Vehicle owners wondering how to change your name on car registration in WA must be complete the process within a certain period after making official changes to their legal name. The state department of licensing offers two methods to change car registration information: in person and by mail.

However, regardless of your chosen method, you will first be required to update other official documents. Note that, in order to complete the process, you will also be required to update your current vehicle title. To learn more about WA car registration name change, read the sections below.

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

Car owners wondering, when to change your name on car registration must note that they are required to inform the state DOL of any name changes as soon as possible, since the department must have up-to-date information on file. Changing name on car registration after a divorce or marriage is the most common instance where you must file a name change request.

However, other circumstances will also require you to complete the name change procedure. For example, if you change your name due to court orders granting you right to use a new name, you will have to inform the state DOL and obtain a replacement car registration and a duplicate certificate of title with the updated information. In the rare cases that you receive a new registration certificate with the wrong name, you will also have to file for a name change.

Washington 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 WA, note that you are bound by law to report any changes of your legal name within a given period. The state DOL imposes certain consequences for not changing your name on time, and failure to abide by this requirement may lead to certain fines and penalties.

The penalties may include a traffic citation and/or a driver’s license suspension, since driving with outdated paperwork is against the law.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Washington

If you would like to know what to do before updating your registration in Washington, note that you will have to complete several important steps, such as obtaining your name change proof and updating your information with other government agencies. For instance, before learning how to update your car registration, you will be required to complete the name change procedure with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

After obtaining an updated Social Security card, you will be able to complete the procedure through the state DOL. You can initiate the WA DMV registration update process as soon as you receive your revised driver’s license.

How to Change Your Name on Your Washington Car Registration in Person

To complete the process of changing your name on your car registration in person in Washington, applicants will be required to fill out a form and submit it through a local vehicle license office or a title office. Note that, when changing your name on your car registration in person with the form, you will successfully update your vehicle title as well.

During the process, you will also be required to submit the following items, in addition to the standard application form:

• Your current vehicle title and registration card or an Affidavit of Loss form (if you do not have your current title)
• Your official name change document
• The applicable fee payments

As soon as the department receives your request to change your name on your vehicle registration in person, it will manufacture new vehicle documents in your new name. Note that you will be required to complete the name change procedure, outlined above, for each vehicle registered in your name.

How to Change Your Name on Your Washington Car Registration by Mail

Changing your name on your car registration by mail in Washington is an option that can be utilized by vehicle owners who are unable to make an office visit. If you choose to change car registration name by mail, you will be required to meet the same requirements as those that apply for the in-person procedure, outlined above.

Therefore, in order to successfully update your information, you will have to mail copies of your current vehicle documents, DOL forms, the name change document and your fee payment to the DOL. If you decide to complete the process by mail, you will be required to submit your fee payment in the form of check or money order.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Washington

If you would like to renew your car registration name change, note that your tabs expire on a yearly basis in a predetermined month, and the state DOL will remind you of your upcoming car registration renewal by sending you a renewal reminder.

In the event that you decide to change your name and complete the vehicle registration renewal name change documentation must be submitted in person before meeting the requirements of the renewal procedure. After submitting your name change request, you will be asked to pay the standard renewal costs in order to obtain vehicle documents in your new name.

For additional information on how long do you have to renew your tag in WA and how to update your name simultaneously, contact the department.

Washington DMV Name Change Fees

Paying the applicable DMV name change fees in Washington is an important step in the name change process since the department must issue replacement vehicle documents.

Note that the total DMV name change price will include several smaller fees. For instance, in addition to the WA vehicle registration name change fees, you will also have to pay the cost for an updated license to drive.

However, if you choose to renew your current license plates and update your name at the same time, you may only be required to pay the fees. It costs $31 to change your name on your registration and title. A duplicate registration costs $10.

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