What you need to do to change the name on your title
To change the name on your vehicle title, you submit a form to your state's motor vehicle department along with proof of your legal name change. The exact form, fee, and supporting documents vary by state — some require a certified copy of a court order or marriage certificate, others accept a divorce decree or government-issued ID showing your new name. You do not need to retitle the vehicle or change your registration at the same time, though many states let you do both in one visit.
The process typically takes two to four weeks by mail, or same-day if you go in person to your local motor vehicle office. Some states now offer online submission for name changes. You will receive a new title document with your updated name, and your registration will eventually sync to match — but check your state's rules, because a few require you to update registration separately before the title change is complete.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's motor vehicle department to request the correct form for a name change on title — the form name and number differ by state.
- You will need proof of your legal name change, such as a certified court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or updated government ID, depending on your state.
- Most states charge a small fee (typically $10 to $50) to reissue a title with a new name.
- Processing takes two to four weeks by mail or same-day in person; some states offer online submission.
- Your registration will usually update automatically once the title is reissued, but confirm this with your state before assuming it is complete.
How to find the right form for your state
Each state's motor vehicle department uses a different form name and number. Search "[your state] motor vehicle title name change" or go directly to your state's DMV website and look for a section on title corrections or amendments. Common form names include "process for Title," "Title Amendment," or "Correction to Title," but the exact title varies.
If you cannot find it online, call your state's motor vehicle department or visit a local office in person. Have your current title and vehicle identification number (VIN) ready when you call — the staff can tell you exactly which form to use and what documents to include. Some states have separate forms depending on whether you changed your name through marriage, divorce, court order, or other means.
What documents you will need to submit
The documents required depend on how you legally changed your name. If you married, you will typically need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you divorced, a certified copy of the divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed your name by court order, a certified copy of that order. Some states accept a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) showing your new name in place of or in addition to these documents.
"Certified copy" means a copy stamped and signed by the issuing office — not a photocopy you made yourself. You can usually request certified copies from the county clerk's office, vital records office, or courthouse where the document was issued. Order these before you submit your title form, because the motor vehicle department will not process your request without them.
You will also need to submit your current title document itself. Some states require the original; others accept a photocopy. Check your state's instructions before mailing anything, because sending the original title and losing it in the mail creates a bigger problem than the name change itself.
Where to submit your form and what the fee is
You can submit your name change form by mail, in person, or online, depending on your state. Mail-in submission is slowest (two to four weeks) but requires no trip. In-person submission at a local motor vehicle office is fastest (same-day or within a few days) but requires you to visit during business hours. A growing number of states now offer online submission through their DMV website, which typically takes one to two weeks.
The fee for a title name change ranges from $10 to $50 in most states. Some states charge nothing if you are updating the title at the same time as your registration renewal. Check your state's fee schedule on the DMV website or call to confirm the exact amount before you submit, so you know whether to include a check or pay online.
If you submit by mail, send your form, documents, current title, and fee to the address listed on your state's DMV website. Keep a copy of everything you send. If you submit in person, bring the originals of your documents and your current title, plus a government-issued ID showing your current address.
How your registration updates after the title changes
In most states, your registration automatically updates to match your new title once the motor vehicle department processes the name change. You do not need to do anything else. Your next registration renewal notice will arrive in your new name, and your registration card will be reissued with the updated information.
A few states require you to update your registration separately before or at the same time as your title change. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm whether you need to submit a separate registration form. If you do, you can often submit both forms together to save time and postage.
Once you receive your new title in the mail, keep it in a safe place — you will need it if you sell the vehicle, refinance a loan, or move to another state. If your registration card does not update within 30 days of receiving your new title, contact your state's motor vehicle department to confirm the change went through.
What to do if you have a loan or lien on the vehicle
If your vehicle has a loan or lien, the lender's name appears on the title. A name change on your part does not affect the lender's name on the title — only your name changes. The lender does not need to approve the change or sign anything. You can proceed with the name change form exactly as described above.
However, notify your lender that you have changed your name, because they have records under your old name and will need to update their files to match your new title. This prevents confusion if you make a payment, refinance, or sell the vehicle. You do not need to wait for the lender to update their records before you submit your title form — the two processes happen independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on the title without going to the DMV in person?
Yes. Most states accept mail-in submission, which takes two to four weeks. Some states now offer online submission through their DMV website, which is faster. In-person submission is quickest if you can visit a local office, but it is not required.
Do I need to change my registration at the same time as my title?
No. Your registration will usually update automatically once your title is reissued. However, a few states require you to update registration separately. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether you need to submit a separate form or if the title change alone is enough.
What if I lost my current title and need to change my name?
Request a duplicate title from your state's motor vehicle department first, then submit the name change form using the duplicate. Some states let you request a duplicate and a name change in one process. Call your state's DMV to ask whether you can combine these requests or if you need to do them separately.
How long does it take to receive my new title with the updated name?
Mail-in processing typically takes two to four weeks. In-person submission at a DMV office may be same-day or within a few days. Online submission usually takes one to two weeks. Processing times vary by state and by how busy the motor vehicle department is.
What if the motor vehicle department rejects my name change form?
The most common reason for rejection is missing or uncertified documents. If your form is rejected, the motor vehicle department will send you a letter explaining what is missing. Obtain the required documents and resubmit. If you are unsure what went wrong, call your state's DMV and ask them to explain the rejection before you resubmit.