Name Change in Ohio
Changing your name on your Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio
SUMMARY: How to Change Your Name in Ohio
If you recently changed your name due to a marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to report the name change to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Learn how to make a name change on your OH driver's license and how to order a replacement or duplicate license below, as well as information on changing your name on your car registration and title.
Continue reading this page to learn how to change your name on a Social Security card, OH driver's license or ID card, vehicle registration, and title certificate.
How to Change Your Name with the SSA
You must report your name change with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before you change your name with the Ohio BMV. If you don't update your name with the SSA, the BMV will not be able to verify your Social Security number (SSN). You can change your name either in person or by mail. You cannot change your name online.
You will need:
- A completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
- A document to prove your name change, such as your:
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce decree.
- Court order.
- Proof of your identity, such as your:
- U.S. driver's license.
- U.S. passport.
- Ohio identification (ID) card.
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship, such as your:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- Citizenship certificate.
- Naturalization certificate.
Your documents must be originals or certified copies. Please visit the SSA website for a complete list of accepted documents.
Mail or take the above documents in person to your local Social Security Administration office. All mailed documents will be sent back to you after your name change has been processed.
The SSA will mail your new Social Security Card within 10 business days. Your Social Security number will not change.
OH Driver's License/ID Card Name Change
You must notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) of your name change in person at your local Ohio BMV office. You will need:
- Your Ohio driver's license.
- Your Social Security card.
- Proof of your name change, such as your:
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce decree.
- Court order.
- Payment for the duplicate/replacement driver's license fee.
- See “Fees to Change Your Name in Ohio" below.
For information about how to apply for a replacement driver's license, please view our page about Replacing a Lost License.
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Car Registration/Title Name Change in OH
If you have changed your name and need to get a new vehicle registration document, you must go to your local Ohio BMV office and:
- Provide your certificate of title.
- If you don't have this, see our Replacing a Lost Title in Ohio to apply for a duplicate.
- Show proof of the name change, such as your:
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce decree.
- Court order.
- Pay the applicable fees. See “Fees to Change Your Name in Ohio" below.
You won't be able to change the name on your title certificate if the change is due to a marriage, divorce, or other court proceeding.
Fees to Change Your Name in Ohio
The Ohio BMV fees for duplicate copies of your documents are as follows:
- Driver's license: $29.
- Commercial driver's license (CDL): $31.50.
- ID card: $12.
- Car registration: $9.
Accepted Payment Methods
Ohio BMV offices accept the following payment methods:
- Cash.
- Money orders.
- Personal checks, certified cashier checks, traveler's checks.
- County agency and intra-state agency vouchers.
You may want to contact your local DMV deputy registrar's office to verify their accepted forms of payment.
Change Your Ohio Address
If you've recently moved, you can update your address with the OH BMV online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office.
Please visit our Changing Your Address page for complete details.
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.
