Many vehicle owners wonder, “How do I change the name on my car registration in Illinois?” after altering their first or last name. Motorists may be required to perform a car registration name change in Illinois on various occasions, such as after a change in marital status, through the IL Secretary of State (SOS). The most common reason for adding name to a car registration is the conclusion of the marriage. However, motorists may also want to change car registration name details when they go through a divorce. In addition, motorists may also receive a court order mandating them to update their names with the IL SOS.

To change a name on a car registration, motorists need to first update the name on their vehicle titles and apply for corrected title certificates. To learn how to change your name on car registration in Illinois, continue reading the sections below and learn more information about the procedure.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Illinois Car Registration

An Illinois car registration name change after marriage is one of the procedures that a motorist must perform when taking a spouse’s last name. However, a process of changing name on car registration after a divorce may be also performed in situations when vehicle owners want to switch back to their previous surnames.

Regardless of whether you are changing name on car registration after marriage or after a divorce, you need to perform a procedure through the IL SOS. However, updating the SOS will need to occur any time a resident changes his or her name.

In addition to knowing when to change your name on car registration in Illinois, you will need to know how to complete the process. The reason for the legal name change, such as marriage or divorce, will determine which documents need to be furnished.

Illinois Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

The IL SOS does not have strict time limits to change your name on car registration in Illinois that you must obey for performing a name update. However, you are recommended to perform a name update procedure as soon as you make a change in your full name.

Certain penalties for not changing name on car registration may occur when you fail to update your personal information. If you are wondering “How long do I have to change my name before having a penalty?” then you may update your details within several days or wait for your renewal period. To find out the consequences for not changing your name on time in Illinois, you are recommended to contact the IL SOS and learn more information.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Illinois

When wondering what to do before updating your registration in Illinois, you need to first change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). In order to perform a DMV registration update after updating the SSA, you may also be required to perform a drivers license name change with the IL SOS.

In other words, the several things to do before updating your registration in Illinois include changing your name on both your Social Security card and on your driver’s license or ID card.

How to Change Your Name on Your Illinois Car Registration in Person

Vehicle owners may change name on vehicle registration in person in Illinois when renewing their current credentials. Prior to changing your name on your car registration in person, you must first update your name on your vehicle title and apply for a corrected one.

To change vehicle registration name in person in Illinois, you may be able to choose whether to visit a local IL SOS branch, a currency exchange or a participating bank. Upon your visit to one of these places, you may be required to submit your renewal notice and payment for the applicable fees.

For more information about how to change your name on your car registration in person, you can call the local office or bank.

Note: Motorists who are wondering, “Can I change the name on my vehicle registration online in Illinois?” need to know that an online service is currently unavailable through the IL SOS.

How to Change Your Name on Your Illinois Car Registration by Mail

Motorists may also be able to change vehicle registration name by mail in Illinois during their renewal period. However, they will have to correct their titles first, just like with the in-person method.

When changing your name on your car registration by mail, you may need to prepare your corrected car title and documentation, sign your renewal notice, prepare a check for the applicable fees and send them to the IL SOS mailing address.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Illinois

When performing a process of Illinois vehicle registration renewal name change requests may be submitted to the IL SOS at the same time. If you want to renew your car registration name change procedures may be performed only after applying for a corrected vehicle title.

If you are not aware of when to renew your car registration, then you will probably receive a vehicle registration renewal notice informing you of your credential’s expiration date. It is important to know how long do you have to renew your tag in Illinois to avoid late fees and penalties.

Illinois DMV Name Change Fees

A payment of certain DMV name change fees in Illinois may be required from vehicle owners as the final step of their name update procedure. Motorists may be mandated to pay a DMV name change price when they want to obtain a duplicate or renewed credential immediately after updating their records.

How much is to change name at DMV? Fees may vary based on whether they want a duplicate credential or not.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.