Marriage Name Change in Virginia

Agency: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Deadline: Virginia requires you to keep your license information current; complete the name update promptly after the SSA step.

Virginia DMV requires you to process your name change with the Social Security Administration first. You can begin the DMV name-change transaction online, but you must visit a customer service center with your confirmation email and documents to complete it.

Bring these documents:

• Updated Social Security card (reflecting your new name)
• Certified marriage certificate (original, raised seal)
• Current Virginia driver's license or ID card
• Proof of Virginia residency (if required for your visit)

Open the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) →

Virginia lets you start the DMV name-change transaction online, but it cannot be finished remotely — you still must bring your confirmation email and original documents to a customer service center.

Update Social Security first, then your Virginia driver license — Virginia 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.