About Change Your Name on Your Maryland Registration

You must change the name on your car registration in Maryland whenever your legal name changes and no longer matches the information on your original vehicle registration records.

Common reasons for changing your name often include marriage, court order and divorce. 

When you change your car registration information with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), the department will simultaneously update your driver records as well. 

Before notifying the MVA of your new name, however, you must first update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and obtain a replacement Social Security card. 

To learn more about these requirements and the steps you must take to change your name with the SSA and Maryland MVA, review the information below. 

Your Maryland Name Change Checklist

To update your Social Security card, you must fill out an application for a new Social Security card. After completing it, you must submit it to your local Social Security office.

Along with the application, you must also include certified proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree. 

After changing your name with the SSA, you can begin changing your name on car registration and driver’s license documents. 

For helpful tips on completing this step, download our free guide. 

Performing a Name Change on Car Registration in Maryland

To change the name on your car registration in MD, titling and driver’s license records, visit your local MVA office to submit your request in person. 

During your office visit, submit the following:

• A completed DMV name change application
• Certified proof of the name change
• Payment for the required fee, if purchasing a replacement registration card and/or driver’s license

When changing the name on your vehicle’s certificate of title, you must also surrender the existing title record to the MVA. 

If you only wish to change the name on your driver’s license and registration documents, however, you do not need to surrender the vehicle’s current title record as part of the application process.  

Note: If you need to obtain certified copies of your name change document prior to submitting your request, contact the Maryland Department of Health to place your order. 

Still have questions about these Maryland name change application requirements? Download our free guide for answers.