The procedure to change a name on a car registration in Nevada must be completed on each occasion a vehicle owner makes changes to his or her legal name. If you are wondering, “How do I change the name on my car registration?” note that the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes name change requests in person through local DMV offices.

However, before removing and adding a name to a car registration in NV, applicants will first be required to update their record with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and their license to drive with the state DMV. Car owners may also have to obtain a replacement title certificate displaying their new name. Find out more about how you can update your name on your vehicle documents by reading the sections below.

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

If you are wondering when to change your name on a car registration in Nevada, note that the most common instances when you are required to file a DMV name change request is getting married or divorced.

However, in addition to a car registration name change after a marriage or a divorce, you will have to update your vehicle registration card and certificate of title under other circumstances as well. For instance, if you change your name due to court orders, you will have to inform the department of your new name.

In rare cases, you may also be issued a registration certificate that contains spelling errors. You will be required to report the mistake and obtain a replacement registration card and title certificate if that is the case.

Nevada Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

Car owners who would like to know, “How long do I have to change my name before having a penalty in Nevada?” must note that state law requires them to report any changes of their legal name within 30 days.

Failure to abide by the time limits to change your name on car registration may lead to several detrimental consequences. For example, one of the more severe legal consequences of not updating your registration with your new name on time is receiving a traffic ticket for driving with outdated documentation.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Nevada

Prior to initiating the Nevada DMV registration update procedure, vehicle owners must complete other important steps, such as securing their name change proof and updating their records on other identification documents. For example, if you are wondering what to do before updating your registration, note that you will have to file a name change request with the SSA in order to obtain an updated Social Security card.

One of the last things to do before updating your registration in NV is completing the driving license name change as soon as the state DMV is able to verify your new name with the SSA.

How to Change Your Name on Your Nevada Car Registration

Completing the procedure to change a name on vehicle registration in person in Nevada is the only option for obtaining updated vehicle documents, since the state DMV must verify the submitted name change proof.

Therefore, the method of changing your name on your car registration online is currently unavailable, and you will be required to submit the necessary paperwork and fee payment through a nearby DMV site. If you are wondering how to change your name on your car registration in person in NV during your office visit, note that you will have to complete the following steps:

  1. Furnish your official name change proof, such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.
  2. Present an updated license to drive.
  3. Submit proof of a valid car insurance policy and your current registration card.
  4. Pay any applicable fees.

The state DMV will process your request to change vehicle registration name in person when it approves the submitted documentation and verifies your fee payment. Note that, when going to change your name on your registration, you may also be required to apply for an updated vehicle title by submitting your current title and filling out the corresponding request forms.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Nevada

If you would like to know when to renew your car registration in Nevada, note that the state DMV mails out renewal notices that display the exact registration expiration date. Also, the department does not institute registration renewal grace periods. Therefore, if you fail to pay the costs for the vehicle registration renewal process on time, you will be required to submit an additional late fee payment.

If you choose to update your name and renew your vehicle documentation must be submitted in person and you may be required to pass an emissions test. Once you pay the applicable renewal costs, you will be issued a renewed registration card with your new name.

Nevada DMV Name Change Fees

Vehicle owners will be required to pay several DMV name change fees in Nevada in order to successfully update their records and obtain replacement paperwork. Note that the total DMV name change price will include several smaller fees.

Before paying the required fees, for example, applicants will be required to pay the cost for a replacement license to drive. Motorists will also have to pay the renewal fees if they choose to update their information when renewing their car tags.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.