Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have different addresses on my driver license and my vehicle registration?
Yes, for an address change request, you can have different addresses on your license and car registration. However, it is recommended that you use the same address on all applications.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New York

How do I change my address on my car insurance?
After making an official address change with USPS and the DMV, you must contact your car insurance provider directly to update the information on your policy. Typically, you will have to provide proof of your address change, such as a utility bill, and proof of ID, in order to change the address that appears on your insurance plan.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New York

How do I change my address on my car registration?
The address change checklist for a car registration is very similar to the one used for licenses and ID cards. You have the option to apply online, in person, by mail or by phone, and each method is free of charge. However, you will not receive an updated registration certificate. You must request and provide payment if you want one.

Online

To apply online, go to the Department of Motor Vehicles website and provide:

  • Your NY ID card number or drivers license.
  • Your Social Security Number s last four digits.
  • Your birthdate.

By Phone

To change your address by phone, you will have to have your drivers license, ID card, or learners permit on hand when you are talking to a representative at the NY DMV call center.

In Person

To change address at the DMV in person, bring:

  • A completed Change of Address form.
  • Proof of your ID.
  • Proof of your birthdate.

By Mail

To apply by mail, you will need to provide the same documents necessary to file for an address change in person. Simply mail these to your local DMV office. However, if you want a replacement car registration, you must enclose the applicable fee as well.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New York

How do I change my address on my commercial drivers license?
You will be able to file an address change request online, by mail, by phone, or in person. You will not receive a replacement CDL unless you request one, however. Should you want a replacement, you must provide payment and fill out the necessary application.

Online

The NY DMV website features a pages that allows you to update your CDL address if you provide:

  • The last four digits of your Social Security Number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your driving license number

By Phone

You can change your address by calling the DMV call center of New York by providing the information on your commercial drivers license.

In Person

Changing your address in person requires you to fill out and/or bring:

  • A document that evidences of your identity.
  • A document that evidences of your birth date.
  • A Change of Address form.

By Mail

Fill out and send in a Change of Address form and proof of ID and date of birth to a nearby DMV office in order to update your address on their records. For a replacement CDL, also enclose payment.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New York

How do I change my address on my drivers license?
In New York, you are allowed to change your address online, by mail, by phone, or in person. However, you will not receive an updated license when you do so. After completing the process, you can simply write your new address on the back of your license. However, each method available will give you the option to obtain a replacement license should you want one.

Online

In order to file an address change request online, you must visit the NY DMV website and provide your:

  • NY drivers license number
  • The last four digits of your Social Security Number
  • Birth date

By Phone

If you have your drivers license with you, you can call the NY DMV call center and update your address free of charge.

In Person

To change your address in person, you will need to bring:

  • Change of Address form
  • Proof of ID
  • Proof of birthdate

By Mail

Mail in your Change of Address form and proof of ID and birthdate to your local DMV office. If you would like a replacement license, make sure to enclose payment as well.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New York

How do I change my address on my ID card?
To fulfill an address change request for an ID card is similar to the process used for drivers licenses. You can apply online, by mail, in person, or by phone. However, unless you specifically request one and provide payment, you will not receive a replacement ID card.

Online

Visit the NY DMV website and type in the following information to apply online:

  • New York ID card number
  • The final four digits of your Social Security Number
  • Date of birth

By Phone

Have your ID card with you if you decide to call the New York Department of Motor Vehicles call center. There is no additional fee for applying by phone.

In Person

The following documents must be brought to the DMV if you apply in person:

  • Change of Address form
  • Proof of your identity
  • Proof of your date of birth

By Mail

Mail in the documents necessary to apply in person, along with payment if you would like a replacement ID card, to a local DMV office to apply.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New York

How do I change my name on my car insurance?
For name changing on your car insurance policy, you have to contact your insurance provider directly. After providing the necessary documentation, such as your name change document and ID, you will be able to update your information on your car insurance.

Keep in mind that you must have already changed your name with the Social Security Administration. They are the first department to notify of your new name, even before going to the DMV.

How do I change my name on my car registration?
Similar to the requirements to change names on licenses and ID cards, you will have to go to the local DMV office in order to update the name on your car registration. You cannot request an update online, by mail, by phone or by email. And when you go in person, you must make sure to take:
  • Your current and valid car registration or an appropriate proof of ID:

o Drivers license

o ID card

o U.S. passport

o U.S. military ID card

  • A name change document (certified):

o Marriage certificate

o Court order

o Divorce decree document

  • A filled-out Vehicle Registration/Title Application

You will receive your new vehicle registration within 10 days.

How do I change my name on my driver’s license?
The process to change name on your driving license in New York requires you to go in person to a local DMV office. Therefore, you do not have the option to complete this change online, by mail or by phone. Once at the office, you will be asked to provide:
  • Your current NY drivers license or acceptable proof of ID: U.S. passport or U.S. military ID card, for example
  • Your certified document proving name change: marriage certificate, divorce decree or U.S. court order
  • A filled-out Application for Driver License
  • $12.50 payment

After submitting your application, you will receive your new driving license in the mail within 10 days. Fees subject to change.

How do I change my name on my ID card?
The steps to change name on ID card documents are very similar to those involved in updating a drivers license. You must go in person to a local DMV office and bring with you:
  • Your current non-driver ID card or acceptable proof of ID:
    • U.S. passport card or booklet
    • U.S. military ID card, if you are active, reserve or retired personnel
  • A certified document that proves your name change:
    • Divorce decree
    • U.S. court order
    • Marriage certificate
  • A filled-out Application for Non-Driver ID Card
  • $5 payment to change on non-driver ID (fees may vary)

Once you apply, you can expect your new ID card to arrive in the mail in about 10 days.

How do I contact the Social Security Administration for my name change?
To apply for a New York DMV name change, you will need to first change your name with Social Security Administration. To make an official name change with the Social Security Administration you can either mail the following information or visit the nearest SSA office:
  • Complete an Application for a Social Security Card
  • Provide proof of your legal name change, such as a marriage or divorce certificate
  • Provide proof of your identity with a driver s license, state ID, or US Passport
  • Provide proof of your citizenship with a U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, etc.

You must present the original document or a copy certified by the issuing agency when applying for a name change with the Social Security Administration. The SSA will not accept photocopies of original documents.

How much does it cost to change my name on my car registration?
To file a name change request on your New York car registration is free. A replacement car registration certificate with your new name printed on it costs $20. The NY DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, credit and debit cards.
How much does it cost to change my name on my car title?
Similar to a car registration, the fee for an official name change on your car title certificate is free. The only cost you are responsible for is if you choose to order a duplicate car title that reflects the address change. The fee for a replacement car title is $20. The NY DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, credit and debit cards.
How much does it cost to change my name with the DMV?
The cost of name changing is free. You are instead responsible for paying the replacement fee, which varies depending on the document you are revising. The complete breakdown for New York is below:
  • Drivers license: $12.50 for a replacement
  • Learners permit: $12.50 for a replacement
  • Non-drive ID card: $5
  • Car registration: $3
  • Certificate of title: $20

The NY DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, credit and debit cards.

Fees may vary.

What documents do I need to present for proof of residency?
There are a number of documents that you can employ to prove residency in New York after address changing:
  • W-2 tax forms
  • Car insurance bills
  • Bank notices
  • Utility bills
  • Mail from government agencies
  • Medical cards

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New York

What documents do I need to present if I am a non-U.S. citizen changing address?
To complete the process of address changing as a non-United States citizen, you must bring the following documents:
  • Evidence of your legal presence in the United States: green card
  • Evidence of your legal name change: marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree
  • Your current driving documents from the state of New York
  • A completed address change form
  • Payment of applicable replacement fee, but this is only if you choose to get a replacement document

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New York

What penalties will I face if I do not change my address with the DMV?
If you do not report an official address change to the NY DMV, you will not be able to receive your renewal notice, because your on-file address in not accurate. Furthermore, upon discovering that you did not update your address in the allotted 10 days, you will be charged a late fee.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New York

When must I change my address with the DMV?
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles requires you to file address change forms within 10 days of your move. You can notify the DMV in person, online or by mailing in an application.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New York