To change name on car registration in North Dakota, motorists need to utilize the available methods offered by the state Department of Transportation (DOT). Vehicle owners may be required to change car registration information when they modify their names as a result of a marriage or a divorce. Moreover, motorists may also be able to perform a car registration name change after receiving a court order for name update.

However, before changing or adding name to a car registration, drivers will need to complete certain steps. For more information on how to change your name on car registration in North Dakota, continue reading the sections below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your North Dakota Car Registration

It is recommended that you learn about the mandatory instances when to change your name on car registration in North Dakota, as many residents of the state need to complete this process at least once.

In most cases, you will be required to perform a car registration name change after marriage or divorce, depending on your specific situation. For instance, if your name did not change with the marital status, then you will not have to complete any name correction request.

It is not uncommon for newlyweds and divorcees to request replacement car registration with their updated name, as all vehicle and driver documentation should match.

Moreover, you may also change your name due to court order if a local court has mandated you to perform the process. To learn the reasons why changing your name on car registration in North Dakota can prevent consequences later, continue reading the next section to learn about the state requirements.

North Dakota Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

Many residents want to know, “How long do I have to change my name before having a penalty in North Dakota?” Motorists may update their car registrations within several weeks after the name change. While the ND DOT does not have strict time limits to change your name on car registration, it is recommended to update your credentials within 10 days.

You may face certain penalties for not changing name on car registration or vehicle title. Some consequences for not changing your name on time in North Dakota may occur simply because your driving and vehicle credentials do not match, such as when you are detained for a traffic violation.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in North Dakota

If you want to learn what to do before updating your registration in North Dakota, then look at the requirements to complete the name correction with the ND DOT. One of the things to do before updating your registration is to change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). DOT will verify with the SSA that your name is correctly associated with your Social Security Number.

You will also need to complete a drivers license name change procedure beforehand. A DMV registration update process may be completed only after updating the name with the SSA and on your DOT records and other credentials. To learn how to update your car registration in North Dakota, continue to the next topic.

How to Change Your Name on Your North Dakota Car Registration

When changing your name on your car registration in person in North Dakota, you will need to visit a local ND DOT office in order to perform the name change procedure. However, drivers who want to change vehicle registration name in person will be also expected to change the names on their car titles as well.

If you are wondering, “How do I change my car registration name in person?” then you need to do the following:

  • Complete the application to correct your name
  • Submit name change paperwork, such as a marriage certificate
  • Provide payment for the applicable title transfer fee

After completing these steps for changing your name on your car registration in person, you may request replacement paperwork with your new name.

Note: Vehicle owners who are wondering, “Can I change the name on my vehicle registration online in North Dakota?” need to know that an online method is currently unavailable.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in North Dakota

Once you learn when to renew your car registration in North Dakota, you may consider completing the name correction simultaneously. Motorists may perform a name change procedure during the vehicle registration renewal process. When you decide to renew your car registration name change procedures may be performed at the same time in order to avoid getting duplicate credentials.

Prior to performing a vehicle registration renewal name change requests may be submitted to the ND DOT. However, if you wait to renew because of the name correction and miss the registration renewal grace periods in North Dakota, then you may be subject to late penalties.

North Dakota DMV Name Change Fees

How much is to change name at DMV in North Dakota? Paying the required North Dakota DMV name change fees is the final step of the name update procedure. The DMV name change price may vary based on whether you want to obtain a duplicate credential or not.

Motorists may be mandated to pay a DMV title name change fee or a title transfer fee when changing their names with the ND DOT. There is a $5 registration replacement fee.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.