Delaware
About Changing the Name on Your Delaware Registration
By law, you must change your name on your car registration in Delaware within one month of legally changing your name due to marriage, divorce or any other life event.
You cannot make this update online or by mail, as the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to appear in person.
When you change your car registration information with the Delaware DMV, you can simultaneously update the name on your vehicle’s title certificate, and state-issued driver’s license or ID.
However, you must complete several other steps before you can update the name on your driver’s license and registration records.
Learn more about these requirements in the sections below.
Your Delaware Name Change Checklist
Before performing a name change on your car registration and driver’s license credentials, you must first change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and obtain a replacement Social Security card.
To do so, complete the following steps:
- Complete an official application for a Social Security card
- Gather required documents.
- Mail or bring your application materials to your local Social Security office.
- Receive your new Social Security card.
After updating your name with the SSA, you must change the information on your driver’s license and vehicle registration credentials. However, you must allow at least 72 hours for the SSA to update your name in its records before notifying the Delaware DMV of your new name.
Still have questions about this step? Download our free guide to learn more.
Performing a DMV Name Change in Delaware
To change the name on your car registration in DE and driver’s license credentials, you must visit any local DMV office to file your request in person.
During your visit to the Delaware DMV office, submit the following documents to update the name on your driver and vehicle registration credentials:
- Certified proof of your name change
- Proof of identity
- Your vehicle’s current registration card and title certificate
- Proof of liability insurance
- A form of payment
Depending on the situation, you may need to present additional documents as well. If there is a lien on your vehicle’s title, for instance, you must also submit a completed Title Application with Lien.
Note: In many cases, you can request a replacement registration card that displays your new address. However, it will come at a cost.
After changing name on car registration and driver records, you will receive a corrected driver’s license or ID card, registration receipt and title certificate that display your new name.
