Name Change in Montana
Name Change in Montana
Changing your name on your Montana license isn't automatic. After a marriage, divorce, or court-ordered name change, you'll update Social Security first, then your driver's license, vehicle title, and registration. The Montana steps below show exactly what to bring and in what order—then work through the list of everything else to update.
How to Change Your Name in Montana
SUMMARY: How to Change Your Name in Montana
To change your name on your MT driver’s license and vehicle documents, you'll need to visit your local DMV office in person. You'll need to provide proof of your name change and payment for your replacement document reflecting your new name. But first, you will need to change your name with the Social Security Administration and get a new Social Security card.
Continue reading this page for more information on changing your name with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
Change Your Name with the SSA
Before you change your name on your MT driver's license and vehicle registration, you'll need to first have your name changed on your Social Security card. The Montana MVD will check your information with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before they will process your name change.
To change your name with the SSA, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
- Proof of your name change (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).
- Proof of your identity (e.g. driver's license, ID card, passport).
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship OR lawful U.S. presence (if required).
For a complete list of documents you'll need for a correct Social Security card, visit the SSA website.
Submit the above documents to the SSA either by mail or in person.
The SSA will send you an updated Social Security card about 14 business days after processing.
MT Driver's License/ID Card Name Change
To change your name on your Montana driver's license or ID card, you'll need to visit your local MT MVD office in person. You cannot change your name by mail or online.
You will need to submit:
- Proof of your name change, such as your:
- Court order.
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce decree.
- Payment for the replacement fee. How much you will pay to replace your stolen or lost driver's license will depend on whether you have a standard or Real ID Iicense, your age, and whether you have any endorsements.
Depending on whether or not you have your current driver's license with you, you may need to provide additional documents proving your identity. Contact the Montana MVD for specific instructions.
For instructions on applying for a duplicate driver's license, see our Replacing a Lost License page.
Car Registration & Title Name Change
To change your name on your vehicle registration and certificate of title, you'll need to visit a MT MVD office in person.
In addition to providing proof of your name change (e.g. marriage license, court order, or divorce decree), you'll need to apply for a replacement title certificate.
Contact the Montana MVD for specific documents you'll need to bring.
Fees to Change Your Name in MT
For duplicate documents showing your new name, you will need to pay the following fees:
- Driver's license: Varies by age, license type and endorsements.
- Certificate of title: $10.30.
For more information about fees and accepted payment methods, contact the Montana MVD.
Change Your Montana Address
Within 10 days of moving in Montana, you must notify the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). To change your address, you can simply mail in a form to the MT MVD. If you want an updated driver's license showing your new address, you'll need to visit an MT MVD office in person.
See our Change of Address in Montana page for instructions.
Related DMV tasks
Changing your name touches more than your license. Here's what else to update—we've linked our full guides.
Don't forget these after your name change:
✓Social Security—update this FIRST at ssa.gov (Form SS-5, free) so your DMV records match.
✓U.S. passport—update with the U.S. State Department if you travel.
✓Car insurance & banks—update your policy, cards, and accounts.
✓Employer & IRS—update payroll and tax records with your new legal name.
