How to Change the Name on Your District of Columbia Registration

To change name on car registration in the District of Columbia, you must first update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and obtain a replacement Social Security card. Then, you must change the name on your DC driver’s license or identification card. After completing these steps, you must update your vehicle registration and titling credentials as well.

To change car registration information after your license and Social Security card are updated, you must visit a local office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) in person. During your office visit, you must present proof of your name change.

To learn more about these requirements and the steps you must take to update your DMV credentials after legally changing your name, review the information below.

Your District of Columbia Name Change Checklist

Before changing name on car registration credentials, you need to complete an application for a new Social Security card. With your request, you must include a legal name change document, proof of your U.S. citizenship status and proof of your identity. After submitting your Social Security application in person or by mail, you will receive a replacement card that displays your new name.

Next, you must perform a DC DMV name change to update the information on your driver’s license or identification card. To do so, you must visit your local DMV Service Center to update your name in person. During your office visit, present certified proof of your name change, such as:

• Marriage certificate
• Court order for name change
• Divorce decree

When applying for a DMV change of name on your driver’s license or identification card, you may upgrade your credential to a REAL ID-compliant card if you have not already done so. However, you must be able to present acceptable proof of your identity, Social Security Number (SSN) and state residency.

How to Change Name on Car Registration in Washington DC

To perform a name change on car registration and titling records after you update the information on your DC driver’s license or ID card, you must provide the DMV agent with a completed Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application, proof of your name change and a valid photo ID. You must also present proof of vehicle registration, such as a current registration card.

Review our in-depth guide for important links and detailed instructions on how to update your name on your DC registration.