What you need to do to change the name on a car title
When your legal name changes—through marriage, divorce, or a court order—your car title still shows your old name. You must update it with your state's DMV or equivalent agency. The process varies by state, but the basic steps are: get a certified copy of the document that proves your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), fill out your state's title transfer or amendment form, provide proof of identity, and submit everything to your DMV along with the current title and any required fee.
You do not need to sell the car or buy it again. You are straightforward correcting the name on the existing title to match your current legal identity. Most states process this within two to four weeks, though some offer expedited service for an extra fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain an official certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order before you contact the DMV.
- Each state has its own form for title amendments or corrections; you can find yours on your state DMV website or by calling their title section.
- You will need your current title, a government-issued ID, and proof of your name change document when you submit your request.
- Some states let you mail in the request, while others require you to visit in person; check your state's rules before you gather documents.
Getting the proof document you need
The DMV will not accept a verbal statement or a photocopy of your name change. You need an official certified copy of the document that caused the name change. For marriage, that is a certified marriage certificate from the county clerk where you were married. For divorce, it is a certified copy of the final divorce decree or judgment. For a legal name change through the court, it is a certified copy of the court order granting the name change.
"Certified" means the document has an official seal or stamp from the issuing agency and is signed by an authorized clerk. A regular photocopy will not work. You can order certified copies by mail, phone, or in person from the county clerk's office, vital records office, or courthouse where the document was filed. Most charge a small fee per copy (typically $5 to $25) and take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
Order at least two copies. You will submit one to the DMV, and having a spare prevents delays if one gets lost or the DMV requests another.
Finding and completing your state's title form
Every state has a specific form for updating a title when the owner's name changes. The form name varies—some states call it an "process for Title Amendment," others use "Correction of Title" or "Transfer of Title Due to Name Change." You can find the correct form on your state DMV website by searching for "name change title" or "title amendment."
The form typically asks for your current name, your previous name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the current title number, and your signature. Some states also ask for your driver's license number or date of birth. Fill it out completely and legibly. Do not leave blanks unless the form says a section is optional. Sign and date it where indicated—some states require your signature to be notarized, so check the form instructions before you sign.
If you cannot find the form online, call your state DMV's title section directly. They can mail or email it to you, or tell you whether you can complete the process in person at a local office without a pre-filled form.
What documents to submit and where
You will submit a package that includes the completed form, your certified name change document, your current title, a copy of your government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), and the fee. Some states also ask for a completed odometer statement or proof of residency. Check your state's specific requirements on the DMV website or the form instructions before you mail or deliver anything.
Most states let you submit by mail to the address listed on the form or the DMV website. A few require you to appear in person at a DMV office. Some offer both options. If you mail your documents, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. Keep copies of everything you send.
The fee for a title amendment or correction ranges from $0 to $50 depending on your state. Some states charge nothing for a name change correction, while others charge the same fee as a standard title transfer. Check your state DMV website for the exact amount and whether they accept check, money order, or credit card.
Processing time and what happens next
After you submit your request, the DMV will process it and mail you a new title with your current name. This usually takes two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing (five to ten business days) for an additional fee of $10 to $30. A few states allow you to pick up the new title in person on the same day if you visit a DMV office.
You do not need to do anything with your vehicle while you wait. You can continue to drive it, insure it, and register it. However, if you are selling the car or refinancing a loan on it before the new title arrives, tell the buyer or lender that a name change is in progress and show them proof that you submitted the request (like a receipt from certified mail).
Once the new title arrives, keep it in a safe place. You will need it if you sell the car, refinance a loan, or register the vehicle in another state. If the title arrives with errors, contact the DMV when ready to request a correction.
Special situations: loans, leases, and out-of-state moves
If you have a loan on the car, the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. Updating your name does not affect the lien. The new title will still show the lender's name in the lienholder section and your updated name as the owner. You do not need the lender's permission to make this change.
If you are leasing the car, the leasing company owns the title. You cannot change the name on it because it is not your property. When the lease ends, return the car as normal.
If you move to a different state after your name change, you will need to register and title the car in your new state. When you do, bring your old title (with your old name) and your certified name change document. The new state's DMV will issue a title in your new state with your current name. You do not need to update the old state's title first.
What to do if you lose the title or the DMV loses your request
If you submitted your name change request and do not receive the new title within the timeframe your state promised, contact the DMV's title section. Have your case number or submission receipt ready. They can tell you whether the request is still being processed or if there is a problem.
If you lose the new title after it arrives, you can request a duplicate. Most states charge $5 to $20 for a duplicate title and process it in one to two weeks. You do not have to repeat the name change process—the DMV has your updated information on file.
If you never received the original new title and the DMV says they mailed it, file a claim with the postal service or ask the DMV to remail it. Keep records of all your correspondence with the DMV in case you need to prove you submitted the request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change the title if I got married but kept my maiden name?
No. Your title must match your legal name. If you did not legally change your name through marriage, you do not need to update the title. If you kept your maiden name but your spouse's name is on the title, only that person needs to update it if they change their name.
Can I change the title online or through the mail without visiting the DMV?
Most states allow you to mail in the request, and a growing number offer online submission through their DMV website. Check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available. A few states still require an in-person visit, but this is becoming less common.
What if my certified name change document is from another country?
You will likely need an English translation certified by a professional translator, plus the original document. Contact your state DMV's title section before you submit anything to confirm what they require for foreign documents.
Do I need to notify my insurance company about the title name change?
Yes. Contact your insurance company and tell them your name has changed. They will update your policy to match your new legal name. This does not affect your coverage, but it keeps your records consistent with your title and driver's license.
Can I change the title if someone else's name is on it with mine?
If the title lists two owners and only one name is changing, both owners usually need to sign the amendment form. If you are the only one whose name changed, contact your state DMV to ask whether both signatures are required or just yours.