Wondering, “How do I change the name on my car registration in Vermont,” Vehicle owners are required to complete the change process on each occasion they make changes to their legal name. The process of removing or adding information can be completed through a local office of the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

However, prior to initiating the process to change name on car registration in VT, you will be required to update the information on both your Social Security card and your license to drive. During the procedure, you may also be required to obtain a replacement car title in your new name. Get more information on how to change your name on car registration in VT by reading the following sections.

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

Finalizing the Vermont car registration name change after marriage and after conducting your divorce proceedings are the two most common instances where you must change your name with the state DMV. If you are wondering when to change your name on car registration in VT under other circumstances, note several other situations will also require you to submit a name change request.

For instance, after you change your name due to court directives authorizing the usage of a new name, you will be required to inform the department and obtain replacement vehicle documents in your new name. Also, if you were erroneously issued a registration card and a car title with typographical errors, you will be required to correct the error with a name change request.

Vermont Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

If you need clarification on, “How long do I have to change my name before having a penalty in Vermont?” it is important to note that state law requires you to inform the department of any changes in your name. Failure to respect the time limits to change your name on car registration may lead to several detrimental consequences.

For instance, one of the more severe penalties is receiving a traffic ticket if and when a police officer learns that you are driving with an outdated driving license and registration card. To learn more about the consequences for not changing your name on time in VT, contact the department.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Vermont

Prior to initiating the Vermont DMV registration update process, vehicle owners will be required to complete several other steps, such as collecting the proof of their legal name change and updating their name on other government documents.

One of the first things to do before updating your registration is filing a name change request with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for purposes of obtaining a revised Social Security card.

Then, before learning how to update your car registration in VT, you will be required to complete the driver’s license name change procedure and obtain a revised driving credential through the state DMV. Note that, once you update your driving license, the department will change the information on your vehicle records as well.

To finalize the DMV registration update procedure in such cases, you will be required to apply for replacement vehicle documents.

How to Change Your Name on Your Vermont Car Registration

Changing your name on your car registration in person in Vermont is the standard method of obtaining an updated registration card, since you will be required to deliver your official name change proof to a DMV agent for immediate verification.

To successfully change vehicle registration name in person, you will be required to submit the Application for a Corrected or Replacement Registration (Form VD-040) along with the name change proof and the fee payment.

Note that, in order to change name on vehicle registration in person in VT, you may also be required to present your updated license to drive. As soon as the state DMV verifies the submitted paperwork and fee payment, it will manufacture and issue you an updated registration certificate during the same visit.

Note: Changing your name on your car registration online in Vermont is an option that is not currently offered by the state DMV.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Vermont

If you are wondering how long do you have to renew your tag in Vermont, note that the state DMV mails out car registration renewal notices well in advance of your scheduled renewal deadline.

Therefore, if you choose to update your name during this period and renew your car registration name change paperwork must be delivered in person along with the fee payment for the renewal costs. In such cases, the state DMV will first update its database before processing your request.

Vermont DMV Name Change Fees

The department imposes several DMV name change fees in Vermont, since it must manufacture new and updated vehicle documents. You will first be required to pay the price for a revised driver’s license. Then, you will be required to pay the VT vehicle registration name change fees when applying for a corrected registration card and car title, respectively.

In the event that you update your name when renewing your license plates, you will have to pay the standard VT DMV registration renewal fees, instead of the costs for a replacement document. A duplicate vehicle registration costs $16 in Vermont for a car, truck or trailer.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.