About Changing Your Name on Your Vermont Registration

You must change your name on your car registration in Vermont whenever your legal name changes and no longer matches the information on your original driver’s license and registration records. For instance, you must change your car registration and driver’s license information if your name changes due to marriage, divorce, adoption, court order or any other major life event.

By law, you must update your driver’s license and vehicle registration records within 30 days of changing your name. Before correcting the information on your Vermont driver’s license and registration credentials, however, you must change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Read on to learn more about these requirements and the steps you must take to update your driver’s license and registration credentials.

Your Vermont Name Change Checklist

Before changing the name on car registration credentials, you must first update your legal name with the SSA.

When you change your name with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the department will verify your name and date of birth with the SSA before updating your driver and vehicle registration records.

To change your name with the SSA, complete the following steps:

1. Complete an Application for a Social Security Card
2. Mail or bring the completed application and proof of the name change to your local Social Security office
3. Receive your replacement Social Security card

Want helpful tips on performing this step? Download our free guide.

Performing a Vermont DMV Name Change

After notifying the SSA of your new name, you can begin the steps to change your name on your car registration in VT.

The first step is to visit your local DMV office to submit your request in person. Once you arrive, present the following:

• Proof of the name change
• Two completed applications for the name change and replacement documents
  • If you need to change the name on your car registration records but not your driver’s license, you do not need to submit a second application form.
• Payment for the required fee

Note: When performing a Vermont name change on your car registration and driver’s license credentials, the DMV will also require you to present certified copies of your documents. If you need to obtain certified copies of these documents prior to submitting your request, you can contact the Vermont Department of Health.

For more information about these requirements, download our free guide.