Marriage Name Change in Washington

Agency: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Deadline: Washington does not publish a fixed grace period; update promptly after your SSA change is processed.

To change your name on a Washington driver license, first update your name with the Social Security Administration, then make an appointment to visit a DOL licensing office in person — name changes cannot be completed online.

Bring these documents:

• Updated Social Security card (reflecting your new name)
• Certified marriage certificate (original, raised seal)
• Current Washington driver's license or ID card
• Proof of Washington residency and current address

Open the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) →

The one order that matters is Social Security first, then your driver license — state offices verify your new name against SSA records. Your U.S. passport can be updated whenever it suits you; it is not required before your license.

Update Social Security first, then your Washington driver license — Washington agencies verify your new name against Social Security records, so going the other way causes rejections and wasted trips. Your U.S. passport is a separate, independent update: you do not need a new passport to get your license, and you can renew it whenever it suits your travel plans. Banks, employer, insurance, and the rest come after your license.