217
If you have a REAL ID or EDL license, permit or non-driver ID (or if you are not eligible to mail your Standard, CDL or CLP)
When you change your name on your REAL ID or EDL license, permit or non-driver ID, you must also update your photo.
To update a legal change of name on DMV records, bring these items to DMV office
- a completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) (MV-44)
- your current license, permit or non-driver ID, or at least 6 points of proof of identity and proof of date of birth
- See How to Apply for a New York Learner Permit, Driver License, or Non-Driver ID (PDF) (ID-44) for a list of acceptable proofs
- original or a certified copy of your U.S. marriage certificate, U.S. divorce documents or other court papers for a change of name issued in the U.S. 3
Change or correct date of birth
If your date of birth is not correct, bring to your local DMV office proof of your age as listed on proofs of identity and date of birth for NY State driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID.
Change gender
You can change the gender on your license or ID card online or by completing the Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) MV-44 and visiting an office.
Gender X on a NYS photo document
Beginning May 27, 2022, in accordance with the Gender Recognition Act, DMV began processing applications at all DMV Offices to allow existing applicants to update their NYS photo documents to reflect an “X” gender option and new applicants to apply for a NYS photo document with an “X” gender option. This can be done by completing the Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) MV-44 or you can update your sex identifier online. DMV’s crash records system was also updated in May 2022. DMV’s traffic ticketing systems will be updated to allow a gender X option in the summer of 2023.
Correct an error (mistake) on your record
If we made an error on your document, use the Ask DMV a Question service to request a correction. We may be able to correct it without you coming to a DMV office. There is no fee for a correction.
Change photo
You must go to a DMV office.
When you renew
- there is no additional fee to update your photo
When it is not time to renew
Bring to a DMV office
- a completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) (MV-44)
- your current license, permit, or non-driver ID (you must surrender the document)
- $17.50 to update the photo on a license or permit, and $13 for a non-driver photo ID.
Fee
For amended permit or license: $12.50
For amended non-driver ID card: $5.00 4
Once ordered, your new document will come in 2 weeks
We will give you a temporary non-photo driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID at the DMV. You will receive your new document in the mail in about 2 weeks.
Death of a family member
If your loved one has passed away, please mail a copy of the death certificate and a photo copy of their license or ID (if you have it) to the DMV. This will prevent further mailings or identity theft.
DMV License Production Bureau
P.O. Box 2688 ESP
Albany, NY 12220-0668