Vehicle owners are required to change name on car registration with the state Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) if and when they obtain a new legal name. The state MVD processes car registration name change requests through its local field offices. Representatives at will review drivers’ applications to correct a designation on their vehicle records. Motorists may need to bring in additional paperwork that is evidence of the legal name modification.

However, before learning how to change your name on car registration in NM, note that you will be required to update your information with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and apply for a revised New Mexico driving license with the state MVD. Find out more about the process of correcting and adding name to a car registration in NM by reading the following sections.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your New Mexico Car Registration

Finalizing the car registration name change after marriage in New Mexico and after concluding your divorce proceedings are the most common instances where you are required to notify the division of your new name. However, in addition to changing name on car registration after a divorce or marriage, you will also have to file an MVD name change request in other situations.

For example, if you change your name due to court documents authorizing a new name, then you will have to obtain a replacement vehicle registration and car title that will reflect the change. Continue reading to find out when to change your name on car registration in NM to avoid consequences from not updating your MVD record.

New Mexico Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

The state MVD imposes certain time limits to change your name on car registration in New Mexico, which driving residents must adhere to. If you are wondering, “Is name change notification mandatory and how long do I have to change my name before having a penalty in NM?” then note that you must update your vehicle documents as soon as possible in order to avoid violating the law by driving with outdated paperwork.

For instance, some of the more severe penalties for not changing name on time are receiving a traffic citation and having your driving license suspended. Other consequences for not changing your name on time may include simple mix-ups due to your legal name and vehicle records mismatching.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in New Mexico

Before learning how to update your car registration in New Mexico, you will be required to complete other important steps, such as obtaining the proof of the name modification and updating your information on other official records.

One of the first things to do before updating your registration is applying for a revised Social Security card with the SSA. Once you obtain your updated Social Security card, you can complete the driver’s license name change process with the division.

You can initiate the NM DMV registration update process and obtain a revised car registration and new title as soon as you obtain your updated license to drive. Many of the documents needed for one name correction transaction are the same required for the others.

How to Change Your Name on Your New Mexico Car Registration

Car owners will be required to submit their requests to change name on vehicle registration in person in New Mexico since their name change documentation must be verified immediately.

When changing your name on your car registration in person through a nearby MVD site, you will be required to submit the following items in most cases:

• Your current vehicle registration and title certificate
• Official name change proof, such as a marriage document, divorce decree or a court order
• Your updated driving license
• The corresponding application form properly filled out
• The applicable fee payment

You will successfully change vehicle registration name in person in NM as soon as the state MVD verifies the submitted documents and fee payments. If you are required to obtain a replacement vehicle title, then you will also have to submit additional paperwork.

Note: The option to change car registration name online in NM is not currently offered by the division.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in New Mexico

If you are wondering how long do you have to renew your tag in New Mexico, then you can either check your registration expiration date on your current registration documents or you can review the postcard mailed out by the division that provides steps for the car registration renewal procedure.

The state MVD does not implement registration renewal grace periods, and failure to renew your registration by your scheduled deadline will lead to certain late fees that increase with time.

If you decide to update your name and complete the vehicle registration renewal name change paperwork and the applicable fee payment must be submitted in person. Renewing and updating your registration at the same time can save you from obtaining replacement material first.

New Mexico DMV Name Change Fees

You will be required to pay certain DMV name change fees in New Mexico when updating your name and obtaining replacement vehicle documents with the division. Note that, in addition to the applicable vehicle registration name change fees, you will also be required to pay the DMV name change price for a revised license to drive and title with your corrected name.

If you choose to renew your car license plates and update your name at the same time, then you will also have to pay the standard renewal costs. Replacement registration documents range in price from $3.50 to $18.50, depending on the needs of the vehicle owner.

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