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Updating Your Car Registration and Title After a Legal Name Change

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

What you need to do after your name changes legally

Once your name change is final through the court, you must update your vehicle registration and title with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). The state will not automatically know about your name change — you have to tell them. Until you do, your registration and title will still show your old name, which can create problems if you're pulled over, sell the vehicle, or need to renew your registration.

The process is straightforward: you submit your court order showing the name change, along with your current registration and a completed form, to SCDMV. They issue you a new title and registration in your new name. This typically takes two to four weeks by mail, though you can request expedited service for an additional fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit your final court order for the name change to SCDMV in person or by mail to update your title and registration.
  • Bring or send your current vehicle registration, the court order, and a completed Application for Certificate of Title form (Form 4010).
  • SCDMV will issue a new title and registration showing your new name, which takes two to four weeks through standard mail service.
  • You can request expedited processing at an SCDMV office for faster service, though this costs extra.
  • Do not drive with a registration that does not match your legal name for longer than necessary — update it before your next traffic stop or vehicle transaction.

Documents you need to bring or send

Gather these items before you contact SCDMV or visit an office. You will need the original or a certified copy of your final court order showing the name change. This is the document the court issued when it approved your petition — not a petition itself, but the order that came after. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the family court clerk in the county where your case was heard.

You also need your current vehicle registration and your driver's license or state ID showing your new name. If your license has not been updated yet, update that first — SCDMV will want to see that your identity documents match. Bring or send the completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form 4010), which you can download from the SCDMV website or pick up at any SCDMV office. You do not need to notarize this form.

If someone else owns the vehicle with you (a co-owner), both owners must sign the application form. If the vehicle is financed, you do not need the lender's permission to change the title into your new name, but the lender's name will remain on the title as a lienholder.

How to submit your documents to SCDMV

You have two options: visit an SCDMV office in person or mail your documents. If you go in person, bring all documents listed above, plus your current registration card. You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, though wait times vary. The staff will review your documents on the spot, collect the fee (usually $10 to $15 for a title change, depending on the office), and give you a receipt. You can request expedited service at the counter, which costs extra and takes about one week instead of two to four.

If you mail your documents, send them to the SCDMV office that issued your current registration. You can find the correct address on your registration card or on the SCDMV website. Include a check or money order for the title change fee, made out to "SCDMV". Mail everything certified with return receipt so you have proof it arrived. Processing by mail takes longer — typically three to four weeks — because SCDMV processes mailed requests in batches.

Do not send your original court order unless you are mailing from out of state or SCDMV specifically asks for it. A certified copy is safer because you may need the original for other purposes (updating your name with your bank, employer, or insurance company). Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

What happens after you submit your request

SCDMV will process your request and mail you a new title and registration in your new name. If you submitted in person and requested expedited service, you may be able to pick up your new registration at the office within a week. Otherwise, expect the new documents to arrive by mail in two to four weeks.

Your old registration and title become invalid once the new ones are issued. You do not need to return them to SCDMV — simply destroy them or keep them for your records. If you are pulled over before your new registration arrives, show the officer your receipt from SCDMV and explain that you have submitted a name change. Most officers will accept this, but to avoid any confusion, try to complete this update before your registration expires.

If your registration is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time you change your name. Submit your renewal application along with the name-change documents. This costs extra but saves you a trip and ensures your new registration is current when it arrives.

Updating your insurance and loan documents

Contact your auto insurance company and tell them about your legal name change. They will update your policy to match your new name. This usually takes a few days and does not require a new policy — it is just a name update on your existing one. Ask them to send you an updated insurance card showing your new name.

If you have a loan on the vehicle, contact your lender and provide them with a copy of your court order. The lender will update their records. You do not need to refinance or sign new loan documents — the lender simply updates the account in their system. The lender's name will remain on the vehicle title as a lienholder, even after your name changes.

If you sell or trade in the vehicle

Make sure your title has been updated to your new name before you sell or trade in the vehicle. The buyer or dealer will need a title that matches the seller's legal name. If you sell before updating your title, you will have to sign the back of the old title (which shows your old name) and then explain the name change to the buyer. This creates unnecessary complications and may make the buyer hesitant. Update your title first, then sell.

When you sign over the title to the new owner, sign it in your new name. The new owner will then take the signed title to SCDMV to register the vehicle in their name. If the title still shows your old name, the new owner may face delays or questions from SCDMV about whether you are the same person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with my old registration while I wait for the new one?

Technically, your old registration is still valid until it expires, but it shows a name that does not match your current legal identity. If you are pulled over, you will need to explain the name change. To avoid this hassle, update your registration as soon as possible. Keep your SCDMV receipt as proof that you have submitted the change.

What if I lost my court order or do not have a certified copy?

Contact the family court clerk in the county where your name change was finalized. You can request a certified copy by mail or in person. There is usually a small fee (typically $5 to $10). The clerk can tell you how long it takes — usually one to two weeks. You cannot update your vehicle registration without this document.

Do I need to update my vehicle title if I only changed my first or middle name?

Yes. Any change to the name on your legal documents requires a title update. This includes changing your first name, middle name, last name, or any combination. Submit your court order and the same documents listed above.

What if my vehicle is registered to both me and another person?

Both owners must sign the application form. If the other owner cannot go with you, they can sign the form in advance and you can submit it with their signature. If only your name is changing (not theirs), only you need to sign the form, but SCDMV will reissue the title with both names — yours in the new form and theirs unchanged.

How much does it cost to update my title and registration?

The fee varies by SCDMV office but is typically $10 to $15 for a title change. Expedited service costs extra — usually an additional $10 to $20 depending on the office. Call your local SCDMV office or check their website for the exact fee in your area.