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) 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'll receive a new license with your updated name on the same day or within a few business days, depending on the office's workload.
You cannot straightforward show up with a new name and expect it to appear on your license. DPS requires official documentation proving the name change is legal. What counts as proof depends on why your name changed — whether through marriage, divorce, court order, or another reason. Bringing the wrong documents will send you home without the change processed.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change; no online or mail options exist.
- Acceptable proof includes a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified birth certificate, depending on the reason for your name change.
- You will need to pay a replacement license fee, which varies but typically costs between $16 and $27 depending on the license type and expiration date.
- Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, as DPS will verify your identity against Social Security Administration records.
- Your new license will be issued the same day in most cases, though some offices may mail it within a few business days.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
The specific documents required depend on the reason for your name change. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your current driver's license, your certified marriage certificate (not a photocopy), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. If you're changing your name due to divorce, bring your current license, the certified divorce decree showing your new name, and proof of your Social Security number.
For a court-ordered name change, bring your current license, the certified court order from the district court that granted the name change, and your Social Security card or number. If you're updating your license to reflect a name change on your birth certificate (such as after a legal name change as a minor), bring your current license, the certified birth certificate with the new name, and your Social Security information.
All documents must be originals or certified copies. A certified copy means it bears an official seal or stamp from the issuing agency — typically the county clerk's office for marriage certificates and divorce decrees, or the vital records office for birth certificates. Photocopies, even notarized ones, are not accepted.
Where to Find a DPS Driver License Office and What to Expect
Texas has DPS driver license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some allow you to reserve a time slot online. Calling ahead to ask whether your office takes appointments or walk-ins can save you a trip.
Bring your documents, your current license, and proof of your Social Security number. The DPS staff will review your documents to confirm the name change is legal, take a new photo if your current one is more than five years old, and process your new license. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks in most cases, though some offices issue the permanent license the same day.
The Fee for a Replacement License
Changing your name on your license requires you to get a replacement license, which costs money. The fee depends on your license type and how long until your current license expires. A standard Class C driver's license replacement typically costs between $16 and $27. If your license expires soon, you may pay a higher fee because you're getting a new license with a longer validity period.
DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods is wise. The fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to proceed after arriving at the office.
What Happens If Your Name Change Was Through Marriage
If you married and took your spouse's last name, bring your certified marriage certificate. The certificate must show both your maiden name and your married name clearly. If you married in Texas, you can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. If you married outside Texas, contact the vital records office in that state.
Some people marry but do not when ready change their driver's license. You can change your name on your license at any time after marriage — there is no important date. However, if your marriage certificate is very old and your current license shows a different name, DPS may ask for additional proof of identity to confirm you are the same person.
What Happens If Your Name Change Was Through Divorce
If you divorced and your decree restored your maiden name or gave you a different name, bring the certified divorce decree. The decree must clearly show the name you had before the divorce and the name you are taking after the divorce. Request a certified copy from the district court clerk in the county where your divorce was finalized.
You do not have to change your name on your license when ready after divorce. You can do it at any time. However, if you wait several years, DPS may ask for additional identity documents to confirm you are the same person listed on your current license.
Updating Your Name With Other Agencies After Your License Changes
Changing your name on your driver's license is only the first step. You will also need to update your name with the Social Security Administration, your employer, your bank, your insurance company, and any other organization that has your information on file. The Social Security Administration requires you to explore in person at a local Social Security office with your new driver's license and your Social Security card.
Your car insurance company needs to know about your name change so that your policy matches your license. Contact your insurance agent or company directly — most can update your name over the phone or online. Failing to update your insurance could cause problems if you are in an accident and the name on your policy does not match your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license by mail or online?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS driver license office with your original documents. There is no mail-in or online option for name changes.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married or divorced and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25. Some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. You cannot proceed with your DPS appointment until you have the certified document.
Do I need to renew my license at the same time I change my name?
No. A name change and a renewal are separate transactions. If your license is not expiring soon, you only pay the replacement fee for the name change. If your license is expiring within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time to avoid two trips to the DPS office.
What if my name change was through a court order but not a divorce?
Bring your certified court order from the district court that granted the name change. The order must be signed by a judge and show your old name and your new name. You can obtain a certified copy from the district court clerk in the county where the order was issued.
Will my new license have a different number?
Your new license will have the same number as your current license, but with your updated name printed on it. The number itself does not change when you change your name.