How to Change Your Driver's License in Arkansas After Marriage

Just got married in Arkansas and taking your spouse's last name? Updating your driver's license at the DFA is one of the first things to check off. In Arkansas, your certified marriage certificate is the legal document that lets you change your name — no court order required. Here's exactly how to do it.

Before you go: update your Social Security card first

Wait until your new Social Security card arrives before you go — the DFA needs it and cross-checks your SSA record.

How to change your name at the Arkansas DFA, step by step

1. Find your nearest DFA at this link: bit.ly/arkdfalocations
2. Gather the documents listed below.
3. Visit your local DFA with your required documents & pay the license fee

What to bring

• Current driver's license
• U.S. passport or birth certificate
• Your new Social Security card
• Certified copy of your marriage certificate (or divorce decree)
• Proof of Arkansas residency (two documents showing your name + address)

You will need to provide two different documents proving you live in Arkansas. The proof documents must include your name and address (PO Boxes don't count). Proof examples: utility bill, bank statements, paycheck, apartment lease, etc. - a full list of acceptable proof documents is included in your name change kit, or you can take this quiz: bit.ly/arkrealid

REAL ID

REAL IDs are required for air travel as of May 2025, the below instructions reflect the required steps to apply for a REAL ID

Good to know

• A license fee is collected at your appointment (verify the current amount on the official Arkansas DFA site).
• You can update your vehicle registration during the same visit.
• Arkansas also allows you to register to vote while at the DFA, so we recommend knocking that out while you're there too.

Arkansas license name change FAQ

Do I need a court order to change my name on my Arkansas driver's license after marriage?

No. In Arkansas your certified marriage certificate is the legal document that lets you take, hyphenate, or blend your spouse's last name. A court order is only needed for a name unrelated to marriage.

Do I need a new Social Security card before updating my Arkansas license?

Yes. Update your Social Security card first and wait for the new one to arrive — the DFA needs it and the systems cross-check your SSA record, so doing it first prevents mismatches.

Do I need a REAL ID to change my name in Arkansas?

REAL ID has been required for domestic air travel since May 2025. If you want a REAL ID, bring the full set of documents listed above; the name-change process is the same visit.

Your license is just one step

The full Arkansas name change runs Social Security → DFA → passport → banks. See the complete walkthrough: How to Change Your Name in Arkansas After Marriage.

Related: Hyphenating your last name · NewlyNamed vs. HitchSwitch vs. NÉE compared

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