Residents wondering, “How do I change the name on my car registration in Arizona?” may want to transfer the ownership or alter their designation to reflect a new legal name. Changing car registration to another person is different from a name modification, as the ownership of the vehicle does not change. When changing the name on vehicle documents due to a change in ownership, sellers will relinquish responsibility to the automobile and, therefore, registration will be canceled and sellers will register the car under their name. To complete the process to change name on car registration following a legal name change, vehicle owners will be required to submit certain documentation to the state Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) proving their new name.

However, prior to initiating the car registration name change procedure to obtaining a replacement registration card and a vehicle title, motorists will be required to change their name with other agencies. It is important to note that you will first have to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and obtain an updated Arizona driving license with the division. To learn how to change your name on car registration in AZ, read the sections outlined below.

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

If you would like to know when to change your name on car registration in Arizona, then note that state law requires you to inform the state MVD of each instance of a legal name change, regardless of the reason.

For example, finalizing the car registration name change after marriage or divorce is the most common reason for updating your name with the division and obtaining a revised vehicle registration and a car title. Newlyweds and divorcees often alter their surnames to reflect their marital status.

In addition to changing name on car registration after a divorce or marriage, you will also have to change your name due to court orders verifying a new legal name, such as following an adoption or another legal name change. Individuals may alter their first or middle names for personal reasons.

If they reflect these modifications through the legal system, then their identification must match their legal name. It is important that state and federal agencies are aware of the legal change.

If you still need information on why changing your name on car registration in AZ is important, then contact a nearby MVD office.

Arizona Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

Is name change notification mandatory through the MVD in Arizona?

Vehicle owners wondering, “How long do I have to change my name after marriage or divorce proceedings?” must note that the state MVD requires them to report a change of name within 10 days.

Several consequences for not changing your name on time may ensue if you do not notify the MVD promptly. For example, if you fail to abide by the time limits to change your name on car registration in AZ, then you may receive a traffic citation for operating a motor vehicle with an outdated record.

Likewise, drivers may miss out on important notifications from the MVD if they do not keep their records up to date. Get more information about the potential penalties for not changing name on car registration on time by contacting the MVD.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Arizona

Several things to do before updating your registration in Arizona must be considered prior to submitting your name change request.

If you need clarification on what to do before updating your registration, then note that you will first have to obtain proof of your legal name change.

Then, you will be required to obtain an updated Social Security card with your new name since the state MVD must verify your name with the SSA before updating your driving license.

You can complete the AZ DMV registration update process and obtain revised vehicle registration and car title documents after finalizing the drivers license name change. Drivers looking for useful vehicle registration renewal tips should consider when their tags expire.

Vehicle owners may be able to renew their auto registration at the name of their name alteration request.

How to Change Your Name on Your Arizona Car Registration

You can only change name on vehicle registration in person in Arizona, as the state does not offer an online or my-mail method at this time.

The in-person procedure is the default method of updating your motor vehicle documents since you will be required to submit certain documents through a nearby MVD location.

When changing your name on your car registration in person, you will also have to update your car title information.

To successfully change vehicle registration name in person in AZ, you will be required to submit a filled out application, your current title and registration certificate and a fee payment. When adding or removing a name on your vehicle documents in person, you may also be required to present an official form of identification.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Arizona

If you are wondering when to renew your car registration in AZ, then it is important to note that the state MVD will remind you of your upcoming renewal deadline by mailing you a reminder 30 days in advance.

Note that the division implements registration renewal grace periods only under certain unique circumstances. For instance, if you fail your emissions test, then you will have an additional 30 days to complete it and pay your renewal costs without submitting late fee payment.

Similarly, if you change your name during your renewal period, then you may also be able to obtain updated documents by completing the renewal procedure.

You may be able to renew your car registration name change request at the same time. To learn more about when to renew your car registration in AZ and how to update your name when completing the car registration renewal process, contact the MVD.

Arizona DMV Name Change Fees

The current Arizona DMV name change price may include several smaller fees since the MVD must issue you replacement documents that will reflect your name change.

For example, you will have to pay the cost for a duplicate, up-to-date registration, which is $4. You will have to pay the DMV registration renewal fees if you complete the renewal procedure at the same time as well.

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