You can change your name on your Texas driver's license by visiting a DPS office in person with proof of your legal name change

Texas requires you to appear in person at a Driver License Division office to update your name. You cannot do this by mail, online, or through a third party. The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but the specific papers you need depend on why your name changed — whether through marriage, divorce, court order, or another reason.

The entire transaction usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you arrive. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS Driver License Division office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change.
  • The documents you bring depend on how your name changed: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official record.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, because Texas verifies your identity against federal records.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
  • If your name change was through court order, bring the certified copy of the order itself, not just a letter from the court.

What documents you need to bring

Your required documents fall into two categories: proof of your current identity and proof of your legal name change.

For current identity: Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card. You will also need to show your Social Security card or a document that displays your Social Security number — a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement all work. Texas compares your information against federal records to prevent fraud, so this step is mandatory.

For your name change: The document you bring depends on the reason your name changed. If you married, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring your certified divorce decree. If a court ordered your name change, bring the certified copy of the court order itself — a letter from the court is not enough. If you changed your name through a different process, ask the DPS office which documents they accept before you go; some situations require additional paperwork.

All documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted. If your marriage certificate or divorce decree is from outside Texas, it must be certified by the issuing state or county.

Where to go and how to prepare

Find your nearest Driver License Division office on the Texas DPS website. Not every DPS office handles license renewals and changes — you need a location that offers "Driver License Services." The website shows hours and which services each office provides.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page before you go. If appointments are available, booking one can save you wait time, but walk-ins are usually accepted.

Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive during posted hours with time to spare — offices close at their listed time and will not accept new customers after that point, even if you are in line.

What happens at the office

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are changing your name on your license. They will ask you to verify your current address and confirm your new legal name. They will examine your documents to confirm the name change is official.

The clerk will take a new photo for your license unless you had a photo taken very recently. You will review the information on the screen to make sure everything is correct — this is your chance to catch errors before the license is printed. Once you confirm, the transaction is complete.

You will receive a receipt showing your new license number and the mailing address where it will be sent. Keep this receipt in case you need to track your license or contact DPS about it.

Timeline and what to expect while you wait

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary by location, so it may take a few days longer depending on where you live. DPS does not email or call when your license ships — you will straightforward receive it in the mail.

Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification. If you need your license number before it arrives, the receipt you received at the office shows your new number.

If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS Driver License Division by phone or through their website. Have your receipt and current license number ready when you call.

Name changes through marriage or divorce

If you married, your marriage certificate is your proof of name change. Texas recognizes marriage certificates from any U.S. state or U.S. territory. If you married outside the United States, bring the marriage certificate along with a certified English translation. Some offices may ask for additional documents in this situation, so call ahead if you married internationally.

If you divorced and took back a former name, your divorce decree shows your new legal name. The decree must clearly state the name you are returning to or the new name you are taking. If your divorce was finalized in another state, bring a certified copy from that state's court.

If you are changing your name as part of a divorce but have not yet received your final decree, you cannot update your license until the divorce is complete and you have the official order in hand.

Name changes through court order

If you obtained a court order to change your name — for any reason other than marriage or divorce — bring the certified copy of that order to the DPS office. The order must be from a Texas court or, if from another state, must be certified by that state's court system.

The order itself is the only document DPS needs. You do not need to bring letters from the court, petitions, or other paperwork. If the order is several years old, it is still valid as long as it is certified.

If you lost your copy of the court order, contact the court that issued it and request a certified copy. This usually costs a small fee and takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the court's processing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name by mail or online?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a Driver License Division office with your current license and proof of your name change. There is no mail-in or online option for name changes.

What if I do not have my original marriage certificate or divorce decree?

Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you married or divorced and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes 5 to 10 business days. You need the certified copy, not a photocopy, to update your license.

Do I need to renew my license at the same time I change my name?

No. Changing your name does not require a renewal. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your current one. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same visit, but it is not required.

What if my name change was through a different process, like a religious or cultural ceremony?

Texas does not recognize name changes that lack official legal documentation. You must have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. If you changed your name through another method, contact a DPS office to ask what documents they can accept, or consult with a lawyer about obtaining a court order.

Can someone else pick up my new license for me?

No. Your license is mailed directly to the address you provided at the DPS office. You cannot have it sent elsewhere or picked up by someone else. If you move before your license arrives, contact DPS with your new address so they can forward it.