Name change on a Certificate of Title - Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Getting a title and license plates

Applying for title and registration

How long will it take to get my title and license plates

Low-speed vehicles (LSV)

Mobile homes recreational trailers and other trailers

Municipal or county vehicle registration fee (wheel tax)

Name change on a title

New residents

Removing the lien from a title

Replacement titles

Statement of intent

Title for a vehicle purchased from a dealer

Transfer a vehicle to a surviving spouse

Transfer a vehicle to an heir

Name change

Driver license or identification (ID) card

If you change your name and hold a Wisconsin ID card or Wisconsin driver license, you will need to visit a DMV service center (DMV customer service centers accept cash or checks only. Credit cards are accepted for online and phone transactions) to get a duplicate license or ID card. Before coming to a Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) service center, you will need to change your name on your social security card. You will need to surrender your current Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin ID card when requesting a name change.

You will need to provide DMV with proof of identity and proof of name change. You may also need to provide proof of name and date of birth, proof of residency and proof of legal presence.

A duplicate driver license will be issued to you for $14. A duplicate ID card costs $16.

Commercial driver license (CDL)

If you hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL), you will need to visit a DMV service center to have your name changed. You will need to surrender your current Wisconsin Commercial Driver License (CDL) when requesting a name change. DMV customer service centers accept cash or checks only. Credit cards are accepted for online and phone transactions.

A replacement driver license will be issued to you. The fee is $14.

Certificate of title

Changing your name on your Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin ID card, changes your name with DMV. It is not mandatory that you obtain title or registration documents with your new name. When DMV issues a subsequent title or registration to you, it will reflect the new name. You will need to mail in or bring in your current title when requesting a name change.

After changing your name on your Wisconsin driver license or ID card, you may, however, request a title or registration document with the new name. The fee is $5 per vehicle at the DMV service center, or no charge by mail, if only the customer name has changed.

Questions? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service

Related links:

License plates (title - registration service providers)

Special and personalized license plates

Social Security online verification (SSOLV)