How to Change the Name on a Car Title
After marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you must update your vehicle title. No lawyer required — the process uses standard DMV forms and a certified copy of your name change document.
Why You Might Need a Title Name Change
Marriage certificate is the primary document. Certified copy required — photocopies rejected.
Final divorce decree with court seal and judge's signature. Must include name reversion language.
Any legal name change granted by a court order. Certified copy from the court clerk required.
Misspelling or clerical error on the title. May use a simpler correction form vs. full name change process.
Universal 5-Step Process
Visit your state DMV to update your driver's license or state ID to your new name. You'll need new-name ID to process the vehicle title change.
Get a certified copy from the issuing authority — marriage certificate from the county clerk, divorce decree from the court clerk. Standard photocopies are universally rejected.
Each state has a specific form (CA: REG 227, TX: Form 130-U, FL: HSMV 82040, NY: MV-82, IL: VSD 190, OH: BMV 3774). Download from your state DMV website.
Bring the completed form, current title, certified name change document, new-name ID, and payment. Missing any document means a return trip.
Title fees range from $15 (Ohio) to $150 (Illinois). New title arrives by mail in 10–30 days depending on your state.