Name Change in Wisconsin

Summary: How to Change Your Name in Wisconsin

To change your name on your Wisconsin driver’s license/ID card, vehicle registration, and title certificate, you'll need to submit various documents to the DMV in person. You'll need proof of your name change, payment for replacement documents, and other documents.

This page gives you all the information you need to change your name on your Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records and obtain updated documents.

Change Your Name with the SSA

The first thing you should do after you change your name, is update the Social Security Administration (SSA). You will need to do this BEFORE updating your WI DMV documents.

Submit the following documents to the SSA either by mail or in person:

  • A completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
  • Proof of your name change (e.g. court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree).
  • Proof of your identity (e.g. U.S. driver's license, U.S. passport, ID card issued by the state).
  • Proof of your lawful presence in the U.S. (e.g. U.S. birth certificate, U.S. citizenship certificate, work authorization letter and I-94).

Visit the SSA website for a list of documents you will need to submit. Make sure you choose “Corrected" as the type of card, and choose your citizenship status.

Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive an updated Social Security card (with your new name) in the mail within about 14 business days.

WI Driver's License/ID Card Name Change

NOTE: Before changing your name on your Wisconsin driver's license or ID card, you must first update your Social Security card (see above).

To change your name on your WI driver's license or identification card, visit your local WI DMV office and:

You may also be asked to provide proof of your:

  • Name and birth date, such as your:
    • U.S. passport or foreign passport with current visa and I-94.
    • U.S. birth certificate.
    • Military ID card.
  • Wisconsin residency, such as your:
    • Paycheck.
    • Utility bills.
    • Rental agreement.
  • Legal U.S. status, such as your:
    • U.S. citizenship certificate.
    • Foreign passport, U.S. visa, and I-94.
    • Permanent resident card.
  • Surrender your current WI driver's license or ID card.
  • Pay the fee:
    • Driver's license: $14.
    • ID card: $16.

Car Title & Registration Name Change

When you have a name change, it's optional to have it changed on your certificate of title and registration. If you choose to obtain updated documents, you'll need to first update your name on your WI driver’s license (see above).

Once your WI driver's license shows your new name, you can request updated vehicle documents.

You can request a new title onlineby mail or in person.

Online

In order to request a replacement title with your new name online you will need:
  • To be an owner of the vehicle (businesses cannot replace a title online).
  • Your date of birth.
  • A valid email address.
  • Your full name, or your Wisconsin driver license or identification card number.
  • The last four digits of your social security number.
  • The vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • A valid credit or debit card or the Automated Clearing House (ACH).*

The WI DMV accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. You can also use the ACH payment from your checking or savings account. 

Your credit or debit card will be charged a convenience fee and a $20 application fee. ACH payments are only charged the $20 application fee.

In Person or by Mail

  • Your current title certificate (or other ownership documents).
  • Proof of identity such as your driver license or identification card with your new name (required for in person application). If you do not have your proof of identify the DMV will mail the title to the vehicle owner or lien holder
  • Payment:
    • $20 duplicate title fee.
    • $5 per vehicle counter fee (in person).
    • Convenience fee when using debit or credit cards.

NOTE: If there is a lien on your vehicle, your updated certificate of title will be sent to the lien holder. You will receive a Confirmation of Ownership. If someone other than the owner or leinholder applies for the duplicate title, the person applying must proof of their identity and a Permission to Pick Up Title (Form MV2932). This form can be downloaded on the WI website.

Fees to Change Your Name in WI

To change your name on your Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) documents, you will need to pay the following fees:

  • Driver's license: $14.
  • ID card: $16.
  • Certificate of title:
    • $20 title fee.
    • Convenience fee when using debit or credit cards.
    • $5 per vehicle counter fee (in person).

WI DMV offices accept payment by:

  • Cash.
  • Check.
  • Most debit cards.
  • MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards.

If you are sending payment by mail, payment should be made by check or money order. Contact the WI DMV to confirm.

Change Your Wisconsin Address

If you move to another residence in Wisconsin, you must notify the DMV within 10 days. You can do this either:

  • By phone.
  • By mail.
    OR
  • Online.

If you own a vehicle, you will also need to change your address with the United States Postal Service.

Complete instructions and more information can be found on our Change of Address in Wisconsin page.

Forms

MV3001
Driver License Application
DMV application for any class of an original, renewed, OR replacement Wisconsin driver's license OR instruction permit.
SS-5
Application for a Social Security Card
Apply for an original, duplicate, OR corrected Social Security card.
MV2932
Permission to Pick Up Title
Allows the Wisconsin DOT to release an original OR duplicate vehicle title to someone other than the car's registered owner.
MV3004
Identification Card Application
Apply for a WI identification card with the Division of Motor Vehicles.
DMV.ORG BBB Business Review