About Changing Your Name on Your Ohio Registration

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requires you to change name on car registration in Ohio after your legal name changes for any reason. For instance, you must change car registration information after marriage, adoption, court order, divorce or any other major life event that results in a name change.

Before performing a name change on car registration credentials, you must notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your new name. To change your name with the SSA, you must complete a Social Security card application and submit it to the SSA along with certified proof of your name change.

To learn more about how to update your vehicle registration after you legally change your name, review the information below.

Changing Name on Car Registration in Ohio

When changing your name on car registration materials, you must visit your local Deputy Registrar’s office to submit your request in person. You will need to bring proof of your name change, such as a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you wish to purchase a replacement registration card that displays your new legal name, you must also pay a fee.

If you do not have proof of your name change, you must obtain a certified copy of your name change document before updating the information on your vehicle registration.

Your Ohio Name Change Checklist

Before processing your DMV name change, the Deputy Registrar’s office will also verify your name with the SSA. As such, you must change your name with the SSA and obtain a corrected Social Security card before updating the information on your BMV records.

When changing the name on your registration records, you may also choose to update the information on your vehicle’s certificate of title. After your name changes, however, the state does not require you to correct the name on your title certificate unless you wish to do so.

Get instructions on updating your name on your registration by downloading our free guide.