Motorists must complete a drivers license name change in Massachusetts whenever their legal name changes after marriage, divorce, court order or gender change. Drivers must apply for a change of name on driving license documents through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) under the state Department of Transportation (massDOT). Applicants will need to furnish specific documents relevant to the reason for the name modification and pay applicable fees for a replacement drivers license with the new name.

However, before drivers can change name on driving license materials, they must notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the name change. In addition to applying for a DMV name change, drivers must update their address or gender designation whenever changes occur. To learn more about how to change name on drivers license materials and other important documents such as Social Security cards, review the information below.

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

Drivers must apply for a name change on drivers license documents or identification cards whenever they change their name after marriage, legal separation, divorce, adoption or gender change. Under state law, drivers may apply for a drivers license name change in Massachusetts at any time, as long as they are not using the name change for illegal or fraudulent purposes. When applicants complete this request, they have changed the name on their driving record, not just the card.

Massachusetts Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

You must complete the process of changing your name on driving license documents within 30 days of changing your identification information. Failure to apply for a DMV name change may result in driving penalties or fines if law enforcement officials stop you for any reason.

However, you must file for a name change with the SSA before visiting a licensing office. Additionally, you must change the name on your vehicle’s title and registration and notify the state RMV of a change of address if applicable. Residents may also notify the state of gender change if applicable.

How to Change Your Name with the Social Security Administration

Before changing name on drivers license documents or identification cards, drivers must notify the SSA of their name change. During the MA DMV name change application process, the RMV verifies the name change through the SSA before processing the driver license correction and issuing a new driver license or ID card. If the names do not match, then the RMV may deny the application.

To apply for a new Social Security card through the SSA, drivers must complete the following steps:

• Complete an application for a Social Security card
• Submit the form in person at a Social Security office or by mail
• Provide the Social Security office with proof of identity and proof of the legal name change document
• Provide proof of identity includes a driver license, U.S. passport or state-issued identification card
• Proof of the name change must include a certified or original marriage license, divorce decree, court order document or Certificate of Naturalization

Note: After you change your name in the Social Security database, you must wait at least 24 hours before correcting your driver license with the RMV.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

You may change the name on your Massachusetts driving license by visiting an RMV Service Center to apply for a replacement driver license in person after you report your name change to Social Security. You cannot make drivers license name changes online or by mail, as you need to take a new driver license photograph and provide a new signature when you apply for a replacement license. However, if you need to change your address but not your name, then you may complete the process online, in person or by telephone.

You must present your new Social Security card. You must also complete a Class D, M or D/M license and ID card application and submit it in person along with payment for obtaining a replacement license. When completing the drivers license name change application, you must provide the following information:

• Provide a reason for completing the application (such as change of information)
• Include your driver license, permit or ID card number and Social Security Number
• Provide your full name, mailing address and residential address
• Under section E of the application, you must provide details about your name change, including your former and new name
• You may also change your gender designation, height or address as well
• Provide your signature and the application date. If you are a minor, then your parent or legal guardian must print and sign his or her name

When changing your name on your driving license, you do not need to provide the RMV with any documentation to support the name change, other than your new Social Security card. However, if you wish to update your gender designation, then you must complete an application for gender designation change. Your social services worker or physician must sign the application before you submit it to the RMV.

Massachusetts DMV Name Change Fees

When drivers change the name on their Massachusetts driving license, they must pay a $25 fee to amend their license or identification card and obtain a replacement. However, there is no fee to apply for a new Social Security card through the SSA.

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