Changing Your Name on a Rhode Island Driver's License
Whether you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you'll need to update your RI driver's license to reflect your new legal name. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office — name changes cannot be processed online.
Step-by-Step: Name Change on RI Driver's License
Step 1: Update Your Social Security Record First
Before going to the DMV, update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The RI DMV verifies your name with SSA — if the name on your SSA record doesn't match your new name, your license update will be delayed.
To update with SSA:
- Complete Form SS-5 (Application for Social Security Card) — available at ssa.gov
- Bring your legal name-change document and identity document to your local SSA office
- SSA will mail you a new Social Security card with your updated name (allow 2 weeks)
SSA Providence Office:
380 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Step 2: Gather Your Documents for the DMV
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Current RI driver's license | Your existing license (even if it shows old name) |
| Legal name-change document | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order |
| Updated Social Security card | Showing your new name |
If you changed your name multiple times (e.g., married, then divorced, then married again), bring documents tracing each name change.
Step 3: Visit a DMV Office
Visit any RI DMV location in person. Schedule an appointment at dmv.ri.gov or call 401-588-3020.
RI DMV Locations:
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Cranston (main) | 600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920 |
| Providence | 286 Main St, Providence, RI 02903 |
| Woonsocket | 1 Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI 02895 |
| Bristol | 30 Chestnut St, Bristol, RI 02809 |
| Middletown | 645 Valley Rd, Middletown, RI 02842 |
Step 4: Pay the Replacement Fee and Receive New License
The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name. Your current expiration date stays the same — a name change does not reset the 4-year clock.
Fee: $5 replacement fee
Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Name change / replacement license | $5.00 |
| New license if yours expired | Standard renewal fee ($31.50 for 4-year) |
Other Documents to Update After a Name Change
Once your license is updated, update your name on these as well:
| Document | Where to Update |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title and registration | RI DMV — in person or by mail |
| Voter registration | vote.ri.gov |
| Passport | U.S. Department of State — form DS-5504 (if recently issued) |
| Bank accounts | Your bank or credit union |
| Employer payroll / HR records | Contact your HR department |
| U.S. Postal Service | usps.com — change of name with USPS |
| Insurance policies | Contact your insurance providers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update my car registration after a name change?
Yes — update your vehicle registration and title at the DMV after updating your license. This keeps your records consistent.
Can I update my name online?
No — name changes require an in-person visit to a RI DMV office.
What if I don't have a copy of my marriage certificate?
Contact the city or town clerk where your marriage was recorded to request a certified copy. In Rhode Island, contact the RI Department of Health Vital Records at 401-222-2811 for certificates issued in RI.
Does my new license have to be REAL ID compliant?
Your replacement license will maintain whatever REAL ID status your previous license had. If you want to add REAL ID at this time, bring the additional documents (birth certificate, two proofs of RI residency) and ask the DMV to process it simultaneously at no extra charge.
Official Resources
Disclaimer: Fees and requirements may change. Verify current information at dmv.ri.gov before your visit.