What you need to do to change the name on a vehicle title
To change a name on a vehicle title, you submit a request to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, along with proof of the name change and the current title document. The process varies by state — some allow you to mail the request, others require an in-person visit. Most states charge a fee between $10 and $50, though the exact amount depends on your state and whether you need a replacement title issued.
The name change itself must be legal and documented. Common reasons include marriage, divorce, court-ordered name change, or correction of a misspelling. You will need to show the DMV proof of that legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or birth certificate — depending on your situation. The DMV will not change the name based on your word alone.
After you submit your request and supporting documents, the DMV processes it and issues a new title with the corrected name. Processing time ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on your state and whether you submitted everything correctly the first time. Some states mail the new title to you; others require you to pick it up in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit a written request to your state DMV along with the current title and legal proof of your name change.
- Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or corrected birth certificate, depending on why your name changed.
- Most states charge $10 to $50 for a title name change, and processing takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
- Some states allow mail-in requests; others require you to appear in person at a DMV office.
- You will receive a new title document with your corrected name, which you should keep with your vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Gather the documents your state requires
Before you contact the DMV, collect the current title, your state-issued ID, and the legal document proving your name change. The legal document is the most important — the DMV will not process your request without it. If you changed your name through marriage, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. If through divorce, bring the divorce decree showing the name change. If through a court order, bring that order. If correcting a misspelling on the original title, bring a birth certificate or other document showing the correct spelling.
Some states also require you to complete a specific form before submitting. Check your state DMV website to see whether a form exists and read it ahead of time. Having the form filled out before you visit or mail your request speeds up processing. Many states post these forms online under titles like "process for Title" or "Request for Title Correction."
Keep copies of everything you submit. The DMV will return your original documents, but having copies protects you if something goes missing in the mail or if you need to prove you submitted the request later.
Decide whether to submit by mail or in person
Your state determines whether you can handle a name change by mail or must visit a DMV office in person. Some states allow mail-in requests for name changes; others require you to appear and sign documents in front of a DMV employee. Check your state DMV website or call the office serving your area to confirm which method applies to you.
If mail-in is an option, send your request to the address listed on the DMV website. Include the title, the completed form (if required), copies of your legal name-change documents, and a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the DMV received your package. Processing by mail typically takes longer than in-person submission — often two to four weeks instead of a few days.
If you must visit in person, bring the original title, your ID, the legal name-change document, and the fee in cash or check. Arrive during posted office hours and be prepared to wait. Some DMV offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check your state's website to see whether you need to book a time slot before you go.
Understand what happens after you submit
Once the DMV receives your complete request, a staff member reviews it to confirm you submitted the title, the legal proof of name change, and the fee. If anything is missing or unclear, the DMV will contact you — usually by mail — and ask you to resubmit or provide additional information. This delay can add weeks to the process, so double-check that you included everything before you send it.
If your submission is complete and correct, the DMV processes it and issues a new title with your corrected name. Some states mail the new title to the address on file; others require you to pick it up at the DMV office. A few states allow you to choose. The new title is a legal document proving you own the vehicle, so store it in a safe place — ideally with your vehicle registration and insurance papers.
The old title becomes invalid once the new one is issued. You do not need to return it to the DMV unless your state specifically requests it. Some people keep the old title as a record, but it has no legal standing after the new title is issued.
Handle name changes tied to marriage or divorce
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. Most states accept either the original or a certified copy. If the certificate is from another country, some states require a certified English translation. Check your state DMV website to see whether a translation is needed before you submit.
If you changed your name through divorce, bring the divorce decree. The decree must show your former name and your new name clearly. If the decree does not specify a name change — for example, if you are straightforward reverting to a maiden name — bring a birth certificate or other document showing the name you are reverting to. Some states also accept a court order from the divorce case that explicitly addresses the name change.
If you are married and want to add your spouse's name to the title (rather than changing your own name), that is a different process called adding a co-owner. Contact your DMV to learn whether that option is available and what documents you need.
Correct a misspelling or error on the original title
If your name is misspelled on the title or was entered incorrectly when the title was first issued, you can request a correction. Bring the current title and a document showing the correct spelling — typically a birth certificate, driver's license, or passport. The DMV will compare the document to the title and issue a corrected version.
Some states treat a misspelling as a straightforward correction and charge a lower fee or no fee at all. Others treat it the same as any other name change and charge the standard title fee. Call your state DMV to ask which applies to you before you submit your request.
If the misspelling has been on the title for years and you have been using the vehicle with that misspelled name, the DMV may ask questions about why you are correcting it now. Be prepared to explain that you noticed the error and want the title to match your legal documents. Having your ID and birth certificate with you (or copies in your submission) makes the correction straightforward.
Know the fees and processing times by state
Title fees and processing times vary significantly by state. Some states charge $10 to $15 for a name-change correction; others charge $30 to $50. A few states include the name-change fee in a broader title-replacement fee. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee, or call the office serving your county.
Processing time also depends on your state and the method you use. In-person submissions at a DMV office often result in a new title within a few days or a week. Mail-in requests typically take two to four weeks. Some states are slower during peak seasons (spring and early summer) when many people renew registrations and handle title changes. If you need the title quickly, ask the DMV whether expedited processing is available and what it costs.
A few states offer online title services for certain transactions, including name changes. If your state offers this, you may be able to submit your request and pay the fee online, then receive the new title by mail. Check your state DMV website to see whether this option is available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my vehicle registration at the same time as the title?
Not necessarily, but it is a good idea to do both together. The registration and title should match your current legal name. If you change the title but not the registration, you may run into problems if you are pulled over or need to renew your registration. Contact your state DMV to ask whether you can submit both requests at the same time or whether you need to handle them separately.
What if I lost the original title and need to change the name?
Request a replacement title from your state DMV at the same time you request the name change. You will need to submit proof that you own the vehicle — usually a registration, insurance card, or bill of sale. The DMV will issue a new title with your corrected name. This may cost more than a name change alone, so call ahead to confirm the fee.
Can I change the name on the title if the vehicle has a loan or lien on it?
Yes, but the lienholder (usually a bank or credit union) will remain on the title. The lender's name appears separately from the owner's name. You can change your name without affecting the lien. However, some lenders require notification of a name change, so contact your lender before you submit the request to the DMV.
How long does it take to receive the new title by mail?
Most states mail the new title within two to four weeks of processing your request. Some states are faster — a week or less — while others take longer during busy periods. If you need the title urgently, ask the DMV whether you can pick it up in person instead of waiting for mail delivery.
What should I do with the old title once I receive the new one?
Keep the new title in a safe place with your registration and insurance documents. You do not need to return the old title to the DMV unless your state specifically requires it. Some people keep the old title as a record of ownership history, but it has no legal value after the new title is issued.