Name Change in South Carolina
Changing your name on your South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina
SUMMARY: How to Change Your Name in South Carolina
To change your name on your South Carolina drivers license/identification card, vehicle title, and registration, you must visit a DMV office in person. You will need to change your name on the DMV's records, and then apply for updated documents showing your new name. You will need to provide proof of your new name, submit the appropriate application forms, and pay the required fees (if you want updated documents). It's a good idea to first change your name with the Social Security Administration to avoid potential delays or issues.
This page explains how to update your name with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and apply for updated documents.
Change Your Name with the SSA
Before you change your name with the SC DMV, update your information with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first.
To update your Social Security card, you'll need:
- A completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
- Proof of your identity, such as your:
- SC driver's license.
- ID card.
- Passport.
- Proof of your name change, such as your:
- Court order.
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce decree.
- Proof of your lawful U.S. presence, such as your:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- U.S. passport.
- Work permit and I-94.
NOTE: A list of required documents for a corrected Social Security card can be found on the SSA website.
Submit the above documents either by mail or in person to your local SSA office. They will process your request and send you an updated Social Security card within about 14 business days.
NOTE: You do not have to wait to receive your updated Social Security card to update your DMV records.
SC Driver's License/ID Card Name Change
Once you've changed your name, you must inform the South Carolina DMV within 10 days. You will need to visit your local SC DMV office in person and submit:
- A completed Application for Name and/or Address Change, Date of Birth and/or Social Security Correction, or Special Mailing (Form 4057).
- Proof of your name change, such as your:
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce decree.
- Court order.
If you'd like an updated driver's license or ID card showing your new name, you'll also need to submit:
- The appropriate application form:
- Driver's license/permit/ID card: Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (Form 447-NC).
- Commercial driver's license (CDL): Application for a Commercial Drivers License or Commercial Beginners Permit (Form 447-CDL).
- Payment for the appropriate fee.
If you want to apply for an updated card at a later date, you can do so by mailing the application form and payment to:
DMV Alternative Media
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016
Car Registration & Title Name Change
To change your name on your car registration and certificate of title, follow the instructions above to change your name on your SC DMV records.
Your registration information will automatically be updated.
To obtain an updated certificate of title showing your new name, you'll need to also submit:
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration for Motor Vehicle or Manufactured Home/Mobile Home (Form 400).
- Your current certificate of title.
- Payment for the $15 fee.
You can submit your application and payment either in person to the SC DMV or by mail to:
DMV Alternative Media
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016
Fees to Change Your Name in SC
The South Carolina DMV will charge you the following fees for updated documents showing your new name:
- Driver's license/CDL: $10.
- Driver's permit: $2.50.
- ID card: $15 (only charged if you are 5 to 16 years old).
- Certificate of title: $15.
- Vehicle registration (online): Free.
Accepted Payment Methods
South Carolina DMV offices accept payment by:
- Cash.
- Check.
- Credit/debit card.
For mailed-in applications, payment must be made by check.
Change Your South Carolina Address
Changing your address in South Carolina is much the same as changing your name on your DMV documents; however, you have additional options to update your information by mail or online.
For more information, see our Change of Address in South Carolina 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.
