What You Need to Do to Change a Name on a Vehicle Title
To change the name on your vehicle title at the DMV, you will submit an process form, provide proof of the name change, and pay a fee. The process differs slightly depending on whether you changed your name through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means. Most states process title name changes within two to four weeks, though some offer expedited service for an additional cost.
You cannot straightforward show up with a new name and expect the title to update. The DMV requires documented proof that your name change is legal — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — before they will reissue the title in your new name. Without this documentation, your process will be rejected and you will have to resubmit.
Key Takeaways
- You must provide legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, along with your process.
- The form you submit varies by state but is usually called an process for Title or process for Duplicate Title with Name Change.
- You will need your current title, a valid ID, and proof of residency to complete the transaction.
- Processing time ranges from two to four weeks in most states, though expedited options may be available for a higher fee.
- Some states allow you to mail in the process and documents; others require you to appear in person at a DMV office.
Gather Your Documents Before You Go
Start by collecting the documents the DMV will require. You need your current vehicle title, a valid government-issued ID in your current name, and the legal document that proves your name change. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If through divorce, bring the divorce decree or final judgment that shows your new name. If through a court order, bring that order.
You will also need proof of your current address — usually a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states accept a government document with your address instead. Check your state DMV website for the exact list of acceptable documents, because requirements vary. Bring the originals or certified copies, not photocopies, unless the DMV specifically says photocopies are acceptable.
If someone else is handling the transaction on your behalf, you may need to provide a power of attorney document. Some states require this; others do not. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm whether a representative can act for you and what paperwork they will need.
Complete the process Form
The form you need is usually called an process for Title, process for Duplicate Title, or process for Title with Name Change — the exact name depends on your state. read it from your state DMV website or pick up a copy at a DMV office. Some states now offer online applications that you can fill out before you arrive, which can speed up the process.
Fill in the form completely and accurately. Include your vehicle identification number (VIN), current title number, and both your old name and new name. Leave no fields blank unless the form explicitly says a field is optional. Incomplete applications are rejected and sent back, which delays your new title by several weeks.
Sign and date the form in the spaces provided. Some states require your signature to be notarized; most do not. Check the form itself or your state DMV website to see whether notarization is required. If it is, you can have the form notarized at a bank, attorney's office, or notary public before you submit it.
Submit Your process In Person or by Mail
Some states allow you to mail your process and documents to the DMV. Others require you to appear in person. Check your state DMV website to see which method is available in your state. If mailing is an option, send everything to the address listed on the DMV website, not to a local office address, because mail sent to the wrong location will be delayed.
If you must appear in person, visit your local DMV office during business hours. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Take a number or check in at the counter, depending on how your DMV operates. Tell the staff member that you are there to change the name on your title. They will review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing.
If you are mailing your process, make copies of everything for your records before you send it. Use certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof the DMV received your package. Keep the receipt until you receive your new title.
Pay the Fee
Title name change fees vary by state and range from around $10 to $50. Some states charge a flat fee for any title change; others charge based on the type of change or the age of the vehicle. A few states do not charge a fee for name changes due to marriage or divorce, but charge for other types of name changes.
If you are submitting in person, ask the DMV staff what payment methods they accept — most take cash, check, and card, but some accept only certain methods. If you are mailing your process, include a check or money order made out to your state DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash through the mail.
If your state offers expedited processing, you can pay an additional fee to have your title processed faster, usually within one to two weeks instead of two to four. This option is available at some DMV offices but not all, so ask whether it is available in your location.
Track Your New Title and What Happens Next
After you submit your process, the DMV will process it and mail your new title to the address on file. Standard processing takes two to four weeks in most states. Some states send you a confirmation number or receipt that you can use to track your process online. Check your state DMV website to see if tracking is available.
Your new title will show your updated name and will be valid for the same vehicle registration period as your old title. If your vehicle registration is also expiring soon, you may want to renew both at the same time to avoid two separate trips to the DMV. Some states allow you to renew your registration by mail or online even if you just changed your name.
If you do not receive your new title within the timeframe your state provided, contact the DMV to ask about the status. Bring your confirmation number or receipt if you have one. If the title was lost in the mail, the DMV can reissue it, though this may take additional time.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Title
The most common reason applications are rejected is incomplete or missing documentation. If you do not include your legal proof of name change — the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — your process will be sent back. Do not assume the DMV will contact you to ask for it; they will straightforward reject the process and you will have to start over.
Another frequent mistake is providing a photocopy when the DMV requires an original or certified copy. Certified copies are available from the court or agency that issued the original document. A photocopy made at home or at a copy shop is not the same as a certified copy and will not be accepted.
Signing the process in the wrong place or leaving signature lines blank also causes rejection. Read the form carefully and sign everywhere it asks you to sign. If you are unsure whether a field applies to you, call the DMV and ask rather than leaving it blank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name on my vehicle registration too?
Yes. Your registration should match your title. When you renew your registration, the DMV will update it to your new name. If your registration expires soon after your title changes, you can renew both at the same time. Some states allow you to update your registration separately if you do not want to wait for your new title.
What if I changed my name but do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the court or vital records office that issued the original document and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some vital records offices now offer expedited service or online ordering. You cannot proceed with your DMV process without this certified copy.
Can I use my new name on my title before I receive the new title in the mail?
No. Your current title is the legal proof of ownership until you receive the new one. If you are stopped by police or need to show proof of ownership before your new title arrives, show your current title along with your DMV receipt or confirmation number. Most states accept this as temporary proof.
What if my name change was through a court order but I do not have the original order?
Contact the court that issued the order and request a certified copy. Bring the case number if you have it. If you do not have the case number, the court clerk can search for it using your name and the approximate date of the order. This process may take several weeks, so start early.
Do I need to notify my insurance company about my name change?
Yes. Contact your insurance company and provide them with your new name and your updated title information once you receive it. Your policy should match your title to avoid problems with claims. Most insurance companies can update your name over the phone or online.