Top Requirements

When you legally change your name, you must update your driver's license, vehicle registration, and vehicle title with the new information in the following two-step process.

Top Step 1: With the Social Security Administration

The Washington, D.C., Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will change your name on file only if you change it first with the U.S. Social Security Administration. To change your name on your Social Security card, do the following:

• Fill out an application for a Social Security card. There is no fee to apply for a new card.

• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship (this applies only if you haven't previously established citizenship) or immigration status, proof of legal name change, and valid identification.

• It's easiest to take your completed materials to a local Social Security office, but you can also mail them. However, keep in mind that documents must be either originals or copies that the issuing agency has certified (no photocopies or notarized copies).

For details on name changes through marriage, divorce, annulment, adoption, or other means, visit the Social Security Administration's Web page that covers procedures for name changes.

Top Step 2: With the DMV

After you have officially changed your name with the Social Security Administration, you can go to your local DMV station to change your name on DMV documents.

Required materials:

• Old driver's license or ID card.

• New Social security card or printout from the Social Security Administration stating your Social Security number and corrected name.

• One of the following original documents: certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, birth certificate, passport, official U.S. court change of name document, or green card/employment card.

Note: For noncitizens, only certain DMV stations will be able to handle your request. Call in advance to see whether your DMV station can complete your transaction.

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