In this article, we will explain the legal process of changing your name on a driver's license in Illinois. We will answer the question "How do I Legally Change my Name in Illinois?" and "How do I Change the Name on my Driver's License in Illinois?"
Having a name on your license that does not match your identity can not only be mentally stressful, but it can cause confusion professionally, personally, and legally when you are asked to present an ID that may not match how you are known or presented. Thankfully, Illinois has a process in place for people to legally change their name on a state ID or driver's license to match their identity better.
How do I Legally Change my Name in Illinois?
Changing the name of your driver's license is a multi-step process. In order to change your name on a driver's license, you will need to obtain a court order for your legal name change. In order to change your name legally in Illinois, you will need to present your change of name request to the court. The Illinois court will approve most name changes as long as the person applying has been an Illinois resident for at least six months and is not a registered sex offender or recent felon. If you are denied and believe it was in error or would like someone to help you with the process, you may want to reach out to a litigation attorney. If you are approved, you will officially have changed your legal name and can move on to the next step: getting that name change reflected on your identification.
How do I Change the Name on my Driver's License in Illinois?
Once you have received approval for your name change, you have ten days to request your new license. In order to begin this process, you must present your change to the Social Security Administration office to apply for a new Social Security card. Your social security number is tied to you and will not change, but the name will be updated to reflect your newly accurate name. Once you have the new card, you can bring it along with another form of identification to the DMV, where you can apply for a new license or ID that will reflect your true name. The identification with your deadname will no longer be legally accepted, and the updating of your license to match your true identity will be complete. The only fee you will have to pay is a $5 fee for the re-print of your license.
For more of our articles, read Does a Passenger Have to Show an ID During a Traffic Stop?
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