North Carolina law requires that your driver’s license displays your legal name and an accurate, current address. However, during your divorce, those things can change. If you choose to revert to your maiden name or move out of your current home, you’ll need to notify the DMV within 60 days.
Your Raleigh divorce lawyer will give you a copy of your divorce decree as soon as your divorce has been finalized. If you decide to change your name, the name change will take effect as soon as the decree is signed by a judge.
Discuss Your Options with Your Divorce Lawyer
Prior to submitting any documents or filing for a divorce, your lawyer will discuss your options with you. You may choose to find a new place to live or remain in your home. Additionally, you may wish to keep your married name or go back to your maiden name.
Your divorce lawyer will evaluate your case and help you decide what’s best for you and your family.
Moving after Divorce
If you and your lawyer have decided that it’s best for you to move out of your current home, you’ll need to set a date. Your lawyer can help you choose the best time to move. In some cases, they will advise you to move out immediately; in others, they may advise you to move out once the divorce is final.
Changing Your Name with Divorce
Some people choose to keep their married names after a divorce. Reasons to keep your married name include wanting the same last name as your children, having an established business, or out of habit. Others wish to revert to their maiden names to completely disassociate themselves from their former spouses. It’s largely a matter of personal preference, and your divorce lawyer can help you decide what to do.
How to Change Your Driver’s License
Change your address with the DMV as soon as possible. If you are also changing your name, your Raleigh divorce lawyer may advise you to wait and change both at the same time. This way you won’t have to go to the DMV twice. Your lawyer will advise this if your divorce will be completed within 60 days of your move.
You may change your address with the DMV online by applying for a duplicate license. Then, simply updating your information in the DMV’s system.
To change your name, you will need a copy of your divorce decree. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer will give you a copy once it has been signed by a judge. You must visit your local DMV with the divorce decree to prove that your name has legally changed.
When your divorce lawyer makes suggestions about whether you should move, change your name, or any other significant changes, consider this: your lawyer has helped several clients in situations similar to yours and is always looking out for your best interests. Their advice is there to help you. Ultimately, however, the decision is yours to make.
If you have any questions about changing your driver’s license after divorce, contact us or call us at (919) 787-6668.
