About Changing Your Name on Your Rhode Island Registration

Before you can change name on car registration in Rhode Island, you must update the information on your Social Security card and state-issued identification card. To begin this process, you must contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to complete an application and submit it to the department.

Next, you must perform a DMV name change to update the information on your Rhode Island driver’s license or identification card. Only after completing these first steps can you update your vehicle registration to reflect your new name. 

To learn more about the steps you must take to update your name on your driver and vehicle registration credentials, review the sections below. 

Your Rhode Island Name Change Checklist

Before changing name on car registration credentials, you must update the information on your Rhode Island driver’s license or ID card. To do so, you must visit an AAA branch or local DMV office to submit proof of your name change. 

Download our free guide for information on how to perform this task. 

There are additional items you may need to bring, including your current Rhode Island driver’s license or identification card and a completed application. Once you submit them to a DMV representative, you must pay the applicable fee. Without your updated driver’s license, you will not be able to correct the name on your Rhode Island registration credentials. 

Next, you must change car registration information at your local DMV office. The first step is submitting some of the following documents to a DMV agent:

• The vehicle’s current certificate of title 
• A completed application 
• Proof of automobile insurance

When to Change Name on Car Registration in Rhode Island

There are many reasons to perform a name change on car registration credentials, but the most common ones  include marriage, divorce, court order and adoption. However, you must change your name with the SSA and Rhode Island DMV whenever your legal name changes. 

You must provide the Rhode Island DMV with certified proof of your new name when updating your state-issued driver’s license. Depending on the situation, this may include a marriage certificate, court order for name change or divorce decree. 

To obtain certified copies of these records at any time, you must the Rhode Island Department of Health. 

Want more tips on how to change the name on your registration quicker and easier? Download our free guide.