What you need to do to change a name on a car title
Changing the name on a car title means updating the ownership record with your state's motor vehicle department — usually called the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though some states use different names like the Secretary of State or Department of Transportation. The process varies by state, but the basic steps are the same: you fill out a form, provide proof of the name change, and submit it with your current title and a fee. Your state will then issue a new title with the corrected name.
You need to do this if you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name for any reason. Driving with a title that doesn't match your current legal name can create problems if you're pulled over, sell the car, or need to file an insurance claim. The good news is that this is a straightforward administrative process — there's no judgment involved, and you don't need a lawyer.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's motor vehicle department to find out which form you need and what documents prove your name change.
- You will need your current title, a government-issued ID showing your new name, and proof of the legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
- Most states let you mail in the paperwork, though some require you to visit in person; fees typically range from $10 to $50.
- Processing time varies by state but usually takes two to six weeks by mail.
What documents you need to bring or send
Start by gathering your current title — the physical document you received when you bought the car or last transferred ownership. You'll also need an official document that proves your name changed. If you got married, that's your marriage certificate. If you got divorced, it's your divorce decree. If you legally changed your name through the court, it's the court order granting the change. These documents need to be originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
You'll also need a government-issued ID that shows your new name — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If your ID doesn't yet show your new name, bring both your old ID and the document proving the change. Some states also ask for proof of residency, like a utility bill or lease agreement, though this is less common for title changes.
The exact list depends on your state, so call your local DMV or check their website before you gather everything. This saves you a trip if you're missing something.
How to find the right form for your state
Each state has its own form for changing a name on a title. You can find it by searching "[your state] DMV name change title" or by visiting your state's motor vehicle department website directly. The form is usually free to read and print.
Common form names include "process for Title" or "Title Amendment," but the exact name varies. Some states combine the name change with other title updates on a single form. If you can't find it online, call your local DMV office and ask them to mail it to you or tell you where to pick it up in person. Having the right form matters because submitting the wrong one delays the process.
Whether you can mail it in or must go in person
Most states allow you to mail in a name change request, but some require you to appear in person at a DMV office. A few states let you choose. Check your state's website or call ahead to confirm what your state requires.
If you can mail it, send everything together in one envelope: the completed form, your current title, your ID, the proof of name change, and the fee (usually a check or money order, though some states now accept credit cards by mail). Use certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof it arrived. Keep copies of everything for your records.
If you must go in person, bring the same documents and plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the DMV. Bring more than one copy of your proof of name change if possible — some offices keep a copy in their file.
What the fee costs and how long it takes
The fee for a name change on a title ranges from about $10 to $50 depending on your state. A few states charge nothing. Call your DMV or check their website to find out your state's exact fee. Some states charge extra if you want the new title rushed or if you need multiple copies.
Processing time by mail usually takes two to six weeks. In-person processing is sometimes faster — you may get your new title the same day or within a few days. If you need the title urgently, ask whether your state offers expedited processing and what it costs.
What happens if you lose your title before changing the name
If your title is lost, damaged, or you can't find it, you can request a replacement title at the same time you request the name change. You'll need to fill out an additional form — usually called "process for Duplicate Title" or "Lost Title" — and pay an extra fee, typically $10 to $25. The process takes the same amount of time as a regular name change.
If you've already sold the car or transferred it to someone else, you don't need to change the name on the old title. The new owner will handle getting a title in their name. But if you still own the car, it's important to get the title corrected before you sell it, because the buyer will need a title that matches the seller's legal name.
What to do if your state requires both spouses' names on the title
Some states allow you to list one or both spouses on a car title. If you're married and both names are on the title, and one spouse changes their name, you may need to update both names or remove one. The rules vary widely by state.
If you're going through a divorce and need to remove your ex-spouse's name from the title, you'll need a copy of the divorce decree showing who gets the car. Some states require both spouses to sign the paperwork; others let one spouse handle it if the decree assigns the car to them. Call your DMV to ask what documents you need for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the name on my title if I'm still paying off a loan on the car?
Yes. The lender's name appears separately on the title as the lienholder, and changing your name doesn't affect that. You can update your name without the lender's permission. The lender will have their own records of the loan and doesn't need a new title to collect payments.
Do I need to update my car insurance and registration at the same time?
You should update your insurance company as soon as your name changes, but you don't have to wait for the new title to arrive. Call your insurance agent and give them your new legal name. For vehicle registration, some states update it automatically when you change your title; others require a separate registration update. Ask your DMV what your state does.
What if I changed my name years ago and never updated the title?
You can still change it now. Bring your current title, your ID showing your current name, and the original document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you can't find the original document, contact the issuing agency — the courthouse for a name change order, or the vital records office for a marriage or divorce certificate — and request a certified copy.
Will changing my name on the title affect my car's registration or insurance?
Your registration and insurance are separate records from your title. Changing the title won't automatically update them, so you'll need to contact your insurance company and your state's DMV separately to update those records. Most states let you update registration by mail or online at the same time you update your title.
What if I'm in the middle of selling my car and just realized the title has the wrong name?
Contact your state's DMV when ready and explain the situation. Some states can expedite a name change if you're selling the car, though this usually costs extra. You may also be able to sign the title with both your old and new names, or sign it with a note explaining the name change, though this depends on your state's rules. Call your DMV to ask what options you have before the sale closes.