The procedure of a car registration name change in Michigan may be performed by vehicle owners through the Secretary of State (SOS). Motorists may have to change a name on car registration and title after changing their names as a result of marriage, divorce or court order. When wondering “How do I change the name on my car registration in MI?” vehicle owners need to know that they may first need to update their names on their ID cards because they will be required to present proof of identification when changing name on car registration.

To change car registration name, motorists may be required to perform a different procedure than that for updating names on driver’s licenses and ID cards. Therefore, if you want to learn more information about how to update a name on a vehicle document in Michigan, continue reading the sections below.

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

If you are wondering about when to change your name on car registration in Michigan, you probably will be able to make an update on your registration and title documents immediately after changing the name with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

You may be required to perform a process of a car registration name change after marriage, divorce or after receiving a court order. If you are still wondering how to perform the name change on Michigan vehicle documents after a marriage or divorce, contact the MI SOS and find out more details about the instances when you may be required to perform such procedure.

Michigan Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

“Is a name change notification mandatory in Michigan?” is a question many vehicle owners may ask themselves, especially after they legally change their names.

The time limits to change your name on car registration in Michigan are not strictly determined by the SOS but motorists are recommended to try and update their names as soon as possible after the name change.

In order to get answers to “How long do I have to change my name before having a penalty in Michigan?” contact the MI SOS and learn more information about the given timeframe for a name update. Certain legal consequences may occur if you fail to update your name with the MI SOS.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Michigan

If you are wondering what to do before updating your registration in Michigan, you need to know that there are several steps that must be taken prior to changing your name on car registration. One of the most important things to do before updating your registration is to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

After changing your name with the SSA, the MI SOS may require you to update your driver’s license and/or ID card because you will have to provide proof of identification. Therefore, prior to performing a DMV registration update, you may need to perform a drivers license name change.

Moreover, you are encouraged to learn the steps of how to update your registration with your new name and when to perform that procedure.

For more information about the exact name change process, contact the MI SOS and find out more details about the procedure.

How to Change Your Name on Your Michigan Car Registration

Vehicle owners may change a name on a vehicle registration in person in Michigan by appearing in person at a nearby MI SOS branch. If you are wondering how to change your name on your car registration in person, you need to submit both your current vehicle registration and car title at the SOS along with a proof of identification.

In addition, when going through the name change process for your vehicle documents, you may also need to present proof of the name change and payment for a corrected title. Note that a corrected registration is free.

Note: Motorists who are wondering how to change your name on your car registration online need to know that an online method is unavailable due to the required presence of the driver when updating the name on a car registration.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Michigan

If you are wondering when to renew your car registration in Michigan instead of performing a name update, you need to know that a vehicle registration renewal procedure may be completed at the same time as the name change process. If you want to renew your car registration, name change requests may be submitted concurrently at the MI SOS.

During a vehicle registration renewal name change procedure may be performed by vehicle owners who want to avoid obtaining a replacement car registration. Find out more information about registration renewal process and name update procedures by contacting the MI SOS.

Michigan DMV Name Change Fees

Vehicle owners may be required to pay certain Michigan DMV name change fees when performing a name update procedure. MI motorists are mandated to pay a DMV title name change fee, while the name update on car registration is free.

Moreover, the cost of changing your name may vary based on whether drivers are getting a duplicate credential or not. Vehicle owners may be required to pay certain fees when they get a replacement car registration.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.