California Code of Regulations
Title 13 - Motor Vehicles
Division 1 - Department of Motor Vehicles
Chapter 1 - Department of Motor Vehicles
Article 2.0 - Driver Licenses and Identification Cards
Section 20.04 - Information Required for a Name Change on a Driver License or Identification Card

Universal Citation: 13 CA Code of Regs 20.04

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) Upon application for an original California driver license or identification card, the department shall require the applicant to produce identification necessary to ensure the name provided on the application is the individual's true full name.

(1) If the name provided on the application conflicts with the name on the document or documents submitted to establish legal presence or birth verification at the time of application, the department shall require the applicant to provide additional documentary evidence to establish that the name on the application is his or her true full name.

(b) Upon application for a renewal or duplicate California driver license or identification card, or before a California driver license or identification card may be issued, reissued, or returned to the licensee after a refusal, cancellation, probation, restriction, suspension or revocation of the person's driving privilege, the department shall require the applicant to produce identification when necessary to ensure the name provided on the application is the individual's true full name.

(c) Upon application for a change of name on a California driver license or identification card, the department shall require the applicant to produce identification to ensure the name provided on the application is his or her true full name.

(d) The department will accept an original or certified copy of one of the following documents that is legible and unaltered as additional documentation to establish the applicant's true full name as required by subsections (a) and (b), or as identification to establish the applicant's true full name for a name change:

(1) Any document specified in Section 15.00 in Article 2, Chapter 1, Division 1, of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations.

(2) A document issued by a competent jurisdiction that contains the applicant's legal name, date of birth, if available, and government seal, stamp or other official imprint including, but not limited to:
(A) An adoption document that contains the legal name of the individual as a result of the adoption

(B) A name change document that contains the individual's legal name both before and, as a result of, the name change.

(C) A marriage certificate.

(D) A dissolution of marriage document that contains the legal name of the individual as a result of the court action.

(E) A certificate, declaration or registration document verifying the formation of a domestic partnership.

(F) A certificate, notice or judgment verifying the termination or dissolution of a domestic partnership.

(3) For purposes of this subsection, "competent jurisdiction" is defined as any governmental agency within the United States, District of Columbia, territory or possession of the United States, including federal, state, and local agencies, or a foreign state or its equivalent, duly authorized to issue documents for adoption, name change, marriage, or dissolution of marriage.

(e) An applicant requesting a name change that differs from the name reflected on their current federally non-compliant driver's license or identification card issued under Vehicle Code section 12801.5 or Vehicle Code section 12801.9 may submit their application and one of the documents in subsection (d) through the department's online portal or in person.

Note: Authority cited: Section 1651, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 12800, 12800.7, 12809 and 13000, Vehicle Code.

Note: Authority cited: Section 1651, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 12800, 12800.7, 12809 and 13000, Vehicle Code.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. California may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.