Notify the DMV

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or even artistic mood you need to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days.

Changing Your Name on License, ID Card and Registration

To make your life easier the DMV uses the same name-change form for registration certificates, licenses and ID cards. You need to complete the aptly named Duplicate Registration Application.

Depending on your situation you must accompany this application with either an original or certified copy of a divorce decree, marriage certificate, civil union document, or court order clearly indicating your name change. Deliver everything, including cash or check for fee purposes ($15 for license, $13 for registration), to a DMV office. It's also a good idea to update your Social Security card with your new name.

Call ahead; not every branch office handles vehicle registration.

Changing Your Name on Title

If there are two names on the title you and your former spouse―or whomever shared ownership with you―will both need to sign off on the vehicle's title. You will then need to sign back on as the buyer.

If only your name is on the title you will need to sign off as the seller and sign on as the buyer.

Take the signed title to a DMV office that handles titling, along with documented proof of your name change. Cost: $31.

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