Vehicle owners wondering, “How do I change the name on my car registration in Tennessee?” must note that they will be required to submit their name change requests through their local county clerk’s office, since it serves as an agent of the state Department of Revenue (DOR).

Prior to removing and adding name to a car registration, drivers will be required to complete certain steps with other government agencies. In addition, when completing the procedure to change name on car registration in TN, vehicle owners will be required to update their car title as well. Find out more about the procedure in the sections outlined below.

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

If you are wondering why changing your name on car registration in Tennessee is important and when to initiate the procedure, note that you are required by state law to submit a name change request in several situations. For instance, finalizing the car registration name change after marriage and divorce are the most common instances where you must change the name on your car registration and title.

In the event that you change your name due to court orders verifying a new name, you will have to submit a name change request and obtain a replacement registration card and a duplicate vehicle title as well.

Tennessee Name Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

Car owners who would like to know, “How long do I have to change my name before having a penalty in Tennessee?” must note that they are required to submit name change requests will all relevant agencies as soon as possible, since driving with outdated paperwork is punishable under current law.

The more severe consequences for not changing your name on time may include receiving a traffic citation and/or a driving license suspension.

Steps to Take Before Updating Your Registration in Tennessee

Before learning how to update your car registration in Tennessee, you will be required to obtain the proof of your legal name and update the information on other official documents. One of the first things to do before updating your registration is filing a name change request with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for purposes of obtaining an updated Social Security card.

After the SSA updates your records, you will become eligible to initiate the TN DMV registration update procedure and change your driver’s license name. Note that, updating your driving license records with the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security does not result in updated vehicle records.

How to Change Your Name on Your Tennessee Car Registration

Completing the process of changing your name on your car registration in person in Tennessee is currently the only available option of obtaining replacement vehicle documents, since your name change paperwork must be verified immediately.

Therefore, the option to change car registration name online is not offered by the state DOR and you will be required to submit your request through your county clerk’s location. To successfully change vehicle registration name in person in TN, you will have to complete the following steps:

• Fill out the form for a replacement registration card.
• Fill out the corresponding application for a corrected title.
• Submit your current title and registration card.
• Furnish the proof of your new legal name.
• Present an updated license to drive.
• Pay the applicable fees for revised vehicle documents.

The DOR agent will process your request to change name on vehicle registration in person as soon as it verifies the authenticity of the submitted paperwork and the fee payment. You will receive a car registration and title in your new name as soon as they are manufactured.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Tennessee

If you would like to know how long do you have to renew your tag in Tennessee, note that your county clerk will send you a renewal notice six weeks before the expiration date of your car registration.

If you choose to update your name during this period and renew your car registration name change paperwork must be submitted in person along with the payment for your car registration renewal costs. To learn more about when to renew your car registration in TN and how to change your name at the same time, contact your county clerk.

Tennessee DMV Name Change Fees

Arranging payment for the DMV name change fees in Tennessee is an important step since the corresponding government agencies must manufacture new vehicle documents in your new name.

The DMV name change price will include several smaller fees. In addition to the applicable vehicle registration name change fees, you will also be required to pay the cost for a revised driving license.

If you choose to obtain an updated registration card and renew your license plates at the same time, you will have to pay the registration renewal fees. The standard registration replacement fee is $3.

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