Book your name change appointment through the Texas DPS website or by phone

To change the name on your Texas driver's license, you must schedule an appointment with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You cannot walk in without an appointment at most locations. The fastest way to book is through the Texas DPS online appointment system at the official DPS website — you select your nearest office, pick an available date and time, and receive a confirmation number by email.

If you cannot book online or prefer to speak with someone, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556. Have your current driver's license number ready when you call. Wait times on the phone can be long, especially on weekdays, so booking online usually saves time.

Some DPS offices fill up weeks in advance, particularly in large cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. If no appointments show available in your area, check back the next day — offices release new appointment slots regularly. You can also look for appointments at a less busy location if you are willing to travel.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your appointment through the Texas DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6556; walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.
  • Bring your current driver's license, a certified copy of your name change document (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree), and proof of residency to your appointment.
  • Appointment slots fill quickly in urban areas, so book as soon as you know your name change date or when your legal document is ready.
  • The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What documents you need before booking

Before you schedule an appointment, gather the documents that prove your name change is legal. The DPS requires a certified copy of your name change document. This is one of the following: a court order from a name change petition, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption decree. A photocopy or uncertified version will not work — the document must have the court seal or official certification stamp.

You also need your current Texas driver's license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and your license still shows an old address, bring both your old proof of address and your new one.

If you are changing your name through marriage and do not yet have a certified marriage certificate, contact the county clerk's office where you were married. They can issue a certified copy, usually within a few days. Do not book your appointment until you have this document in hand.

How to find and select your appointment slot

On the Texas DPS website, enter your zip code or city name to see which DPS offices serve your area. The system shows you all nearby locations and their current availability. Select the office you prefer — if it has no open slots, the system will tell you. You can then check other nearby offices or set a reminder to check back later that day or the next morning.

Choose a date and time that gives you enough time to gather your documents. If you are waiting for a certified name change document to arrive by mail, book your appointment for at least one week after you expect to receive it. This prevents you from missing your appointment or having to reschedule.

After you select your time slot, the system asks for your contact information and current driver's license number. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number, location address, and a list of what to bring. Save this email or write down your confirmation number — you will need it when you arrive.

What happens at your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. A DPS employee will review your name change document, current license, and proof of address. They will ask you to sign a new process form and may take a new photo if your current license photo is very old or does not meet current standards.

The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The DPS employee will process your name change on the spot and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask about rush processing options when you arrive, though these may carry an additional fee.

After your appointment, do not throw away your temporary license. Use it as your valid license until your new one arrives. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment date or time, log back into the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number and reschedule. You can also call 1-888-589-6556 to cancel or reschedule by phone. Cancel as soon as you know you cannot make it so that the slot opens up for someone else.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to book a new one. Some DPS offices may require you to wait a certain number of days before rebooking, so it is better to cancel in advance if your plans change.

Fees and payment

A standard Texas driver's license name change costs $16. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at your appointment — credit cards are not accepted at all DPS offices, so bring cash or a debit card to be safe. If you request a rush license or a replacement license at the same time, additional fees explore.

If you are also renewing your license during the same appointment (because your current license is expiring soon), you will pay both the name change fee and the renewal fee. Ask the DPS employee at your appointment whether combining these services makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license without a court order?

No. The DPS requires a certified legal document proving your name change. This can be a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree — but it must be certified and have an official seal. A notarized letter or personal statement is not enough.

What if the DPS office near me has no appointments for weeks?

Check offices in nearby cities or counties — you do not have to use the office closest to your home. You can also check back daily, as offices release new slots regularly. Some people find appointments available if they check early in the morning or late in the evening.

Do I need to bring the original name change document or a copy?

Bring the certified copy. The DPS will keep a copy in your file. You should keep your original document in a safe place at home. If you only have one certified copy, ask the county clerk to issue you a second one before your appointment.

What if I miss my appointment?

You will need to book a new appointment through the DPS website or by phone. Some offices require a waiting period before you can reschedule, so it is better to cancel in advance if you know you cannot attend.

How long does the new license take to arrive?

Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Use your temporary paper license until it arrives. If it does not show up within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your order.