Drivers must apply for a drivers license name change in Michigan whenever their legal name changes after marriage, divorce, court order or for any other reason. When motorists apply for a DMV name change, they must do so in person through a local office of the Secretary of State (SOS). The application process requires certain documents and applicable fees.

However, drivers cannot change name on driving license documents until they change the name on their Social Security card. The SOS verifies that the name change matches the information on file with the Social Security Administration (SSA). To learn more about how to change name on drivers license materials or Social Security cards, review the useful information below.

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

Motorists must apply for a name change on drivers license documents whenever they change their legal name after marriage, civil union, court order, divorce, adoption or gender change. In addition to changing name on drivers license in MI, drivers must report the name change to the SSA and apply for a new Social Security card. Drivers cannot complete the process until they change their name through the SSA.

Michigan Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

You do not need to apply for a change of name on driving license material within a certain amount of time. However, failing to complete this process may result in delays in receiving driver license renewal notices or future driving-related correspondence from the SOS. In addition to changing your name on driving license documents, you must notify Social Security of your name change as soon as possible after the name change occurs. If you do not apply for a change of name through the SSA, then the administration cannot track your earnings or work credits.

During the application process, the SOS verifies your name and Social Security Number through the SSA. If your name and birth date do not match the information on file with Social Security, then the SOS will deny your application.

How to Change Your Name with the Social Security Administration

Before changing your name on your MI driving license, you must apply for a new Social Security card and report your name change to the SSA. You must notify Social Security of your change of name whenever your legal name changes after marriage, divorce, adoption or legal separation. To change your name through the SSA, you must complete the following steps:

• Complete an application for a Social Security card by providing your former and new name, Social Security Number, citizenship status, ethnicity and date and place of birth as well as the names and Social Security Numbers of your parents if known
• Submit the form by mail or in person at a local Social Security office
• Provide the SSA with proof of your identity and the legal name change document

Proof of identity includes a driver license, ID card or U.S. passport. Proof of the legal name change includes a certified or original marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order document. If your name change document does not provide Social Security with enough information or if you changed your legal name more than two years prior, then you must submit an identification document with your previous name.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

When changing your name on your driver license, you must visit an SOS branch to submit your legal name change document and provide payment for obtaining a replacement driver license. You cannot perform drivers license name changes online or by mail. When must visit an SOS office, you must bring to submit the following documentation:

• Your current driver license or identification card
• Proof of the certified or original name change document, such as a marriage license, legal name change document or divorce decree
• Proof of legal presence if changing the name on a commercial driver license
  • The SOS accepts a U.S. passport, original or certified birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, a permanent resident card, foreign passport or an employment authorization card
• Payment for the replacement driver license

When you change the name on your driving license, you must take a new driver license photograph and pay a fee for obtaining the duplicate license. If your license is nearing its expiration date, then you may choose to renew your license early and pay the renewal fee. Additionally, you may make corrections to your address, birth date or Social Security Number during your driver license renewal period.

Michigan DMV Name Change Fees

When you complete a drivers license name change in Michigan, you must provide payment for a driver license correction, which costs $9. The fee varies depending on many factors including class and if you are renewing it.

Note: There is no fee to change the name on your Social Security card, as the SSA provides this service free of charge.

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