About Changing Your Name on Your Indiana Registration

Learning how to change name on car registration in Indiana is one of the first steps you must take whenever you legally change your name, as the state requires you to update your driver and vehicle registration records whenever this information changes.

For instance, you must change car registration and driver’s license information whenever you legally change your name due to marriage, divorce, adoption, court order or any other major life event that results in the change of your name.

Before performing a name change on car registration, titling and driver’s license credentials, you must first notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your new name.

When notifying the SSA, you must also provide the administration with certified proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. Once you change your name with the SSA and obtain a replacement Social Security card, you must update your information with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Review the sections below to learn more about the steps you must take to change your name with the Bureau.

Your Indiana Name Change Checklist

Similar to changing your address on your car registration, you need to inform the Indiana BMV of your name change as soon as possible. However, before changing name on car registration and driver’s license credentials, you must complete several other important steps.

For instance, you must complete an Application for a Social Security Card to update your name with the SSA and obtain a replacement Social Security card. After completing this application, you must submit it in person or by mailing it to your local Social Security office.

When changing your name with the SSA, you must also be able to prove your identity and submit legal proof of your name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree.

To obtain certified copies of these records, you may place your order through the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). When changing name on car registration and driver’s license credentials, you will also need to present certified proof of your name change.

Once the SSA updates its records, you must wait at least 24 hours before changing your name with the Indiana BMV. If your name does not match the information on file with the SSA, the BMV cannot update the name on your driver and vehicle registration credentials.

When you submit your DMV name change to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the BMV will verify this information with the SSA.

To learn more about this process step by step, consider downloading our free guide.

Changing Your Indiana Car Registration Information

Before you may change name on car registration credentials, you must visit your local BMV branch to update the information on your Indiana driver’s license or identification card. Under state law, you must update the name on your driver’s license or ID card within 30 days of legally changing your name after marriage, divorce, adoption or any other major life event.

When changing the BMV name on your Indiana driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID card, you must present certified proof of the name change, such as a marriage license, court order or divorce decree. Then, you must obtain a replacement driving or identification credential that displays your new name.

After changing the name on your Indiana driver’s license or identification card, you must update the information on your vehicle registration and titling credentials as well. Once you make these BMV name changes, you may need to purchase a replacement registration card and certificate of title that displays your new name.

If you have any questions about these requirements or the steps you must take to update your driver and vehicle registration credentials after your legal name changes, you may want to consider contacting your local BMV office before heading in to apply.

For more information on the name change process, download our registration guide.