A Rhode Island drivers license name change is one of the first steps you must take after any name-changing life event, including marriage or divorce. An RI DMV name change solidifies the change of circumstances and provides a strong verification of your new identity. Like a state-issued identification card, an RI license establishes the identity of the cardholder. Due to the importance of this credential, residents will need to furnish certain documents to verify the legal change of name.

Before changing your name on driving license records in Rhode Island, you should submit an application with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to modify the name on your Social Security card. Learn how to change name on drivers license cards and update your name with the SSA in Rhode Island by studying the information provided below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Rhode Island Drivers License

Becoming familiar with the Rhode Island process to change name on driving license records will be a benefit to anyone who has recently gotten married, divorced, adopted or undergone a transition to another sex. Individual reasons for a change of name on driving license credentials are unique, although legal unions like marriage remain the most popular cause for name alterations.

Some people seek a name modification due to personal preferences, such as feeling that the name on their birth certificate does not fit their personality, religious beliefs, ethnic history or chosen profession. Other drivers must submit a request because they are legally bound after receiving a court-ordered name change. Whatever the reason, you should strongly consider taking care of this important task as soon as possible.

Rhode Island Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

Although Rhode Island residents should apply for a name change on drivers license cards as soon as possible, the state does not mandate a specific timeframe for doing so. However, state motorist law requires licenses to display the owner’s legal name at all times.

There can be fines or other penalties if a law enforcement officer has reason to assume that you are misrepresenting your identity because your drivers license name change was not obtained in time to match your Social Security card or other legal records. Drivers should obtain a replacement drivers license with their new name after altering their legal name.

How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration

Before changing name on drivers license credentials in Rhode Island, you can make the process easier by updating your legal name with the SSA first. Allow at least 24 to 48 hours to pass before attempting your drivers license name change application at the DMV so the SSA has time to update its system with your new information.

When requesting a name change on RI driving records, the agent will verify your name, which must match exactly the information that appears on your new Social Security account.

During an SSA and a DMV name change, you must show proof of the link between your past name, your amended name and your current identity. Documents needed include a marriage certificate or divorce decree or another court-ordered name change document.

Additionally, you must show a current proof of identity, usually your valid Rhode Island driver’s license. SSA name change applicants must also complete the agency’s official name change application to receive a new Social Security card that connects your old Social Security number with your updated name.

Online Drivers License Name Changes

Online drivers license name changes are not available in Rhode Island at this time. Other services are available online, including driver’s license address changes and license renewals.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

You must apply for your Rhode Island name change on drivers license records in person at any RI DMV branch location. Although you may perform many DMV tasks at local AAA branch offices, the American Automobile Association’s clerks are not able to fulfill name change requests. To obtain your RI DMV name change, provide the applicable documents from the following list:

• A completed application for a replacement license
• Social Security card bearing your updated name
• Current RI drivers license or state-issued ID card
• Original marriage certificate, divorce decree or papers issued by a U.S., State or Tribal court

When changing your name on driving license records in Rhode Island, you must provide only original copies of important documents. Also, note that all documents are subject to review and possible dismissal by the DMV agent handling your case if they fail to meet the required standards.

Transgender individuals seeking a drivers license name change after transitioning may also request a change of their gender designation on record with the RI DMV. Applicants must complete the application for gender designation on a license or identification card form and have the second part completed by a medical or social service authority. Upon filing this form, the applicant must surrender their old drivers license and have a new photo taken.

Rhode Island DMV Name Change Fees

RI DMV name change fees are the same regardless of what type of update is requested. That is because the cost for making changes to a driving credential are the same as the ones for requesting a replacement license. Thus, the current cost for obtaining a duplicate license is $26.50.

California Privacy R. Request

California Opt-Out