The process to change a name on a car registration in Maryland must be completed through the state Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) by car owners who have made changes to their legal name. However, prior to removing and adding a name to a car registration, motorists will be required to file a name change request with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and obtain an updated driving license.

Note that vehicle owners will be required to complete the MD car registration name change procedure and obtain a replacement car registration and vehicle title within a certain time period after the change. Get more information on the whole name change process by reading the sections below.

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

If you are wondering when to change your name on car registration in Maryland, note that you will be required to file a name change request with the state MVA in the event that you legally change your name after a marriage or divorce.

However, in addition to changing name on car registration after a divorce or marriage, you will also have to complete the MVA name change transaction under other circumstances.

If you perform a car registration name change after marriage, you will be required to report the change to the administration. Note that you will also have to file a name change and obtain replacement vehicle documents in the event that you are issued a registration card and car title that contain typographical errors.

Maryland Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

Car owners who would like to know, “How long do I have to change my name before having a penalty in Maryland?” must note that they are required to inform the state MVA within 30 days of any changes to their legal name. Failure to abide by the time limits to change your name on your car registration and vehicle title may lead to certain detrimental consequences.

For example, one of the more severe penalties for not changing name on car registration in MD is receiving a traffic ticket for driving while your vehicle record is outdated. For additional information on the potential legal implications of not updating your vehicle registration in time with your correct name, contact the administration.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Maryland

Before initiating the Maryland DMV registration update procedure, vehicle owners must complete several tasks, such as obtaining proof of their legal name change and updating their information with other agencies. If you are wondering what to do before updating your registration, note that you must first apply for a revised Social Security card with the SSA in order to become eligible to change your name with the MVA.

Once the SSA processes your name change request, you can proceed with changing your name on your driving license. Since getting a revised driver’s license is one of the things to do before updating your registration in MD, you will have to wait for your updated license to arrive by mail before updating your vehicle documents.

How to Change Your Name on Your Maryland Car Registration in Person

Completing the process to change name on vehicle registration in person in Maryland is the default method of informing the administration of your correct name. If you are wondering how to change your name on your car registration in person through an MVA branch office, note that you will be required to complete the following steps:

• Fill out the corresponding request form.
• Submit your current registration certificate
• Present your updated license to drive.
• Pay the applicable fee for a duplicate registration card.

When changing your name on your car registration in person in MD, you will also be required to obtain a replacement vehicle title with your new name. Therefore, in addition to completing the steps outlined above, you will also have to submit your current title, fill out the request for a car title copy and pay the applicable fee.

Note: Getting a new registration with your new name involves similar steps to getting a replacement registration, and you may also be required to pay similar fees for your new documents.

How to Change Your Name on Your Maryland Car Registration by Mail

Changing your name on your car registration by mail in Maryland is an alternative method of updating your vehicle registration. Note that the process to change your car registration name by mail includes the same requirements as the standard in-person transaction, mentioned above.

Therefore, if you are wondering how to change your name on your car registration by mail in MD, you will be able to do so by mailing the applicable application forms to the MVA Glen Burnie office.

In addition to the standard request forms for replacement vehicle documents, you will also have to mail your current vehicle title and car registration, a copy of your updated driving license and a fee payment. As soon as the MVA receives your request to change your name on your documents, it will update its database and manufacture and mail out the replacement vehicle paperwork.

Note: Changing your name on your car registration online in MD is an option that is not currently available.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Maryland

If you are wondering when to renew your car registration in Maryland, note that the state MVA will remind you of your upcoming renewal deadline by sending you a renewal notice several weeks prior to your expiration date.

If you decide to update your name and renew your car registration name change documents must be submitted in person, since your name must be updated and verified before your car registration renewal payment is accepted.

Learn more about how long you have to renew your tag in MD and how to change your name at the same time by contacting the administration.

Maryland DMV Name Change Fees

The state MVA imposes several DMV name change fees in Maryland, since it must manufacture replacement documents that will display the vehicle owner’s new name. You will be required to pay the renewal fees, as well, in the event that you update your name when renewing your car tags. However, these fees will vary depending on several factors, such as your type of vehicle and county.

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