About Changing Your Name on Your Hawaii Registration

You must change your name on car registration in Hawaii as soon as your legal name changes and no longer matches the information on your original titling and registration records. By law, you must notify your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of changing your name. You must also be able to present certified proof of the name change.

Before changing your name on car registration credentials, however, you must notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your new name and obtain a replacement Social Security card. Depending on whichever application method you prefer, you may notify the SSA in person or by mail.

To learn more about how to update your name on your Social Security card and vehicle registration credentials, review the information below.

Your SSA Name Change Checklist in Hawaii

Before you can change car registration and titling information with your local DMV office, you must change your name with the SSA and apply for a corrected Social Security card. To do so, complete the following steps:

1. Complete a Social Security card application
2. Compile certified proof of your name change, identity and U.S. citizenship status
3. Mail or bring the above documents to your local Social Security office
4. Receive your replacement Social Security card

After the SSA updates your name in its database, you may change your name with the DMV.

Performing a Name Change on Car Registration in Hawaii

To change your name on car registration credentials, visit a DMV office in the county where you live to submit your request in person. During your office visit, present the following documents:

• Certified proof of your name change (more information here)
• Your original certificate of title
• Your current certificate of registration

Before visiting your local DMV office, you may need to purchase a certified copy of your name change document from the Hawaii State Department of Health.

Other Hawaii DMV Name Change Requirements

In addition to changing the name on your car registration credentials, you must correct the information on your Hawaii driver’s license. While the specific process of updating your driver’s license may vary depending on the county in which you live, you will typically need to visit your local Driver Licensing Center to obtain an official application.

During your office visit, you may need to present certified proof of your name change, pay the required fee and pass a vision screening.