How to Change Your Name on Your Texas Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Texas License

To change your name on your Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) 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 itself is straightforward — you bring the right documents, complete a form, and pay a fee — but the documents you need depend on why your name changed. Marriage, divorce, court order, and name-change-by-petition each require different proof.

You do not need to wait for a new license to arrive before using your old one. Your name change takes effect when ready in the DPS system once you complete the transaction, even though the physical card with your new name takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change; no online or mail options exist.
Marriage requires a certified marriage certificate; divorce requires a certified divorce decree; court-ordered name changes require the court order itself.
The fee is $16 for a standard replacement license, or $32 if you also need a Real ID-compliant license.
Your name change is active in the system when ready, but your new physical license arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, because DPS will verify it against federal records.

Documents You Need for Each Type of Name Change

The documents required depend on the reason your name changed. If you married, bring your certified marriage certificate — a copy issued by the county clerk where you were married, not a photocopy of your own. If you divorced, bring your certified divorce decree — the official court document, not a copy you made yourself. If a court ordered your name change, bring the court order itself, certified by the court that issued it.

For all name changes, you also need your current Texas driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or another document that shows your number — a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement all work. DPS will verify your number against federal records before processing your change.

If your certified document is from outside Texas, bring the original. DPS staff will examine it and return it to you; they do not keep it on file.

Where to Go and What to Bring

Visit any Texas DPS Driver License office. You can find the nearest one at dps.texas.gov using their office locator, or call 1-800-252-8371 to confirm hours. Some offices are busier than others; smaller county offices often have shorter waits than urban locations.

Bring these items in person:

Your current Texas driver's license
Your certified proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
Your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number
Cash or a debit card for the fee (some offices accept checks, but call ahead to confirm)

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check the DPS website for your specific office to see if you can reserve a time slot.

The Fee and Timeline for Your New License

A standard replacement license costs $16. If you want your new license to be Real ID-compliant (the kind required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025), the fee is $32. You pay at the time you submit your documents.

Your new license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks. In the meantime, your name change is already active in the DPS system — you can use your old license with confidence, and any police officer or government agency that checks your record will see your new name. You do not have to carry both licenses or explain the difference.

Real ID and Your Name Change

If your current license is already Real ID-compliant, your replacement will be too, at no extra cost. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want to upgrade to one, you can do so at the same time you change your name by paying the $32 fee instead of $16. You will need to bring the same documents either way.

Real ID compliance means your license has a gold star or circle in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting in 2025, you will need a Real ID license (or a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you are unsure whether your current license is Real ID-compliant, the DPS staff can tell you when you arrive.

What Happens If Your Certified Document Is Lost or Damaged

If you no longer have your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can request a replacement from the issuing authority. For a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the district court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. For a court-ordered name change, contact the court that issued the order.

These offices can usually mail you a certified copy within one to two weeks, though fees vary by county. Once you have the certified document, you can visit DPS and complete your license name change.

Changing Your Name After a Legal Name-Change Petition

If you filed a petition for a name change through the courts (not through marriage or divorce), you must have a court order from the district court. This is different from a marriage certificate or divorce decree — it is a separate legal document issued only after a judge approves your petition. Bring this order to DPS along with your current license and Social Security proof.

The process at DPS is identical to any other name change. The only difference is the type of document you bring as proof.

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 the certified original or a certified copy issued by the county clerk. A photocopy you made yourself will not work. Contact the county clerk where you were married to request a certified copy; they can mail it to you, usually within one to two weeks.

Do I have to change my name on my license right away, or can I wait?

You can wait as long as you want. There is no important date. However, having a license that matches your legal name makes everyday transactions easier — banks, employers, and government offices all expect your ID to match your current legal name.

What if my divorce was finalized in another state?

Bring your certified divorce decree from that state. DPS will accept it as long as it is certified by the court that issued it. You do not need to re-file or re-certify it in Texas.

Will my driver's license number change when I change my name?

No. Your license number stays the same. Only your name and the physical card change.

Can someone else go to DPS and change my name on my license for me?

No. You must appear in person. DPS staff will ask for your signature and will verify your identity before processing any changes.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.