What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Texas License
To change the name on your Texas driver license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Texas does not allow name changes by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a new license with your updated name on the same day or within a few business days, depending on the office's processing speed.
You cannot straightforward request a name change because you prefer a different spelling or want to use a nickname. Texas requires legal documentation showing your name has officially changed — either through a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other government-issued document that proves the change is permanent and official.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a DPS driver license office with your current license and proof of your legal name change.
- Acceptable proof includes a court order, certified marriage certificate, certified divorce decree, or certified name change document from another state.
- You will pay a fee for the new license, which varies depending on how much time remains on your current license.
- Bring your Social Security card or other documents showing your Social Security number, as DPS will verify your identity against federal records.
- Your new license will be issued the same day or within a few business days; you can request a temporary paper license if you need to drive when ready.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Bring your current Texas driver license and the original or certified copy of the document that proves your name change. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate — a photocopy or uncertified copy will not be accepted. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your certified divorce decree showing your new name. If you obtained a court order for a name change, bring the certified order from the court.
You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement. DPS will use this to verify your identity against federal records before issuing your new license. Bring your current license as well — this is your primary form of identification at the office.
If your name change document was issued in another state or country, bring the certified copy along with a certified English translation if the document is in another language. Texas will not accept uncertified translations.
Fees and Processing Time
The fee for a name change on your license depends on how long your current license is valid. If your license expires within the next two years, you will pay a reduced fee (typically $16 to $20, though this varies). If your license has more than two years remaining, you will pay the full renewal fee (typically $33 to $40). Fees change periodically, so confirm the exact amount when you call or visit the office.
Processing time varies by location. Most DPS offices issue your new license the same day you explore. Some offices may take one to three business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the office staff for a temporary paper license — this allows you to drive legally while your permanent card is being printed.
Step-by-Step Process at the DPS Office
- Arrive at your local DPS driver license office during business hours. Check the DPS website for office locations and hours in your area.
- Take a number or sign in at the front desk. Tell the staff member you are changing your name on your license.
- When called, bring your documents to the counter: current license, certified name change document, and proof of your Social Security number.
- The staff member will review your documents and verify your identity against federal records using your Social Security number.
- You will be asked to confirm your address and other information on your license. Correct any errors at this time.
- You will have your photo taken for the new license (unless your current photo is less than five years old and you choose to keep it).
- Pay the fee. The office will accept cash, check, or card, depending on the location.
- You will receive your new license the same day or be told when to return to pick it up. Ask for a temporary paper license if you need to drive before your permanent card arrives.
Name Changes Through Marriage or Divorce
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate. The certificate must show both your former name and your new married name. A photocopy will not work — DPS requires the certified copy issued by the county clerk or vital records office where you were married. If you do not have the certified copy, contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married and request one. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25.
If you changed your name through divorce, bring your certified divorce decree. The decree must clearly show your new name after the divorce. If your divorce was finalized in another state, bring the certified copy from that state's court. Texas will accept out-of-state divorce decrees as long as they are certified and show your name change.
If you were married or divorced outside the United States, bring the certified document along with a certified English translation. DPS will not accept uncertified translations or documents in other languages.
Name Changes Through Court Order
If you obtained a legal name change through a court order (not through marriage or divorce), bring the certified order from the district court that issued it. This order must be from a Texas court or, if from another state, must be certified by that state's court system. The order should clearly state your former name and your new legal name.
If you lost your certified copy of the court order, contact the district court clerk's office in the county where the order was issued. They can provide a certified copy, usually within one to two weeks. There is typically a small fee for this service.
What Happens If Your Documents Are Not Certified
DPS will not accept photocopies, uncertified copies, or documents that do not clearly show your name change. If you bring an uncertified document, the staff member will tell you to return with a certified copy. This means a second trip to the DPS office, which delays your new license.
To get a certified copy, contact the office that issued the original document: the county clerk (for marriage or divorce), the district court (for court orders), or the vital records office (for name change documents from another state). Request a "certified copy" or "certified true copy" — this is different from a regular photocopy. Certified copies usually cost $10 to $25 and take one to two weeks to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
No. DPS requires a certified copy issued by the county clerk or vital records office. If you do not have one, contact the county clerk in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25. You cannot proceed with your license change until you have the certified document.
Do I have to get a new photo when I change my name?
Not necessarily. If your current photo is less than five years old and you are satisfied with it, you can keep it. If your photo is older than five years or you want a new one, DPS will take a new photo at no extra charge. You can request a new photo even if your current one is recent.
What if I changed my name in another state and now live in Texas?
Bring your certified name change document from the other state along with a certified English translation if it is in another language. DPS will accept out-of-state documents as long as they are certified and clearly show your name change. You will still need to appear in person at a Texas DPS office with your current license and proof of your Social Security number.
Can I change my name on my license by mail?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS driver license office. You cannot change your name by mail, online, or through any other method. You must bring your documents and current license to the office yourself.
How long does it take to get my new license after I explore?
Most DPS offices issue your new license the same day you explore. Some offices may take one to three business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license, which is valid for driving when ready.