Marriage Name Change in West Virginia

Agency: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Deadline: West Virginia does not publish a fixed number of days for a name-change update; complete it promptly after the SSA step.

Complete your Social Security Administration name change first, then visit a DMV Regional Office with your documents; West Virginia name-change transactions generally require an in-person visit rather than the online self-service portal.

Bring these documents:

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

Open the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) →

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 West Virginia driver license — West 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.