Notify the Department of Transportation

Any name change, regardless if it's by marriage, divorce, or artistic whimsy, requires notifying the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). The process is easy, fast, and inexpensive.

Name Change on Title and Registration

You need to visit your local motor vehicle office; no appointment is necessary. Be sure to take your title. You'll be asked to complete a title transfer form and pay a $12 fee.

If you are changing your name due to divorce and there are two names assigned to the title you will need to sign off if the names are separated by the word "or." But if the names are separated by the word "and" both you and your former spouse will need to sign off on the title.

When you change your title information NDDOT will automatically update your registration.

Name Change on License

You will need to wander into your driver license office and provide, depending on your name-change situation, a CERTIFIED copy of one of the following:

• A marriage certificate.

• A court decree granting a name change.

• A divorce decree or dissolution of marriage specifying the name change.

• A United States Department certificate of naturalization that's issued to you in your new name.

You will also need to show your driver's license and pay a $3 fee.

An updated Social Security card, reflecting your name change, is not required. But if you want to learn more about how to make the change with the Social Security Administration, visit the agency's site.

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