When wondering “How do I change the name on my car registration in TX?” vehicle owners may be required to perform a different procedure than that for updating names on driver’s licenses or ID cards. Drivers may have to change name on car registration and title certificate after updating their names because of marriage, divorce or court order.

The procedure of car registration name change in Texas may be performed by vehicle owners through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Therefore, if you want to learn more information about how to update your personal driving documents, continue reading the sections below.

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

In most cases, you will be required to perform a car registration name change after marriage or divorce, depending on your specific situation. If you want to learn how and when to change your name on car registration in Texas, you are first encouraged to discover the instances where you may be required to perform a name update procedure.

You should also determine if you will need to obtain a duplicate registration card with your updated information. To address your particular name change situation, contact the TX DPS and discover more information about unique circumstances.

Texas 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 in Texas?” you need to know that the name change procedure may be performed within a predetermined time frame. The time frame to make the change begins from the date of the initial name update.

You can incur penalties for not changing name on car registration within the given period of time. To avoid the consequences for not changing your name on time in Texas, it is best to complete the DMV procedure soon after you receive confirmation that your name change is complete.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Texas

You are recommended to learn what to do before updating your registration in Texas in order to be able to perform a name change procedure accurately and in a timely manner. One of the compulsory things to do before updating your registration is to change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Moreover, prior to performing a DMV registration update, a drivers license name change procedure may be performed and you may need to change your name also on your DPS records and other credentials, such as car title certificates. To find out how to update your car registration in Texas, continue reading the following sections.

How to Change Your Name on Your Texas Car Registration

Vehicle owners may change name on vehicle registration in person in Texas by visiting a local TX DPS branch with all required documents. In order to begin a process of changing your name on your car registration in person, you need to update your vehicle title.

In such situation, the TX DPS will update your registration documents at the same time. You need to provide one of the following documents, which may vary based on your specific situation:

  • Marriage license
  • Divorce decree
  • Marriage annulment
  • Marriage verification letter from the Department of State Health Services
  • Certified court order
  • Amended birth certificate

If after submitting one of these documents for changing your name on your car registration in person you need to learn more information, contact the TX DPS and discover everything you need to know.

Note: Motorists who want to change vehicle registration name online in Texas need to know that an online method is currently unavailable.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Texas

If you are wondering when to renew your car registration in Texas or when to update your name only, you need to know that a vehicle registration renewal procedure may be completed at the same time as the name change process. If you want to renew your car registration name change requests may be submitted at the same time at the TX DPS.

During a vehicle registration renewal name change procedure may be performed by vehicle owners who want to avoid getting a duplicate credential. Find out more information about registration renewal grace periods in Texas and name update procedures by contacting a nearby TX DPS office.

Texas DMV Name Change Fees

Submitting a payment for the applicable DMV name change fees in Texas is the ultimate step of a name update procedure. Motorists may be required to pay a certain DMV name change price for the process that they perform through the TX DPS within a designated time period.

Vehicle owners who are wondering “How much is to change name at DMV?” may be required to pay fees, depending on whether they plan to obtain a duplicate car registration or not. The state of Texas charges a $6 replacement fee in addition to a $0.50 automation fee to update the computer system with your new address.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.