Vehicle owners often ask, “ How do I change the name on my car registration?” after experiencing a change to their legal name. You should know that changing car registration to another person is required on various occasions through the state Department of Public Safety (DPS). To change name on car registration, drivers need to first update the name on their drivers licenses.

The most common reason for performing a car registration name change procedure is the conclusion of marriage. However, you may also want to make changes to your driving documents when they go through a divorce. Vehicle owners with additional questions about how to complete this process are recommended to continue reading the sections below and learn more information about the procedure.

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

If you want to learn when to change your name on car registration in South Dakota, you need to also find out the instances that will require you to make a name change. Changing name on car registration after marriage is the main instance when vehicle owners need to perform a name update.

In addition, a divorce is another reason for a name update. Moreover, you may also be required to change your name due to court order, depending on your specific situation. To learn more about the penalties and time limits for completing the registration name change process, review the section below.

South Dakota Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

If you are wondering “How long do I have to change my name before having a penalty?” you may update your details within several days from the name update. The SD DPS does not have strict time limits to change your name on car registration in South Dakota that you must obey when performing a name update. However, you are recommended to perform the procedure as soon as you make an update of your full name. Certain penalties for not changing name on car registration may occur when you fail to update your personal information with the DPS.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in South Dakota

You may have several things to do before updating your registration in South Dakota while getting ready to perform a name change procedure. Prior to beginning a DMV registration update, drivers are expected to update their names with the Social Security Administration (SSA). After that, they are required to perform a drivers license name change before updating their car registration names. Therefore, in order to learn how to update your car registration in South Dakota, make sure to first contact the SD DPS and find out the necessary steps you need to take before beginning the procedure.

How to Change Your Name on Your South Dakota Car Registration

Drivers who want to know how to change your name on your car registration in person are encouraged find the local SD DPS office nearest them to perform the name update procedure. In most cases, when changing your name on your car registration in person, you will be required to provide your current car title certificate and vehicle registration card, along with proof of the legal name change and payment for the duplicate registration card. However, in order to learn the exact paperwork needed in a special case or to address a unique situation not covered in this document, you can contact the DPS.

Note: If you want to change your name on your vehicle registration certificate online in South Dakota, you need to know that currently the online method for name update is unavailable.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in South Dakota

If you want to renew your car registration name change requests can also be submitted during the renewal period. However, prior to performing a vehicle registration renewal name change procedures may be completed through the SD DPS. If you are a vehicle owner wondering when to renew your car registration in South Dakota, you need to know when to perform a vehicle registration renewal process and when to conduct a name update process. Find out more information about what you must pay when completing the name change process within the registration renewal grace periods in South Dakota by continuing below.

South Dakota DMV Name Change Fees

A payment for DMV name change fees in South Dakota may be required as the ultimate step in the process of name update on a vehicle registration. Car owners may be required to pay DMV name change price when obtaining replacement credentials at the end of the name update procedure.

Drivers are required to pay both DMV title name change fee and a vehicle registration fee, if they get duplicate documents. Therefore, the price may vary based on whether you want to obtain replacement credentials.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.