The process to change name on car registration in Ohio must be completed on each occasion a vehicle owner changes his or her legal name. Correcting or adding name to a car registration is a procedure that can be completed through a deputy registrar office of the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). A BMV representative will review designation corrections and issue new credentials as needed for a fee.

However, prior to initiating the OH car registration name change procedure, applicants will be required to change their name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and apply for a revised driving license. Get more information on how to change your name on car registration in OH by reading the following sections.

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

Changing name on car registration after marriage in Ohio and requesting a name correction after a divorce are the two most common instances where you are required to change the name on your vehicle registration. If you are wondering when to change your name on car registration under different circumstances, then note that you will be required to file a name correction request if you change your name due to court orders as well.

In addition to completing the OH car registration name change after divorce, marriage or court proceedings, you will also have to obtain a replacement car registration if you are issued a registration card with an incorrectly spelled name. Although these are rare occasions, it is important that your driver and vehicle information match your true legal name. Even if the clerical error is the fault of the BMV, you are responsible to verify the details and request a correction as needed.

Ohio Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

Vehicle owners wondering, “How long do I have to change my name before having a penalty in Ohio?” must note that they are required to obtain updated vehicle documents as soon as possible in order to continue driving their vehicles legally. Several consequences for not changing your name on time may arise, such as receiving a traffic ticket for operating a motor vehicle with outdated documentation and/or driving license suspension penalty. For more information on the exact time limits to change your name on car registration in OH and the potential penalties for not changing name on car registration, contact the state BMV.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Ohio

Before completing the Ohio DMV registration update process, motorists must complete other steps, such as securing the official name change proof and updating other official documents. 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.

Then, you can proceed with applying for a driver’s license name change with the state BMV since a revised license to drive reflecting your new name may be necessary when updating your car registration. Another consideration about what to do before updating your registration in OH is to review if your registration needs to be renewed. In some cases, you may be able to update and renew your vehicles credentials at the same time.

How to Change Your Name on Your Ohio Car Registration

Completing the procedure to change name on vehicle registration in person in Ohio is currently the standard way to obtain a replacement registration certificate with your new name since a BMV agent must verify your name change documentation. To successfully finalize the process of changing your name on your car registration in person, you may be required to fill out a certain application form, submit your current registration card, car title and the name change proof, present your updated driving license and pay a certain fee. You will successfully change vehicle registration name in person in OH and receive a new registration card as soon as the state BMV verifies the submitted paperwork and fee payment.

Note: Changing your name on your car registration online in Ohio is an option that is not currently available.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Ohio

If you would like to know when to renew your car registration in Ohio, then it is important to note that the state BMV sets the expiration date of car registrations on the same date as the applicant’s birthday. However, the bureau institutes registration renewal grace periods in the duration of 30 days. Therefore, if you initiate the car registration renewal process 31 days after the expiration date of your registration, you will be required to pay certain late fees.

If you decide to update your name and renew your car registration name change documents must be submitted in person. Once you furnish the necessary name change documents and pay the renewal fees, you will receive a renewed registration card.

Ohio DMV Name Change Fees

Paying the applicable DMV name change fees in Ohio is an important step when updating your name and obtaining replacement vehicle documents through the bureau. Note that, in addition to the vehicle registration name change fees, you will also be required to pay the OH DMV name change price for a revised license to drive. Also, if you choose to update your car license plates and update your name at the same time, then you will have to pay the standard registration renewal costs.

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