Name Change in South Carolina

This page explains how to update your name with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and apply for updated documents.

Change Your Name with the SSA

Before you change your name with the SC DMV, you should update your information with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first. In some states, the DMV will verify your new name with the SSA first, so if your new name isn't on file with the SSA, your name change application may be delayed or denied.

To update your Social Security card, you'll need:

• A completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
• Proof of your identity, such as your:
  • SC driver's license.
  • ID card.
  • Passport.
• Proof of your name change, such as your:
  • Court order.
  • Marriage certificate.
  • Divorce decree.
• Proof of your lawful U.S. presence, such as your:
  • U.S. birth certificate.
  • U.S. passport.
  • Work permit and I-94.

NOTE: A list of required documents for a corrected Social Security card can be found on the SSA website.

Submit the above documents either by mail or in person to your local SSA office. They will process your request and send you an updated Social Security card within about 14 business days.

NOTE: You do not have to wait to receive your updated Social Security card to update your DMV records.

SC Driver's License/ID Card Name Change

Once you've changed your name, you must inform the South Carolina DMV within 10 days. You will need to visit your local SC DMV office in person and submit:

• A completed Application for Name and/or Address Change, Date of Birth and/or Social Security Correction, or Special Mailing (Form 4057).
• Proof of your name change, such as your:
  • Marriage certificate.
  • Divorce decree.
  • Court order.

If you'd like an updated driver's license or ID card showing your new name, you'll also need to submit:

• The appropriate application form:
  • Driver's license/permit/ID card: Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (Form 447-NC).
  • Commercial driver's license (CDL): Application for a Commercial Drivers License or Commercial Beginners Permit (Form 447-CDL).
• Payment for the appropriate fee.

If you want to apply for an updated card at a later date, you can do so by mailing the application form and payment to:

DMV Alternative Media
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016

Car Registration & Title Name Change

To change your name on your car registration and certificate of title, follow the instructions above to change your name on your SC DMV records.

Your registration information will automatically be updated.

To obtain an updated certificate of title showing your new name, you'll need to also submit:

• A completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration for Motor Vehicle or Manufactured Home/Mobile Home (Form 400).
• Your current certificate of title.
• Payment for the $15 fee.

You can submit your application and payment either in person to the SC DMV or by mail to: 

DMV Alternative Media
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016

Fees to Change Your Name in SC

The South Carolina DMV will charge you the following fees for updated documents showing your new name:

• Driver's license/CDL: $10.
• Driver's permit: $2.50.
• ID card: $15 (only charged if you are 5 to 16 years old).
• Certificate of title: $15.
• Vehicle registration (online): Free.

Accepted Payment Methods

South Carolina DMV offices accept payment by:

• Cash.
• Check.
• Credit/debit card.

For mailed-in applications, payment must be made by check.

Change Your South Carolina Address

Changing your address in South Carolina is much the same as changing your name on your DMV documents; however, you have additional options to update your information by mail or online.

For more information, see our Change of Address in South Carolina page.