Completing a name change sometimes takes some time. However, if you have already submitted your application and paid any required fees, you may wonder when you should expect the change to appear. Below is some information to help you understand the name change process and figure out what you should do if you are experiencing delays.
When is a name change required?
An application for a name change is required any time you are adding or removing someone from the operating authority record. You will also need to complete this process if you are reporting a change in the company’s official name without making a change to the company’s ownership.
How long does it take?
In most cases, the entire evaluation process and the update of the official record will be completed approximately 14 business days after all of the required information has been receiving by the Department of Transportation. When delays occur, they are often related to a lack of information or documentation required to process the application. However, keep in mind that paying with a check may delay the processing of your application by as much as eight weeks.
What are the requirements?
If you are preparing to submit an application for a name change, or if you are experiencing an unexpected processing delay, reviewing the name change requirements is recommended. In order to report a name change, you must complete form MCSA-5889. Make sure that the form includes your current company name, new company name, your current address, the contact phone number, and your contact e-mail address. It’s also important to make sure that your DOT/MC numbers are included on every page of the form.
Depending on the specifics of your name change request, you may also be required to submit supporting documentation. The documentation required may include your articles of incorporation, a notarized letter, marriage certificates, death certificates and/or divorce decrees. If you aren’t sure exactly which documents are required, contact the Department of Transportation.
Expediting the approval process
If you want your application to be approved as quickly as possible, the best option is to use the webform or fax to submit your completed MCSA-5889. All supporting documentation must be submitted separately when you use either of these methods. If you choose to use the webform to submit your application, you will receive an email containing a tracking number that you can use to follow your application as it is processed.
Dealing with delays
If you believe you have submitted your application and all of the supporting documentation, and you have waited the appropriate amount of time, you may need to contact the Department of Transportation to find out why the name change has not occurred. If you find that some documentation is missing, you’ll want to submit it as soon as possible.
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