Vehicle owners wondering how do I change the name on my car registration in West Virginia must note that the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts name change requests in person through its various regional offices. However, prior to changing car registration to another person, you will be required to obtain a new Social Security card with your new name and an updated driver’s license.

To learn more about adding name to a car registration and when to complete the procedure to change name on car registration in WV, read the sections outlined below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your West Virginia Car Registration

If you need information on when to change your name on car registration in West Virginia, note that vehicle owners must complete the car registration name change after divorce or marriage. Another situation where you will be required to change your name with the state DMV is after completing the legal name change process through the state courts.

If you are wondering why changing your name on car registration in WV is a mandatory process, note that the state motor vehicle laws prohibit you from driving with outdated or incorrect documents.

West Virginia 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?” note that the division requires you to obtain duplicate documents in your new name as soon as possible in order to avoid violating the law. Some of the more severe consequences for not changing your name on time in WV are receiving a traffic citation and being subjected to a driver’s license suspension.

To get more information about your individual penalties and fees associated with a suspension or citation, you must contact the DMV.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in West Virginia

If you are wondering, what to do before updating your registration, note that you will first be required to complete certain steps with other government agencies.

However, before completing the things to do before updating your registration, it is important to note that you must first obtain the official document proving your legal name change, such as a divorce decree, a court order legalizing a new name or a marriage certificate.

Then, in order to become eligible to complete the DMV registration update in WV, you will have to apply for a new Social Security card with the Social Security Administration (SSA). After obtaining a revised Social Security card, you can visit a nearby DMV office to complete the drivers license name change and obtain a license to drive in your new name.

How to Change Your Name on Your West Virginia Car Registration

Motorists must know how to change your name on your car registration in person, as the state DMV will require the submission of official documentation proving the change. Therefore, since the option to changing your name on your car registration online is currently unavailable, you will be required to apply for a revised car title and a replacement registration card through a local DMV site.

The standard process of changing your name on your car registration in person in WV will include several common steps, such as presenting an updated driving license and submitting proof of the name change along with your title certificate and registration card.

After finalizing the process to change name on vehicle registration in person, you will receive a revised registration certificate displaying your new name.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in West Virginia

If it is time to renew your car registration name change may also be performed is needed. Note that the state DMV mails out renewal notices prior to your car registration expiration date. If you choose to change your name within this time period and renew your car registration name change documentation must be submitted in person, since your DMV agent must check the submitted name change proof.

To learn more about when to renew your car registration in WV and how to complete the name change procedure if you have a unique situation when paying your car registration renewal fees, contact the DMV.

West Virginia DMV Name Change Fees

Note that car owners will have to pay a DMV name change price in WV for both an updated title and an updated registration certificate. Vehicle owners wondering how much is to change their name with the DMV in West Virginia must note that the division imposes certain vehicle registration name change fees since it must manufacture replacement documents with the new information.

In addition, if you submit your name change request when renewing your license plates, you will be required to pay the standard registration renewal costs. The fee for a duplicate registration is $10.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.