Changing your name on a car registration in South Carolina is an important step that must be completed through the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by car owners who have recently changed their legal name. An SC car registration name change has a few steps, some of which are necessary to complete prior to even requesting a designation modification.

For instance, in order to become eligible to change name on car registration, motorists will be required to obtain an updated Social Security card and a revised driving license. Note that, changing your name with the DMV, you may also be required to obtain a replacement vehicle title displaying your new name. Learn more about how to change your name on car registration in SC by reading the following sections.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your South Carolina Car Registration

If you need information on when to change your name on car registration in South Carolina, note that several situations will require you to update your DMV record and obtain an updated vehicle registration credential and new car title. For example, changing name on car registration after marriage and divorce are the most common instances where you are required to file a name change request with the department.

If you change your name due to court orders authorizing a new legal name, then you will also have to update your name with the state DMV. Another rare occasion that requires you to apply for a name change is receiving vehicle documents that contain typographical errors.

South Carolina Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

State law prescribes certain time limits to change your name on car registration in South Carolina, which residents need to adhere to in order to avoid a penalty. If you are wondering, “How long do I have to change my name before having a penalty?” then it is important to note that you are required to inform the state DMV of any changes of your legal name within 10 days. Several SC consequences for not changing your name on time may arise, such as receiving a traffic ticket and having your driving license suspended.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in South Carolina

In order to become eligible for the South Carolina DMV registration update process, vehicle owners will be required to complete several steps prior to filing a name change request. If you are wondering what to do before updating your registration, then note that you will first have to secure your official name change proof, such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.

One of the things to do before updating your registration in SC is to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Two days after filing your SSA name change request, you can visit a nearby DMV office to change your driving license name. Note that, after filing the DMV name change application along with your proof of legal name change, the department will update both your vehicle records and your driving license records.

When completing the SC DMV registration renewal you may be able to update your name at the same time. Continue reading to learn more about how to update your car registration including renewing your vehicle’s credentials simultaneously.

How to Change Your Name on Your South Carolina Car Registration in Person

To successfully change name on vehicle registration in person in South Carolina and obtain a replacement registration certificate and car title, motorists will be required to submit an application. Note that, when changing your name on your car registration in person, you will also be required to submit your current auto title and registration card and pay the applicable fee for updated paperwork.

However, you will not be required to furnish your legal name change proof since the state DMV updates all of your records when you change the name on your license to drive. After a DMV agent processes your request to change vehicle registration name in person in SC, you will receive your updated vehicle documentation as soon as it is manufactured.

How to Change Your Name on Your South Carolina Car Registration by Mail

Changing your name on your car registration by mail in South Carolina is a more convenient method of applying for an updated registration card and vehicle title. To successfully change car registration name by mail, applicants will be required to mail the application form along with the applicable fee payment and any supporting documentation to the DMV office in Blythewood. Once the department receives your request to change vehicle registration name by mail in SC, it will manufacture new documents and send them to your address on file.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in South Carolina

If you are wondering when to renew your car registration in South Carolina, then note that you can either check your current registration card for the expiration date or study the vehicle registration renewal reminder mailed out by the state DMV. Note that the department does not implement registration renewal grace periods, and failure to pay your renewal costs by your deadline will lead to certain penalty fees.

If you decide to change your name and renew your car registration name change paperwork must be submitted in person in most cases since a DMV agent must verify the authenticity of your name change proof.

South Carolina DMV Name Change Fees

Car owners will be required to pay several DMV name change fees in South Carolina since the department must manufacture new paperwork in their new name. First, motorists will be required to pay the DMV name change price for a revised driving license and title. Any applicable vehicle registration name change fees must be paid in order to obtain revised vehicle documentation.

If you choose to update your registration card when renewing your current car tags, then you will also be required to pay the registration renewal costs. A replacement registration decal costs $6 in South Carolina.

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