Car owners wondering, “How do I change the name on my car registration in Minnesota?” must note that the Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS) of the state Department of Public Safety (DPS) processes name change requests in person.  However, prior to initiating the process to change a name on a car registration through a nearby DVS office, you will be required to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and obtain a revised driving license.

When removing and adding a name to a car registration, you may also be required to obtain a replacement vehicle title with your new name. Find out how you should change your name on your registration documents and update your vehicle documents by reviewing the sections below.

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

Finalizing the car registration name change after marriage in Minnesota and after concluding divorce proceedings are the most common instances where you are required to file a name change request with the state DVS.

If you would like to know when to change your name on a car registration under other circumstances, note that you will have to notify the division if you have legally changed your name through the state court system as well.

In addition to changing a name on car registration after a divorce, marriage or due to a certified court order, you will also be required to file a name change request in the event that you are issued incorrect vehicle documents.

In the event that your car registration card and certificate of title contain typographical errors, you will have to report the incident to the division as soon as possible for purposes of obtaining a replacement car registration and title certificate.

Minnesota Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

While the division does not currently impose any strict time limits to change your name on car registration in Minnesota, you are still required to obtain a duplicate driving license within 30 days of legally changing your name.

If you are wondering about the consequences for not changing your name on time, note that you may be penalized with a traffic citation and/or a driving license suspension, since driving with outdated paperwork is against the law.

Get more answers on why is a name change notification mandatory in MN and the potential legal implications for not updating your name on your vehicle documents.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Minnesota

If you are wondering what to do before updating your registration in Minnesota, note that you will be required to complete several important steps with other government agencies. For instance, one of the things to do before updating your registration is filing a name change request with the SSA for purposes of obtaining an updated Social Security card.

Also, before learning the process for updating your name on your registration documents, you must also apply for a driver’s license name change through a local driving license office. You can proceed with updating your vehicle documents once you receive your updated Social Security card and license to drive.

How to Change Your Name on Your Minnesota Car Registration

Changing your name on your car registration in person in Minnesota is the only available method of updating your vehicle documents since you are required to furnish official proof of your legal name change for immediate inspection. Therefore, the option to change car registration name online in MN is currently unavailable.

To successfully change name on vehicle registration in person, you may be required to fill out an application form, submit your current registration card and present an official identification document, in addition to furnishing your name change proof.

Note that during the procedure to change vehicle registration name in person in MN, you may also be required to obtain an updated vehicle title by submitting your current title certificate and filling out the corresponding application form. The state DVS will process your name change request as soon as it verifies the submitted paperwork and the payment for replacement vehicle documents.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Minnesota

Vehicle owners wondering, “How long do you have to renew your tag in Minnesota?”, must note that they are required to complete the car registration renewal process on an annual basis by the end of their predetermined renewal month.

If you decided to change your name and complete the vehicle registration renewal name change documentation must be submitted in person along with the payment for the renewal costs.

To learn whether or not the state DVS implements registration renewal grace periods and to obtain additional information on how to complete the procedure at the same time, contact the division or a nearby DVS location.

Minnesota DMV Name Change Fees

Paying the duplicate registration fees in Minnesota is an important step when applying for updated vehicle documents. However, in addition to the applicable registration fees and the DMV title name change fee, applicants will also be required to pay for a replacement driving license. Additional fees will be charged in the event that you choose to update your name when renewing your license plates.

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