About Changing Your Name on Your Idaho Registration

If you own a vehicle in Idaho, you must perform an Idaho DMV name to have your vehicle records reflect your new legal name. 

Although marriage and divorce are the most common reasons for a change of car registration information, other significant life events can also result in needing to update the DMV’s records. The ID DMV will update your car registration, title and driver’s license all at once.

In Idaho, you must change the name on your car registration in person at an Idaho DMV office. However, you must update the Social Security Administration (SSA) before contacting the ID DMV. 

Continue reading to learn more about the steps required to complete a legal name change on your DMV documents.

When an Idaho DMV Name Change is Required

Changing a name on a car registration in Idaho should happen as soon as possible following a marriage, divorce or other court-ordered legal name change. A misspelled name or other error on your current registration document is another reason to change your name on your car registration.

However, you cannot get a name change on a car registration until you have notified the Social Security Administration (SSA). The steps include accessing the SSA online or visiting your local SSA office to complete the necessary forms and wait for confirmation before visiting your county DMV office.

Download our free helpful guide for tips on how to perform this important step. 

Changing Name on Car Registration in Idaho

Once you receive confirmation from the SSA that your new name is connected to your Social Security number (SSN), you can then visit your local DMV office.

The clerk will verify your SSN records and enter your new information into the DMV system. You must also bring cash, credit/debit card or another form of payment, as there will be fees to pay.

You must provide a certified copy of one of the documents listed on the ID name change checklist below to a DMV representative. 

Note: You will need to obtain a car registration replacement that reflects your new name.

Idaho Name Change Checklist of Acceptable Documents

Processing a DMV name change can only happen when you provide the correct paperwork. Name change documents must be issued by a U.S. state, city or county and include an official signature. 

You will need one acceptable document from this name change checklist:

• Proof of marriage
• Proof of divorce 
• Proof of adoption
• Any other court order verifying a legal name change

Note: The DMV cannot accept photocopies of originals. You must present certified copies.

Download our free guide for a list of acceptable documents you can provide typically.