How to Change a Name on a Car Title in California
Change your vehicle title after marriage, divorce, or a court-ordered name change in California. No lawyer required — the process uses standard California DMV forms.
When You Can Change the Name on a California Car Title
California allows name changes on vehicle titles for marriage, divorce, and court-ordered changes. Minor corrections (misspellings) use a different form than legal name changes.
Step-by-Step Process in California
Update your California driver's license or state ID to your new name before going to California DMV. You'll need the new-name ID to complete the vehicle title change.
Get a certified copy of your marriage certificate (from the county clerk), divorce decree (from the court clerk), or court order. Standard photocopies are not accepted.
REG 227 is the primary form for name changes on California titles. Check box "Name Change" on the form. Available at any DMV office or downloadable from dmv.ca.gov.
Bring all documents in one trip: completed form, current title, certified name change document, and your new-name ID. California requires the name change document to be original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. The new name on your driver's license should match the name change document when possible.
Pay the $26 title fee. Your new title will arrive by mail in 10–30 business days. Keep your receipt as proof of the transaction.
Required Documents in California
- 1Completed REG 227 (Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title)
- 2Current California title (if paper title)
- 3Name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
- 4Valid California driver's license or ID in the new name
- 5Smog certificate (if required for vehicle year)
Court order is NOT required for marriage or divorce-related name changes. A certified copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient. Court orders are only needed for other types of legal name changes.
California processes most name changes by mail — there is no urgent in-person-only process for name changes. Plan ahead: a 30-day processing window is normal. If the vehicle has an active loan, notify your lienholder before changing the title name.
California Car Title Name Change FAQ
How do I change my name on my car title in California after marriage?
In California, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate plus REG 227 (Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title) to California DMV. California requires the name change document to be original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. The new name on your driver's license should match the name change document when possible.
How do I change my name on a car title after divorce in California?
After a divorce, bring a certified copy of your final divorce decree (with judge's signature and court seal) to California DMV along with REG 227 (Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title). REG 227 is the primary form for name changes on California titles. Check box "Name Change" on the form. Available at any DMV office or downloadable from dmv.ca.gov.
Does California require a court order to change a name on a car title?
No. Court order is NOT required for marriage or divorce-related name changes. A certified copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient. Court orders are only needed for other types of legal name changes.
How much does it cost to change a name on a car title in California?
$26. California charges $26 for the duplicate/replacement title needed for a name change. No additional name change fee.
How long does a car title name change take in California?
California processes title name changes by mail in 10–30 business days. In-person same-day service may be available at select DMV offices with an appointment.
What documents are needed to change a name on a car title in California?
Required documents in California: Completed REG 227 (Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title); Current California title (if paper title); Name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order); Valid California driver's license or ID in the new name; Smog certificate (if required for vehicle year).