Motorists must apply for a drivers license name change in Maine through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) under the Secretary of State (SOS). Under state law, drivers must change name on driving license materials before they may renew driver license credentials or use any of the state’s online driver license services. Having identification that does not reflect the cardholder’s legal name can cause complications in other matters as well.

However, before drivers may file a change of name on driving license documents, they must report their name change to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and obtain a new Social Security card. The BMV will not process requests if the applicant has not informed the SSA of the legal name change. To learn more about how to change name on drivers license documents and Social Security cards, review the information below.

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

Under state law, you must change the name on your Maine driving license whenever your legal name changes and differs from the name on your birth certificate or primary identification documents. For instance, you must apply for a name change on drivers license documents if you altered your legal name after the following life events:

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Legal separation
• Adoption
• Gender change
• Court order

Maine Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

You must begin the process of changing your name on driving license documents within 30 days of making the legal name change. Failure to apply for a driving license name change within the 30-day time limit is punishable under state law and may result in citations, driving penalties and possible fines if law enforcement stops you for any reason. Additionally, failure to notify the BMV may result in driving record discrepancies and delays in receiving driver and vehicle registration renewal notices.

Remember, you must notify the SSA of your name change as soon as you change your legal name. If you do not change your name with the SSA, the administration cannot track your earnings or Social Security work credits.

How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration

Before changing name on drivers license records, drivers must apply for a new Social Security card through the SSA. To apply for Social Security name change, applicants must complete the following steps:

• Obtain an application for a Social Security card
• Complete the form with their full name (former and current), Social Security Number, ethnicity, citizenship status and place and date of birth
• Applicants must include the names and Social Security Numbers of their parents if known
• Submit the application in person at a Social Security facility or mail the form to a local office of the SSA
• Submit proof of identity, such as a drivers license, U.S. passport or state-issued identification card
• Submit proof of the legal name change, such as a marriage document, court order of name change or a divorce decree. All documents must be certified or original

After you change your name with the SSA, the administration sends you a new Social Security card and returns all documentation to you by mail. However, you must wait at least 24 hours for the name change to update in the Social Security database before you submit a request to the BMV.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

You must complete a name change on drivers license or identification card and obtain a replacement license or ID after notifying the SSA. You must visit a local motor vehicle office or mobile unit location to complete the application process in person. You cannot apply for a DMV name change online or by mail. Furthermore, you cannot submit a request at AAA Northern New England locations, as these locations do not handle name changes or photographing.

You must provide the MVD office with the following:

• Original or certified documentation to support the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, court document or divorce decree
• Proof of legal presence, such as a birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization, Consular of Report of Birth Abroad, or a permanent resident card
• Proof of state residency, including a utility bill, contract in your name, tax return or a W-2
• Payment for obtaining a new driver license

The main BMV office in Augusta is open between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and all other motor vehicle offices are open between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. However, specific office hours vary for mobile unit locations.

Maine DMV Name Change Fees

When motorists apply for a drivers license name change in Maine, they must pay a nominal fee to obtain a replacement driver license or identification card from the state MVD. However, there is no fee to obtain a new Social Security card through the SSA.

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