The procedure to change name on car registration in Delaware must be completed through the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by car owners who make official changes to their legal name. If you would like to know, “How do I change the name on my car registration?” then it is important to note that the state DMV will require you to visit a nearby DMV office since you must submit certain paperwork in person. The paperwork required to correct a name on vehicle documents will depend on the reason for the legal name modification. Drivers may also be responsible for fees for replacement material.

However, before proceeding with the procedure to change car registration information, you will have to update both your Social Security card with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and your license to drive with the state DMV. Be aware that removing and adding name to a car registration is different than correcting the owner’s name. To get more information about the changing your name on vehicle documents in Delaware, continue reading the sections outlined below.

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

Finalizing the Delaware car registration name change after divorce or marriage are the most common situations where you must request a name change with the state DMV.

However, if you are wondering when to change your name on car registration under other circumstances, then it is important to note that you will also have to complete the DMV name change procedure if you legally change your name through the state courts. This may be due to adoption or otherwise legal name change for personal or religious purposes.

The reason for the legal name change will influence the documents you will need to bring to complete the registration correction. For instance, a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order may be necessary to establish the change from a former to a current name.

In addition to changing name on car registration after marriage, a divorce or a legal court order, you must also obtain a replacement registration card in the event that you are issued a registration certificate with typographical errors. In these cases, the documentation needed to complete the process may include your current drivers license.

The reason why changing your name on car registration is important is because mismatch credentials may lead to problems finding your record. Drivers may be subject to consequences for not changing name on car registration after marriage, divorce, court order or finding a clerical error in a timely manner.

Delaware 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 in Delaware?” then note that you must apply for a name change with the DMV within 30 days of legally changing your name according to state law.

If you fail to abide by the time limits to change your name on car registration, then you may be subjected to several DE penalties for not changing name on car registration. For instance, one of the consequences for not changing your name on time is a traffic ticket for driving with incorrect documents. To learn of other detrimental outcomes of failing to report a DMV name change, contact the division.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Delaware

One of the things to do before updating your registration is filing a name change request with the Social Security Administration (SSA). After the SSA issues you a corrected Social Security card, you must finalize the procedure to change your name on your driving license by submitting your old license and the legal name change proof to the state DMV.

Before initiating the Delaware DMV registration update process, you must obtain an official proof of name change, such as a marriage certificate, a divorce decree or a court order, since it will be needed to correct the designation on your documents.

This is the same paperwork you will need when notifying the SSA. Get more information on what to do before updating your registration in DE and how to update your car registration by contacting your local DMV agent.

How to Change Your Name on Your Delaware Car Registration

Changing your name on your car registration in person in Delaware is currently the only available option to update your DMV information since the division must immediately verify the submitted paperwork.

Note that prior to making your office visit to change name on vehicle registration in person, you must wait for at least 72 hours for the SSA to update its records.

To change vehicle registration name in person, you will be required to submit your current vehicle title, registration card and proof of a car insurance policy.

You will also be required to present an updated license to drive in the event that you are unable to submit an official proof of your name change. You will successfully complete the procedure once the state DMV processes your documents and the applicable fee payment.

Note: The state DMV does not currently offer the option to change vehicle registration name online.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Delaware

If you are wondering when to renew your car registration in Delaware, note that the state DMV allows early renewals up to 90 days prior to the registration expiration date. However, no registration renewal grace periods are implemented.

Therefore, late applicants will be required to pay a penalty fee if they complete the auto registration renewal process past their deadline.

If you would like to change your name and complete the vehicle registration renewal name change paperwork and your renewal fee payment must be submitted in person. To learn more about how long do you have to renew your tag in DE and how to update your name when paying your renewal costs, contact the division.

Delaware DMV Name Change Fees

Several Delaware DMV name change fees apply when changing your name with the division and obtaining updated documents. For example, a duplicate registration document containing your updated name costs $10 in DE.

On the other hand, prior to paying any fee for replacement registration material, you will first have to pay the cost of an updated driving license.

You will also have to pay the DMV title name change fee in order to complete the process to replace your current title. If you choose to renew your car tags and update your name at the same time, then the division will also charge you for the renewal transaction.

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