You need a court order, a completed process, and proof of your new name

To change your name on your Texas driver's license, you must first obtain a court order from a district court in Texas. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not process a name change without this document. Once you have the order, you submit it along with a new process and identification to a DPS office.

The process takes longer than a routine renewal because the court step comes first. You cannot skip the court order or use a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other document alone — DPS requires the formal court order regardless of why your name is changing.

Key Takeaways

  • A district court order is the only document DPS will accept to authorize a name change on your license.
  • You must file for the court order yourself through the district court in the county where you live; DPS cannot do this for you.
  • After you receive the court order, you have one year to submit it to DPS along with your new process and ID.
  • The court filing fee varies by county but typically ranges from $50 to $300; DPS charges an additional fee for the license itself.
  • You can submit your name change process by mail or in person at any DPS office, but you must appear in person for your photo and signature.

Getting a court order through district court

Contact the district court in the county where you live and ask for the procedure to file a petition for name change. Each county court handles this slightly differently, so calling ahead saves time. You will need to file a petition, pay a filing fee, and in most cases attend a brief hearing where a judge approves the change.

Some counties allow you to file the petition online or by mail; others require you to appear in person. A few counties have simplified forms available on their website. The hearing is usually brief and uncontested — the judge reviews your petition and signs the order if there is no legal reason to deny it.

After the judge signs the order, ask the court clerk for certified copies of the order. Request at least two or three copies. You will need one for DPS and may want extras for banks, employers, or other agencies. The clerk will charge a small fee per copy, usually $1 to $5 each.

Completing the DPS process

Once you have your court order, obtain Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or any DPS office. Fill out the form with your new name exactly as it appears on the court order. Do not abbreviate or alter the spelling.

You will also need to provide proof of identity and proof of your new name. Bring your current Texas driver's license, the certified court order, and one additional form of ID (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card). If you are changing your name due to marriage, you may also bring a certified marriage certificate, though the court order is what DPS requires.

Mail the completed process, court order, and copies of your ID to the address listed on the DPS website, or take them in person to a DPS office. If you mail your process, DPS will contact you to schedule an appointment for your photo and signature. You cannot complete a name change entirely by mail — you must appear in person at a DPS office for the photo and to sign the new license.

Timeline and fees

The court order process typically takes two to six weeks, depending on how quickly your county court schedules hearings. After you submit your process to DPS, processing usually takes one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks if you mail it in.

Court filing fees vary by county. Most range from $50 to $300. DPS charges a separate fee for the new license — the amount depends on whether you are renewing or replacing your current license and how long you want the new license to be valid. Check the DPS website or call your local DPS office for the exact fee in your situation.

What happens if you miss the one-year important date

You have one year from the date the court order is signed to submit it to DPS. If you wait longer than one year, DPS may reject the process and require you to obtain a new court order. This means going back to district court, paying another filing fee, and waiting for another hearing.

To avoid this, submit your process to DPS as soon as you receive your certified court order. If you know you will not be ready when ready, ask the court clerk to give you the order date in writing so you can track the important date.

Changing your name for marriage or divorce

A marriage certificate or divorce decree alone is not enough for DPS — you still need a court order. However, some counties will issue a court order for a name change due to marriage or divorce more quickly than for other reasons, sometimes on the same day you file.

If you are changing your name due to marriage, you can file the petition in the district court where you live. The process is the same as any other name change petition. If you are changing your name due to divorce, the divorce decree itself may include a name change order, but check with the court that handled your divorce to confirm whether you need a separate petition or whether the decree is sufficient.

Replacing a lost or damaged license after a name change

If your new license is lost, stolen, or damaged before the expiration date, you can replace it by submitting Form DL-43 again along with your court order and ID. You do not need a new court order. DPS will issue a replacement license with your new name at the replacement fee, which is lower than the cost of a new license.

If you lose your court order before you submit it to DPS, contact the district court clerk and request a duplicate certified copy. The clerk can usually provide this within a few days for a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license without going to court?

No. DPS requires a court order for all name changes, regardless of the reason. Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and other documents are not accepted as substitutes. You must file a petition with your district court first.

Do I have to change my name in person at a DPS office?

You can mail your process and court order to DPS, but you must appear in person at a DPS office for your photo and signature. DPS will contact you to schedule this appointment after they receive your mailed process.

What if the court order has a typo or spells my name differently than I want?

Contact the district court clerk when ready and ask them to issue a corrected order. Do not submit an order with errors to DPS — the name on your license must match the court order exactly. The court can usually issue a corrected order quickly at no additional cost.

How long does the entire process take from start to finish?

Plan for four to ten weeks total. The court order typically takes two to six weeks, and DPS processing takes one to four weeks depending on whether you explore in person or by mail. Exact timing depends on your county court's schedule and DPS workload.

Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one with my new name?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until it expires. Once you receive your new license with your new name, the old one is no longer valid and should be destroyed.