Drivers must apply for a drivers license name change in Indiana whenever their current legal name changes. As such, motorists must apply for a DMV name change whenever their name differs from the information on their current identity or lawful status document. Modification of a resident’s name may be the result of a change in marital status, due to a court order or for any other reason that results in a legal name alteration. For instance, motorists must apply for a DMV name change if their new name differs from the name on their original birth certificate or birth record.

However, drivers cannot change name on driving license documents until they update their name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and apply for a new Social Security card. The documents needed to complete the process are dependent on the reason for the name change. To learn more about how to change name on drivers license materials, identification cards and Social Security cards, review the sections below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Indiana Drivers License

Motorists must apply for a name change on drivers license documents, identification cards or other driving-related materials whenever their legal name changes due to marriage, gender change, divorce, legal separation, adoption or court order. Additionally, drivers must apply for a legal name change through the SSA and request a new Social Security card after making a legal name change. However, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) may deny a name or gender change if the name change request does not match the information on file with the SSA. For this reason, drivers must only apply for a driving license name change in IN after they change their name with the SSA.

Indiana Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

Under state law, motorists must change the name on their Indiana driving license or identification card within 30 days of making the legal name change. Failure to change the name on an IN driver license is punishable by law and may cause delays in receiving future correspondence from the BMV, including vehicle registration and driver license renewal notices.

Additionally, failure to apply for a change of name through the SSA may prevent the SSA from tracking earnings and Social Security work credits. For this reason, drivers must begin the process of changing name on drivers license documents or ID cards as soon as the name change occurs.

You must perform a Social Security name change before updating your identification information with the BMV. After you notify the SSA of your name change, wait at least 24 hours before correcting your driver’s license information through your local motor vehicle office.

How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration

Before you may change the name on your Indiana driving license, you must report your name change to the SSA. The state BMV may reject your DMV name change application if you do not update your information with Social Security beforehand. To report your IN change of name to the SSA and apply for a new Social Security card, you must complete the following steps:

• Complete an application for a Social Security card name change and submit the form in person at a local Social Security office or by mail
• Include your new name, original birth name, Social Security Number, place of birth and date of birth on the application
• Include the names and Social Security Numbers of your parents if known
• Submit proof of the legal name change, including a certified or original marriage or divorce certificate
• Present proof of your identity, including a current driver license, ID card or U.S. passport

In most cases, the SSA will process your application and mail you a copy of your new Social Security card within two to three weeks. Additionally, the SSA will return all supporting documentation to you.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

The change of name on driving license material process is only available by visiting a local BMV branch. You cannot apply for drivers license name changes online or by mail at this time. When changing your name on driving license materials, you must submit the following documentation in person at a BMV office:

• Proof of the name change, including an original or certified court order document, divorce decree or a marriage license
• An original or certified copy of your amended birth certificate. The birth certificate must display the name change
• Proof of your identity, including a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, foreign passport or a consular report of birth abroad
• Payment for the driver license replacement

When changing your name on your driving license in Indiana, you can only submit original or certified documentation in English. Additionally, the BMV may refuse any expired, altered, unreliable or fraudulent documents.

If you wish to change the name on your driving license, permit or identification card after undergoing a gender change, then you may update your driver license gender designation as well. To apply for a gender and drivers license name change, you must submit a certified and amended birth certificate and a statement of gender change signed and dated statement from your physician.

Indiana DMV Name Change Fees

When drivers change name on driving license documents, they must provide the BMV with a nominal replacement fee of $9 for amending or changing your driving credentials. However, there is no charge to apply for a new Social Security card through the SSA.

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