Changing Your Name in New Jersey

When you change your name in New Jersey, you may need to update your name with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) on some of the following documents:

• NJ driver's license or ID card.
• New Jersey certificate of title.
• Vehicle registration card.

Driver's License/ID Card Name Change

You must notify the NJ MVC and get an updated NJ driver's license or ID card if you legally change your name. You must first change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

To change the name on your NJ driver's license, commercial driver's license (CDL) or ID card, visit your local NJ MVC office in person. You cannot change your name online, by mail, or by phone.

You must bring:

• Documentation showing your legal name change. These documents must be originals or certified copies with a municipal and/or State seal. Such as:
  • Certified marriage certificate.
  • Civil union certificate.
  • Divorce degree.
  • Adoption papers.
• At least 1 document from the primary ID document list, such as:
  • Civil birth certificate.
  • U.S. passport (current or expired less than 3 years).
  • Current NJ digital driver license, CDL, or non-driver ID card.
• At least 1 document from the secondary ID document list, such as:
  • Civil marriage certificate, domestic partnership certificate, or civil union certificate (for same-sex marriages).
  • Divorce decree, dissolution, or termination document.
  • Court order (with the signature of a judge or court clerk).
• Proof of your New Jersey residency, such as a:
  • Utility or credit card bill (issued within 90 days).
  • Checking or savings account statement (issued within 60 days).
  • Original lease or rental agreement.
• A verifiable Social Security number (SSN).
• Payment for the $11 fee.

The NJ MVC assigns a certain number of points per document. You must provide at least 6 points. You will need to show at least 1 document showing a link between your old name and new name.

For more information and a complete list of the identification documents, download the 6-point ID brochure or use the New Jersey online document selector.

NOTE: All of the documents you provide must be original or certified copies (and in English).

NJ Vehicle Registration or Title Name Change

If you need to change your name or correct an error on your NJ vehicle registration or title, you may apply for the change by mail or in person at your local NJ MVC office. You cannot change your name online.

NOTE: You do not need to include the correction fee if the NJ MVC caused the error.

By Mail

To change your name on your New Jersey vehicle title or registration card by mail, you will need:

• A written request for the correction.
  • Include the reason for your correction, address, year, make and vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Your original title or registration card.
• Proof of your name change, such as a copy of your:
  • Marriage certificate.
  • Civil union certificate (for same-sex marriages).
  • Certified court order.
  • Divorce decree.
    • Must list both your previous and new names, and permit the use of your previous name.
• Payment for the $60 (title) or $5 (registration) fee.

Send the above documents to:

Motor Vehicle Commission
Data Base Corrections Unit
P.O. Box 146
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666

In Person

To change your name on your New Jersey vehicle title or registration card in person, bring the following to your local NJ MVC office:

• Your original vehicle title or registration card.
• Proof of your name change, such as a copy of your:
  • Marriage certificate.
  • Civil union certificate (for same-sex marriages).
  • Certified court order.
  • Divorce decree.
    • Must contain both your previous and new names, and permit the use of your previous name again.
• Payment for the $60 (title) or $5 (registration) fee.

New Jersey Voter Registration Name Change

If you're registered to vote in New Jersey and need to change the name on your NJ voter registration, you must:

• Complete the NJ Voter Registration Application.
• Provide either your:
  • NJ driver's license number.
  • Last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN).
    OR
    
  • Voter registration number.
• Mail your application to the address specified on the application form.

For information on how to register to vote in New Jersey, visit our Voter Registration in New Jersey page.

New NJ Residents

If you've recently relocated to New Jersey from another state, you will need to transfer your out-of-state license and change your title and registration within 60 days.

For more information, visit our following pages:

• Applying for a New License
• Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers)
• New Jersey Vehicle Registration
• Title Transfers in New Jersey

You may also need to obtain a driving record from your previous state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or get NJ car insurance.

Changing Your Address in NJ

If you change your address in New Jersey, you can visit the NJ MVC address change website. If you cannot change your address online, contact your local NJ MVC office.

For more information, please read our Changing Your Address in New Jersey page.