How to change your name on a car title

You change your name on a car title by submitting a signed request form to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), along with proof of your legal name change and your current title document. The process takes between two and six weeks depending on your state, costs between $10 and $50 in most places, and does not require you to retitle the vehicle or pay registration fees again. You do not need the car present, and you can usually submit the paperwork by mail.

The specific form name and required documents vary by state — some require a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order, others accept a driver's license showing your new name. A few states let you request the change online through their DMV portal. The title itself will be reissued with your name corrected, and you will receive it by mail at the address on file.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state DMV directly or visit its website to find the exact form required, since the process and documents differ by state.
  • You will need your current title, a completed name-change request form, and proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, court order, or updated driver's license).
  • Most states charge $10 to $50 and process the request within two to six weeks, with mail submission available in most places.
  • You do not need to re-register the vehicle or bring it in person; the DMV will mail your corrected title to your address on file.

What documents you need to bring or send

The core documents are your current title, a completed name-change form, and proof that your name legally changed. Proof usually means one of the following: an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, a certified court order from a name-change proceeding, or a state-issued ID (driver's license or state ID card) that already shows your new name.

Some states accept a photocopy of your driver's license instead of a certified document; others require certified copies only. A few states will accept an affidavit — a sworn statement — if you do not have the original document. Your state DMV website will list exactly which forms of proof it accepts. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call the DMV before you mail anything, because submitting the wrong proof will delay the process by weeks.

You will also need to provide your current mailing address and, in some states, your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN appears on your title, your registration card, and your vehicle's dashboard. Write it down before you submit your paperwork so you have it ready.

State-by-state differences in forms and fees

Each state maintains its own title system and uses different forms. California calls its form the "process for Duplicate or Corrected Title" (REG 227). Texas uses "process for Texas Title" (Form 130-U). New York requires "process for Correction of Title" (MV-14). These forms are not interchangeable, and using the wrong state's form will result in rejection.

Fees range from $10 in some states to $50 or more in others. Most states charge between $15 and $30. Some states waive the fee if the error was made by the DMV itself; others charge the same fee regardless. A handful of states (including some that allow online submission) charge no fee at all for name corrections, though they may charge for expedited processing.

Processing time also varies. Most states complete the request within four to six weeks. A few states, including Florida and Pennsylvania, typically process within two to three weeks. Others, particularly in high-volume states like California and Texas, may take six to eight weeks during busy periods. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times, as these change seasonally.

How to submit your paperwork

Most states accept mail submissions to their central title office. You will send your completed form, current title, proof of name change, and a copy of your driver's license (if required by your state). Include a cover letter with your name, current address, phone number, and vehicle identification number so the DMV can track your request. Keep a copy of everything you send.

Some states offer in-person submission at local DMV offices, which can speed up the process slightly because staff can review your documents when ready and tell you if anything is missing. If you submit by mail and documents are missing, the DMV will typically send the paperwork back to you, adding another two to four weeks to the timeline.

A growing number of states now offer online submission through their DMV portals. Colorado, Georgia, and several others allow you to upload documents and pay fees electronically. Online submission usually processes faster than mail — often within two to three weeks — but not all states offer this option yet. Check your state's DMV website to see if online submission is available.

What happens after you submit

After the DMV receives your paperwork, it will verify that your name change is legal, cross-reference your documents, and update its title records. You will receive a new title document by mail at the address you provided. The new title will show your corrected name, your vehicle information, and any lien holders (such as a bank or credit union) that financed the vehicle.

Your registration does not need to be renewed or reissued unless your state requires it as part of the name-change process — most do not. You can continue using your current registration card until it expires on its normal schedule. Some states will automatically update your registration records to match the new title; others require you to request a new registration card separately if you want your name corrected there too.

If you do not receive your corrected title within the timeframe your state publishes, contact the DMV with your submission confirmation number or tracking information. Mail delays do happen, and the DMV can reissue a title if yours appears lost.

Correcting errors the DMV made versus errors you made

If the DMV made the error — for example, it misspelled your name when you first registered the vehicle — some states will correct it for free or at a reduced fee. You will still need to submit the same documents and forms, but you may be able to note on the form that the error originated with the DMV. A few states have a separate process for DMV-caused errors.

If you made the error — such as providing a misspelled name when you first titled the vehicle — you will pay the standard fee. The process is identical; the distinction matters mainly for fee purposes and for your own records.

What to do if your title has a lien on it

If your vehicle is financed through a bank, credit union, or other lender, your title will show that lender as a lienholder. You can still request a name change on a titled vehicle with a lien. The lienholder's name and interest remain unchanged; only your name is corrected. You do not need permission from the lender, and the lender does not need to sign off on the request.

Submit your paperwork to the DMV as usual. The corrected title will be mailed to you with the lien still in place. If your lender requires you to have a corrected title for their records, you can request an additional certified copy from the DMV for a small fee (usually $5 to $10) and send it to the lender's title department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my name on my registration card too?

Not necessarily. Your title and registration are separate documents. Changing your title updates the DMV's ownership records, but your registration card will still show your old name until it expires or you renew it. Most states automatically update registration records to match the corrected title, so your next renewal will show the new name. If you want the name changed on your registration card when ready, contact your state DMV to request a new registration card.

Can I change my name on the title if the car is in someone else's name?

No. Only the person whose name appears on the title can request a name change on that title. If the vehicle is registered to your spouse, parent, or another person, that person must submit the request. If you recently married and want to add your name to the title or change ownership, that is a different process involving a title transfer, not a name correction.

What if I lost my original title and need to change my name?

You will need to request a duplicate title first, then submit a separate name-change request. Some states allow you to combine these requests on a single form and submit them together. Contact your DMV to ask whether you can do both at once or if you need to submit two separate applications. Either way, the total cost will be the sum of the duplicate title fee and the name-change fee.

How long does it take to get my corrected title in the mail?

Processing time ranges from two to eight weeks depending on your state and current DMV workload. Most states complete the request within four to six weeks. Once the DMV mails your title, postal delivery typically takes three to seven business days. If you have not received it within the timeframe your state publishes plus two weeks for mail delivery, contact the DMV with your confirmation number.

Do I need to notify my insurance company about the name change?

Yes. Contact your insurance company and provide them with your corrected title or a copy of it. Your policy should match the name on your title. Most insurance companies can update your policy over the phone or online at no charge. Keeping your policy and title in sync prevents issues if you need to file a claim.