Question: I just received my new driver’s license because my old one expired. After looking it over, I noticed that the date of birth (DOB) is incorrect. How do I change my date of birth on my driver’s license?
Answer:
If your date of birth is incorrect on your driver’s license, the good news is you can usually change it by simply going to the DMV. Your incorrect birth date was likely the result of a clerical error. With supporting documentation, fixing it shouldn’t be an issue.
Most states have their own process for correcting your birthday on your driver’s license. You’ll need to search online or call to confirm your state’s specific requirements.
Some states, like Texas, may require you to visit the county clerk or records department, rather than the DMV. You may also be asked to mail or email your request instead of visiting in person.
Depending on the reason for the change, you’ll need to provide documents such as:
- The incorrect driver’s license
- A certified or original copy of your birth certificate, which is usually marked with an embossed seal.
- A court order showing that your legal birth date change was approved by a judge.
- Supporting documents to prove your identity, such as a passport, Social Security card, military ID, citizenship papers, or notarized letter from an older family member who would know your date of birth, like a parent or grandparent.
After verifying your identity and providing the required documentation, you should be issued a new license with the correct DOB.
What if my date of birth is incorrect on other documents?
If your birth certificate or Social Security card shows an incorrect date of birth, you may be required to correct these before getting an updated license. You’ll likely be required to show documentation that supports your claim that your birth date is listed incorrectly. The process for doing this will vary depending on the documents you need to update and the state where you live.
If your birth certificate is wrong, you should probably start by correcting that. Typically, if you need to update your birth certificate, you’ll need to contact the vital records department in the city or county where you were born.
Because these types of requests can be complicated, consulting a family law attorney to help you navigate the process may be helpful.
Can I get in trouble for having a license with the wrong date of birth?
If there’s any reason to suspect that you intentionally provided the wrong birth date — like you’re a minor who wanted to appear older or trying to conceal your identity — a case could be made that this was identity fraud, and your license could be suspended.
However, it’s much more common that having the wrong date of birth on your license resulted from a clerical error. Assuming you attempt to correct the discrepancy as soon as you notice it, you’re unlikely to find yourself in any legal trouble.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Giselle Gomez is an editor with over a decade of experience editing content across personal finance, education, travel, and sports. In editing for Jerry, Giselle’s focus is on making sure content is consumer and SEO-friendly and helping readers understand all things car ownership. In prior roles, she worked as a content strategist, syndication editor, and writer. Her work is featured in AP, NerdWallet.com, BestColleges.com, and more. Giselle holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University.
