Changing Your Name

Notify the DMV

Certain situations in life, such as marriage, divorce, or personal preference, require us to change our names. You've told your family, your work, and everyone else on the planet about it―guess what? The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles needs to know, too!

Driver's License or ID Name Change

The great thing about changing your name on your WV driver's license or identification card is you don't necessarily need to complete any forms in advance―everything can be handled right at your local DMV Regional Office. Simply head to the office and let them know you need a duplicate driver's license because your name has changed.

Be sure to take one proof of identity and one proof of residency. You can find acceptable forms of each online.

Of course, you'll also need documents proving you can legally change your name. Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and court documents will suffice.

Note that you should also bring your Social Security card just in case the DMV doesn't have your Social Security number on record. Possessing an updated Social Security card, reflecting your name change, is not required.

The fee for a duplicate driver's license is $5.

Teens

Due to parents marrying and divorcing, teens may want to change their names, too. The teen should take proof of name change (like a court document) to the DMV.

Sometimes teens get married―and divorced―too. If this is the case, your teen will need to follow the above process, as well as take the legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, to the DMV Regional Office.

Non-US Citizens

If you're not a citizen of the United States, you'll need to take all necessary documents to prove your legal status in addition to the identity and residency proofs.

Registration Name Change

To change your name on your registration, complete the Application for Duplicate Registration Card.

You'll need to state why you're making a name change, and mark the box that specifies you only want a duplicate registration card. Be prepared to provide automobile insurance information.

If the vehicle has two owners and if the two names are joined by "AND" on the title, both owners must sign the application.

Take legal proof of your name change and the $5 fee to your local DMV Regional Office.

Title Name Change

The process to change your name on your title is similar to the process to change your name on your registration card.

Fill out the Affidavit of Duplicate Title. If there are currently two names on the title and they're joined by "AND," both owners must sign; however, if the two names are joined by "OR," only you have to sign.

Take legal proof of your name change and the $10 fee to your local DMV Regional Office.

Adding or Deleting a Name?

If you're adding or deleting a name from the vehicle's title, follow the same process as you would if you were making a simple name change, but remember: In the case of deleting a name, you must have the signature of the other owner if the two names are joined by "AND."

The fee for adding or deleting a name is also $10.