Car owners wondering, “How do I change the name on my car registration in New York?” must note that the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes name change applications through local DMV offices. Drivers must change name on car registration to match their true legal designation or they may face penalties for having an outdated record. To complete the process and receive replacement materials, motorists will need to furnish certain documents and pay the corresponding fees.

However, in order to become eligible to change car registration information, you will first be required to complete other steps, such as updating your name on both your Social Security card and your New York driving license or photo identification card. Also, when correcting or adding name to a car registration in NY, you will be required to obtain a replacement car title in your new name. Learn more about how to change your name on car registration in New York by reading the sections outlined below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your New York Car Registration

If you would like to know when to change your name on car registration in New York, then note that several situations will require you to file a name correction request and obtain updated vehicle documents through the state DMV.

Changing name on car registration after marriage and divorce are the most common instances where you must update the name on both your car registration and vehicle title.

However, in addition to completing the NY car registration name change after divorce or marriage, you will also have to file a name change request if you change your name due to court orders, such as legal modification for personal reasons. In the rare cases that you are issued a registration card with an incorrectly written name, you will also have to request a replacement registration card as well.

New York Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

Since the state DMV imposes certain time limits to change your name on car registration in New York, failure to file a DMV name change request on time may lead to certain detrimental consequences.

If you are wondering, “How long do I have to change my name after marriage or divorce?” then it is important to note that you must notify the department of your new name as soon as possible since driving with incorrect credentials is against the law.

One of the penalties for not changing name on car registration in NY is the issuance of a traffic ticket for driving with an outdated record and vehicle documents. Learn more about why is name change notification mandatory and the consequences that may arise if you fail to complete the procedure by contacting the department.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in New York

If you are wondering what to do before updating your registration in New York, then it is important to note that you will first be required to file a written name change request with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Then, one of the things to do before updating your registration is to apply for a revised license to drive or ID card that will display your new name.

To successfully complete the ID card or driver’s license name change process, you will be required to visit a local DMV site and submit a filled out application form, your current credential and the official name change document. You can proceed with the NY DMV registration update procedure as soon as your updated driving license or identification card arrives by mail.

How to Change Your Name on Your New York Car Registration

Changing your name on your car registration in person in New York is currently the only available method to update your record and obtain replacement documents since you are required to submit a verifiable name change proof for immediate inspection.

Therefore, if you are wondering, “Can I change the name on my vehicle registration online?” then note that the state DMV does not currently offer this possibility. To successfully complete the procedure to change name on vehicle registration in person in NY, you will be required to follow these steps:

  • Visit your local DMV office
  • Submit your current title and registration certificate
  • Fill out the application to modify vehicle records
  • Present your updated license to drive or ID card
  • Submit the original or a certified copy of your name change document, such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order

Once the DMV agent approves your request to change a vehicle registration name in person, you will receive the new registration certificate during the same office visit. However, your updated vehicle title will arrive at your address on file within two to three months. In order to expedite the process of changing your name on your vehicle registration in person in NY, you can also schedule your visit via the department’s website.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in New York

When completing the New York vehicle registration renewal name change transactions can be processed at the same time. However, in order to update your name and renew your car registration name change paperwork must be submitted in person since the state DMV must verify the authenticity of the name change proof.

If you are wondering when to renew your car registration in NY, then you can check your current paperwork or wait for the notices for the auto registration renewal process that the department mails out well ahead of your scheduled renewal deadline.

To successfully update your name and renew your vehicle license plates at the same time, you will first be required to submit the necessary name change documents before paying your renewal costs.

New York DMV Name Change Fees

Vehicle owners are not required to pay any vehicle registration name change fees in New York since the state DMV issues free-of-charge vehicle documents under such circumstances. However, even if you do not have to pay any DMV name change price for a replacement registration certificate or a DMV title name change fee for a new vehicle title, you will still have to pay certain costs.

For instance, in order to become eligible to update your registration card and vehicle title, you will have to obtain a revised license to drive or ID card at a certain fee. Also, you will have to pay the NY DMV registration renewal fees if you choose to change your name when renewing your car tags.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.