What you need to do to change your name on your vehicle registration
To change your name on your vehicle registration, you submit a form to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with proof of your legal name change. The exact form and supporting documents vary by state — some accept a marriage certificate or divorce decree as proof, others require a court order, and a few accept an affidavit. You do not need to re-register the vehicle or pay a new registration fee in most states; the DMV straightforward updates the name on file and issues a new registration card. The process typically takes two to four weeks by mail, though some states offer in-person service at DMV offices.
You will need your current registration card, your driver's license or state ID showing your new name, and the document proving your legal name change. If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the original or certified copy of that document — a photocopy usually will not work. Some states allow you to handle this entirely by mail; others require you to appear in person. Check your state DMV website before you gather documents, because the requirements and forms differ significantly.
Key Takeaways
- You need proof of your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, plus your current registration and ID.
- Each state's DMV has its own form and requirements, so visit your state DMV website first to see whether you can mail the request or must go in person.
- The process usually takes two to four weeks and does not require you to pay a new registration fee or re-register the vehicle.
- If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of that document — photocopies are typically rejected.
Gather your documents before contacting the DMV
Start by collecting the three things every state DMV will ask for: your current vehicle registration card, your state-issued ID or driver's license showing your new name, and the legal document proving your name change. If you changed your name through marriage, you need the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the certified copy of your divorce decree that shows your new name. If you changed your name by court order, bring the certified copy of that order.
A photocopy of these documents will not work — the DMV needs the original or a certified copy issued by the court or vital records office. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the office that issued the document. For a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the court that handled your divorce. For a court order, contact the court that issued it. This step can take one to two weeks, so start here if you do not already have certified copies.
You will also need your state ID or driver's license showing your new name. If you have not yet changed your driver's license, do that first — the DMV will want to see that your ID matches the name you are registering the vehicle under. Changing your driver's license is a separate process and typically takes one to two weeks.
Find the correct form for your state
Visit your state's DMV website and search for the form used to change a name on a vehicle registration. The form name varies by state — it might be called "process for Vehicle Registration," "Registration Change Form," "Name Change Request," or something similar. Some states have a single form for all registration changes; others have a specific form just for name changes. read the form and read the instructions carefully, because some states have additional requirements beyond the basic documents.
While you are on the DMV website, check whether your state allows you to submit the form by mail or requires you to appear in person. Some states let you mail the form with your documents and a check or money order (though most do not charge a fee for a name change). Other states require you to visit a DMV office in person. A few states offer both options. The website will also tell you where to mail the form if your state accepts mail submissions, or which DMV offices handle registration changes if you need to go in person.
Submit your form and documents
If your state accepts mail submissions, fill out the form completely, sign it where required, and mail it along with your documents to the address listed on the DMV website. Include a copy of your current registration card and a copy of your ID showing your new name, plus the original or certified copy of your legal name change document. Some states ask you to include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can mail your new registration card back to you. Do not send original documents unless the instructions specifically ask for them — send certified copies instead and keep the originals.
If your state requires in-person submission, bring all your original documents to a DMV office during business hours. Bring your current registration card, your state ID or driver's license showing your new name, and the original or certified copy of your legal name change document. Some DMV offices accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Check your state DMV website to see whether appointments are required in your area.
Understand what happens after you submit
After the DMV receives your form and documents, they will verify that your name change is legal and that the documents match. This verification typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, your current registration card remains valid — you can continue to drive the vehicle. The DMV will not charge you a new registration fee or ask you to re-register the vehicle; they are straightforward updating the name on your existing registration.
Once the DMV approves your request, they will mail you a new registration card with your updated name. The registration card will have the same expiration date as your old one, so you do not need to renew your registration. If you submitted by mail, the new card will arrive at the address on file with the DMV. If you submitted in person, some DMV offices will give you a temporary registration card on the spot and mail the permanent one later.
If the DMV rejects your request, they will mail you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a missing or illegible document, a photocopy instead of a certified copy, or a mismatch between the name on your documents. If this happens, gather the missing or corrected documents and resubmit your form.
Update your insurance and other records
Once you receive your new registration card, contact your auto insurance company and provide them with your updated name and new registration number. Your insurance policy should match your registration to avoid problems if you are in an accident or pulled over. You should also update your name with your vehicle loan holder or lender if you financed the vehicle, and with any other organizations that have records tied to your vehicle registration, such as parking permit programs or toll agencies.
Keep your old registration card until you are certain the new one has arrived and is correct. If there are any errors on the new card — a misspelled name, wrong vehicle information, or wrong expiration date — contact the DMV when ready to request a correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my vehicle registration if I changed my name?
No, you are not required to change it when ready. However, your registration should match your current legal name for consistency. If you are pulled over or in an accident, having a registration that does not match your ID can cause confusion. Most people update it within a few months of their name change.
Can I change my name on the registration without changing my driver's license?
Most states require your ID to match your registration, so you should change your driver's license first. Some DMV offices will accept a court order or marriage certificate as proof of your name change even if your ID has not been updated yet, but this varies by state. Call your local DMV to ask before you submit your form.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married (for a marriage certificate) or the court that handled your divorce (for a divorce decree) and request a certified copy. This usually costs between $10 and $30 and takes one to two weeks. Some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.
Will I have to pay a new registration fee?
No. A name change does not require you to pay a new registration fee or renew your registration early. The DMV straightforward updates the name on your existing registration and issues a new card with the same expiration date.
How long does it take to get my new registration card?
By mail, the process typically takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. If you submit in person at a DMV office, some offices issue a temporary card on the spot and mail the permanent one within one to two weeks. Check your state DMV website for the specific timeline in your area.