Amending a credential

Explanation

A legal (principal) address change must be reported to the BMV, with an amended credential applied for within 30 days of the change. A mailing address, specifically, can be changed online at myBMV.com, at a BMV Connect kiosk, or at a branch — a faster path than a full principal-address amendment.

A name change works differently: first, officially change the name with the Social Security Administration, wait at least one business day after that transaction completes, then visit a BMV branch within 30 days of the name change to amend the credential. If you also need to replace your Social Security card and your current Indiana credential isn’t expired, that replacement can be done online for free.

Example

A driver who legally changes her last name visits the Social Security Administration first, waits a business day, then goes to a BMV branch within 30 days to update her driver’s license.

Common mistake

Going straight to the BMV to change a name before visiting the Social Security Administration. The manual requires the SSA update and a one-business-day wait first.

What the manual says

You must visit a Social Security Administration office to officially change your name on Social Security documentation and allow at least one business day after your name change transaction is completed before visiting a BMV branch to amend your credential.

If you have an Indiana credential, you must notify the BMV of a change of your principal (legal) address and apply for an amended credential within 30 days of the address change.