Name Change in Rhode Island
Changing your name on your Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
Summary: How to Change Your Name in Rhode Island
To change your name on your Rhode Island driver’s license/ID card, car title, and registration, you'll need to visit your local DMV office in person. You will need to submit proof of your name change, payment for replacement documents, and other required documents to prove your identity. Make sure to first change your name with the Social Security Administration so as to make it easier for the DMV to verify your new name.
This page has all the information you need to change your name with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Change Your Name with the SSA
Before you change your name on your RI DMV documents, you will need to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you do not complete this step first, the DMV will not accept your name change application.
To change your name on your Social Security card, you will need:
- An Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
- Proof of your:
- Identity (e.g. ID card, driver's license, passport).
- Lawful U.S. presence (e.g. U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, work permit and I-94).
- Name change (e.g. marriage certificate, court order, divorce decree).
NOTE: Complete instructions and a list of all required materials can be found on the SSA website.
The SSA will process your request and then mail you your updated Social Security card within about 14 business days.
RI Driver's/ID Card Name Change
Once you've changed your name with the SSA (see above), you're ready to update your Rhode Island driver's license or ID card.
Visit your local RI DMV office and:
- Provide your current Rhode Island driver's license or ID card.
- Submit a completed Application for License, Identification Card and Permits (Form LI-1).
- Must be notarized.
- Show proof of your name change, such as your:
- Updated Social Security card.
- Marriage certificate.
- Court papers.
- Pay the appropriate fee.
NOTE: A complete list of required documents can be found on the application form.
Car Registration & Title Name Change
To change your name on your car registration and certificate of title, you will need to visit your local Rhode Island DMV office in person.
NOTE: You must have already changed your name on your RI driver's license.
You will need:
- A completed Application for Registration and Title Certificate (Form TR-1).
- Must be notarized.
- Proof of your car insurance.
- Your RI driver's license showing your new name.
- Your certificate of title,.
- Payment for the required fee.
Fees to Change Your Name in RI
When you change your name in Rhode Island, you will need to pay the following fees:
- Driver's license: $22.50.
- ID card:
- Younger than 59 years old: $27.50.
- 59 years old or older is free.
- Registration: $7.50.
- Certificate of title: $52.50.
Accepted Payment Methods
Rhode Island DMV offices accept payment by:
- Cash.
- Money order.
- Personal and bank check.
- Payable to “Division of Motor Vehicles."
- MasterCard, Discover, VISA, and American Express credit/debit cards.
- Will incur an additional $1.55 fee per transaction.
Change Your Rhode Island Address
If you've changed your address in Rhode Island, you must inform the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days of your move. You can do this either online, by mail, or in person.
For complete instructions on changing your address on your driver's license/ID card and vehicle documents, see our Changing Your Address in Rhode Island page.
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.
