How to Update Your Driver Information: Name, Address, and More
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Changing your personal information at a DMV is one of the quickest and easiest ways to update your driving records. Given you have personal documents ready and a bit of free time, you shouldn’t run into any snags when updating your name or changing your address.
Below, you’ll learn the steps, requirements, and fees for doing both these actions.
How to Update Your Name with the DMV
You should update your name with the Social Security Administration (find a local SSA office) before changing it at the DMV. Changing your name at the SSA will reflect on many other important documents, making the ordeal easy to deal with.
You will:
- File an Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5)
- Show proof of:
- Name change
- S. presence
- Identification
- Send or deliver the documents
The identification documents must be originals or certified copies. Bring these documents and form to your local Social Security office. Or, mail them.
You should receive your new social security card in about 2 weeks. With this in hand, you should visit your local DMV or third-party office within as soon as you can to update your information.
To change your name at a DMV office you will generally provide and do the following:
- Provide proof of identification
- Driver’s license
- ID card
- Passport
- W-2
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of U.S. legal presence
- Show proof of name change*:
- Marriage cert or license
- Divorce Decree
- Court order
- Citizenship/naturalization cert
- Confirm and sign the documents
- Pay any applicable fees
*These items must be the originals or certified copies
The DMV will confirm your name change by contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you chose to do so. Else, they’ll process your information and send your new information.
How to Update Your Address with the DMV
You should update our address on file with the DMV when it changes. This makes things easier if you ever need to verify your driver and vehicle-related information.
Many states offer a few different ways to update your address with the DMV:
- Online
- In-Person
- By Mail
- Phone
- Fax
- Kiosk
Updating your address does not reflect on your driver’s license, title, and registration. You’ll need to complete this update by replacing your license with the DMV. This process can be done while you’re at the DMV if you choose to update your address in person.
In Person, By Mail, and Fax
- Find a DMV office in your state
- File your state’s address change form
- Pay any applicable fees
Some documents include the mailing address. Include your documents and payment when sending it to the address on the file. You can typically fax documents this way if they list a number, too.
Online
- Visit your state’s online portal
- Sign up or select your option
- Follow the on-screen prompts
- Pay any applicable fees
Kiosks and By Phone
If you prefer to avoid the DMV:
- Check if your state DMV offers phone-in updates
- Visit a kiosk if your state offers them
Don’t Forget: Update Your Auto Insurance
You’ll want to update your auto insurance as soon as you can. The mismatched information may cause problems if you were to be pulled over. Or, needed to file an insurance claim due to accidents.
Visit your insurance provider’s website to update your policy’s information.