What you need to do to change your name on vehicle registration
To change your name on vehicle registration, you submit a form to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with proof of your legal name change. The process takes between two and six weeks depending on your state, and most states charge a fee between $10 and $50. You do not need to retake a driving test or get a new title — the DMV updates your existing registration record and mails you a new registration card.
The exact form and required documents vary by state. Some states let you mail everything in; others require you to visit a DMV office in person. A few states handle name changes through their online portal. The key is finding your state's specific form before you start, because submitting the wrong paperwork will delay the process.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a court order, divorce decree, or certified copy of your new birth certificate proving your legal name change — a driver's license alone is not enough.
- Your state's DMV website lists the exact form you need and whether you can mail it in or must visit an office in person.
- Processing typically takes two to six weeks, and you should not rely on your old registration card for driving during this time.
- Most states charge $10 to $50 for a name change on registration, though some waive the fee if you change your name within a certain window after the legal change.
Gather your legal name change documentation
Before you contact the DMV, you need proof that your name change is legal. The document you need depends on why your name changed. If you changed your name through a court order, bring the certified court order itself — a photocopy is not enough. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the certified divorce decree that shows your new name. If you changed your name through adoption or other legal process, bring the certified document from that process.
"Certified" means the document has an official seal or stamp from the court or government office that issued it, and it is a certified copy, not a photocopy you made yourself. You can usually order a certified copy from the court clerk's office or vital records office for $5 to $15. Do not wait to order this — it can take one to two weeks to arrive.
You will also need your current vehicle title and registration card, your driver's license or state ID, and the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration and on the dashboard of your car. Write down the VIN before you go to the DMV or fill out your form.
Find your state's name change form and submission method
Go to your state's DMV website and search for "name change on registration" or "change of name." Each state uses a different form name and process. For example, California uses Form DL 43, Texas uses Form VTR-130, and New York uses Form MV-82. The form is usually free to read as a PDF.
On the same page where you find the form, look for the submission method. Some states let you mail the form and documents to a regional DMV office. Others require you to visit an office in person. A small number of states (including some parts of California and Texas) let you submit the form through their online portal if you have a login. Read the instructions carefully, because submitting by the wrong method will send your paperwork back to you.
If you cannot find the form on the website, call your state DMV's customer service line. They can tell you exactly which form to use and whether you need to visit an office or can mail everything in. Have your vehicle's VIN and current registration number ready when you call.
Fill out the form and gather supporting documents
The form itself is usually one or two pages and asks for your old name, new name, driver's license number, vehicle VIN, and the reason for the name change. Fill it out in black or blue ink if you are printing and mailing it. Do not use pencil or red ink, because the DMV's scanners may not read it correctly.
Make a copy of everything you are submitting before you send it or bring it to the DMV. You need to submit: the completed form, your certified name change document (court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal proof), a copy of your current vehicle title, a copy of your current registration card, and a copy of your driver's license or state ID. Some states also ask for a copy of your vehicle's VIN written on a separate line.
Check your state's form instructions one more time to see if they ask for anything else. Some states want a notarized signature on the form; others do not. Some states want the original certified name change document; others accept a certified copy. Following the instructions exactly keeps your paperwork from being rejected.
Submit by mail or in person
If your state allows mail submission, send everything to the regional DMV office listed in the form instructions. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the DMV received your paperwork. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so the DMV can contact you if they have questions. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to arrive, so plan for that delay.
If your state requires in-person submission, visit a DMV office during business hours. Bring the original certified name change document, your current registration card, your driver's license, and the completed form. Some offices take walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check your state's website to see if you need to book a time slot before you go. Bring all documents in a folder so nothing gets lost in the office.
When you submit in person, the DMV staff will review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. If everything is correct, they will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt — it proves you submitted your paperwork and gives you a way to track your request.
Track your request and receive your new registration
After you submit, the DMV will process your request. This usually takes two to six weeks, though some states are faster and others slower. If you submitted by mail and received a confirmation number, you can use it to check the status on your state's DMV website. If you did not receive a confirmation number, call the DMV with your driver's license number or VIN to ask about the status.
When the DMV finishes processing, they will mail you a new registration card with your updated name. The card will look the same as your old one except for the name. Your vehicle title will also be updated in the DMV's system, though you may not receive a new physical title unless you request one. Some states send the new title automatically; others only send it if you ask.
Do not rely on your old registration card for driving once you have submitted your name change request. If you are stopped by police during processing, show them the receipt or confirmation number from your submission and explain that your name change is pending. Most officers will accept this, but it is safer to carry both your old registration card and your confirmation receipt until the new card arrives.
What to do if your submission is rejected
If the DMV rejects your paperwork, they will mail you a letter explaining what is missing or incorrect. Common reasons for rejection include: submitting a photocopy instead of a certified document, forgetting to sign the form, submitting the wrong form for your state, or not including a required document like your driver's license copy.
Read the rejection letter carefully and fix the problem it describes. Resubmit everything the same way you did the first time — by mail or in person, depending on your state's rules. You usually do not have to pay the fee again if you are resubmitting due to a rejection, but confirm this with the DMV before you send it back.
If you are unsure what the rejection letter means, call the DMV and read it to them. They can explain what went wrong and tell you exactly what to fix. This conversation usually takes five to ten minutes and saves you from making the same mistake twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name on my vehicle title too?
Your title updates automatically when the DMV processes your registration name change. You do not need to submit a separate request for the title. Some states mail you a new title automatically; others only send one if you request it. Check your state's DMV website or call to ask whether you need to request a new title or if it comes with your new registration card.
Can I change my name on my registration if I have an outstanding loan on the vehicle?
Yes. The lender's name on the title does not change — only your name as the registered owner changes. The DMV will update your registration without contacting the lender. You do not need the lender's permission to change your name on the registration.
What if I changed my name but do not have a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate yet?
You will need to order a certified copy before you can submit to the DMV. Contact the court clerk's office (for a court order) or the vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced. Certified copies usually arrive within one to two weeks and cost $5 to $15. You cannot submit your registration change without this document.
How much does it cost to change my name on registration?
Most states charge between $10 and $50. Some states waive the fee if you change your name within a certain window after the legal change — for example, within 60 days of a marriage or divorce. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee, or call to ask if you may have access to for a waiver.
Do I need to get a new driver's license when I change my name on my registration?
No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate. You can change your registration name without changing your driver's license, though most people change both at the same time for consistency. If you want to change your driver's license name, that is a separate process through your state's DMV.