When wondering “How do I change the name on my car registration in Rhode Island?” vehicle owners may have to first update their names on their driver’s licenses because they will have to provide a driving license when updating their vehicle registration card. When changing car registration to another person, you must prove your identity and the new name must be updated with the Social Security Administration.

Drivers may have to make a name change on registration and other credentials after changing their names due to marriage, divorce or court order. When updating your legal name, applicants may be required to perform a different procedure than that for updating names on driver’s licenses. Therefore, if you want to learn more information about how to update your name on registration, continue reading the sections below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Rhode Island Car Registration

A Rhode Island car registration name change after marriage is the most common instance when vehicle owners need to perform a name update procedure. Moreover, car registration name change after divorce is a procedure that may also be performed in situations when vehicle owners want to switch back to their previous surnames.

Find out more information about when to change your name on car registration in Rhode Island in special cases by contacting the RI DMV. In most cases, you will need to acquire a duplicate registration card.

Rhode Island Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

Vehicle owners who are wondering “How long do I have to change my name before having a penalty in Rhode Island?” are encouraged to perform a name update immediately in order to avoid fines. Although the period is not strictly determined, most drivers need to perform the procedure as soon as possible. Therefore, in order to avoid consequences for not changing your name on time, you are encouraged to perform the process after updating the name on your driver’s license. Please note that the period of time given to make the required name change may vary based on your particular situation.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Rhode Island

If you are wondering what to do before updating your registration in RI, you need to begin by changing your legal name on your Social Security Social Security Administration (SSA) office. One of the things to do before updating your registration is to also perform a drivers license name change, because when updating your car registration you will be required to provide an updated driver’s license. A Rhode Island DMV registration update requires vehicle owners to change their name on all driving and identification documents prior to receiving an updated registration.

How to Change Your Name on Your Rhode Island Car Registration

Vehicle owners who want to know how to change your name on your car registration in person in Rhode Island are required to visit a nearby RI DMV location and perform the procedure. In order to make the change, drivers are required to prepare the following:

  • Updated license to drive
  • Current car title
  • Proof of the legal name change
  • Proof of insurance
  • Completed the registration application form
  • Payment for the applicable fees

The process of changing your name on your car registration in person may be finalized only after you submit these documents to the RI DMV.

Note: If you are wondering “Can I change the name on my vehicle registration online in Rhode Island?” you need to know that an online method is currently unavailable.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Rhode Island

When you decide to renew your car registration name change in RI, requests must be submitted to the RI DMV. Prior to performing a Rhode Island vehicle registration renewal name change procedures must be completed at a local RI DMV office. However, it is possible to renew your registration when making name changes, if the steps are done within the vehicle registration renewal period. This will help you avoid paying for two duplicate registrations and having to visit the DMV on two separate occasions. To learn more information about whether you can get registration renewal grace periods in Rhode Island, you should refer to your current registration card to find your registration expiration date.

Rhode Island DMV Name Change Fees

Rhode Island DMV name change fees may be required as the final step of the name update procedure when vehicle owners have changed their personal information. Drivers are required to pay a certain DMV name change price when they want to obtain a replacement registration.

Moreover, a separate fee may be required from drivers who apply for a duplicate car title. When wondering “How much is to change name at DMV?” you need to know that the fees may vary based on whether you want to get a duplicate credential or not. The cost of a duplicate registration is $18.50.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.