How to Change Your Name on Your Car Registration in Maine
Vehicle owners wondering, “How do I change the name on my car registration in Maine?” must note that the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires applicants to submit their name change requests in person through a nearby BMV office. In order to become eligible to change a name on a car registration, however, motorists will first be required to file a name change request with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Also, prior to completing the ME car registration name change, you will have to obtain an updated driving license through the state BMV. Learn more about removing and adding names to vehicle documents by reading the following sections.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Maine Car Registration
Changing a name on car registration after marriage in Maine and after concluding divorce proceedings are the most common instances where car owners file a name change request with the state BMV.
However, in addition to completing the car registration name change after divorce or marriage, motorists will be required to change their BMV vehicle records under other circumstances as well.
For example, you must change your name due to court documents issued to verify your new legal name. Learn more about the instances when you should change your name on your vehicle documents by contacting the bureau.
Maine Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration
Car owners may receive certain penalties for not changing name on car registration in Maine within the time limits determined by state law. Motorists wondering, “How long do I have to change my name after marriage or divorce?” must note that they are required to notify the state BMV of their new name and obtain an updated license to drive, car registration and vehicle title within 30 days of the change.
The consequences of failing to change your name on your registration in time may include a driving license suspension and/or a traffic citation for driving with outdated documentation. Get more info on why is name change notification mandatory and when to file your name change request by contacting a nearby BMV agent.
Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Maine
If you would like to know what to do before updating your registration in Maine, it is important to note that you will first have to obtain the official name change proof, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or the court order authorizing your new name.
Then, in order to become eligible to complete the DMV registration update, you will have to get an updated Social Security card and a replacement driving license that reflects your drivers license name change. Note that one of the final things to do before updating your registration in ME is obtaining a replacement car title with your new name as well.
Note: Keep in mind that getting a replacement car title involves a different procedure than getting a replacement vehicle registration.
How to Change Your Name on Your Maine Car Registration
Changing your name on your car registration in person in Maine is currently the standard method of obtaining updated vehicle documents, since the state BMV must verify the supporting documentation showing the name change. You can initiate the procedure to change vehicle registration name in person as soon as you complete the steps outlined above.
To successfully change name on vehicle registration in person in ME, you may be required to fill out an application form and submit your current registration certificate and proof of the name change. Note that you may also be asked to present your updated license to drive and pay a certain fee for the duplicate registration card.
After processing your request to change your name on your registration, the state BMV will issue you a replacement registration certificate displaying your new name.
Note: The option to change car registration name online in Maine is not currently available.
When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Maine
If you need information on how long do you have to renew your tag in Maine, note that your current registration certificate displays the expiration date of your license plates. You can also sign up to receive a car registration renewal notice by email, which will inform you when to renew your car registration during your next renewal cycle.
In the event that you decide to update your name and complete the vehicle registration renewal name change paperwork must be submitted in person, since your are unable to complete both transactions at the same time via other methods. After correcting your name with the state BMV, you will be required to pay your renewal costs in order to obtain an extended and updated vehicle registration.
Maine DMV Name Change Fees
Car owners will have to pay certain DMV name change fees in Maine when updating their vehicle documents with the state BMV. Note that the total DMV name change price will include several smaller fees. For instance, in addition to paying any applicable name change fees, applicants will also have to provide payment for an updated license to drive.
Sources
- Registrations & Plates from Maine.gov