What you need to do to change your name on your Texas driver license

To change the name on your Texas driver 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 takes about 15 minutes at the office, and you will receive a new license with your updated name on the same day.

You cannot change your name on your license without first obtaining a legal name change through one of three routes: a court order (the most common method), a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree. Texas will not process a name change request without one of these documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your legal name change before visiting a DPS office.
  • All name changes require an in-person visit to a Texas DPS office with your current license and proof of the name change.
  • You will receive your new license on the same day if all documents are in order and you pass the identity verification process.
  • The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a standard license renewal, which varies by license type and validity period.
  • If you are changing your name through marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of the certificate.

Getting a court order for a legal name change

If you are not changing your name through marriage or divorce, you must obtain a court order from a district court in the county where you live. You will file a petition for name change, pay a filing fee (typically $100 to $300, depending on the county), and attend a brief hearing where a judge approves the change. Some counties allow you to file the petition online through their court system, but you must appear in person for the hearing.

After the judge signs the order, ask the court clerk for a certified copy. You will need this certified copy when you visit the DPS office. Keep multiple certified copies — you may need them for other documents like your Social Security card, passport, or bank accounts.

Changing your name through marriage or divorce

If you are changing your name because of marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate to the DPS office. Texas law allows you to change your name on your license based on the marriage certificate alone, without a separate court order.

If you are changing your name because of divorce, you must have a certified copy of your divorce decree that shows your new name. The decree must clearly state what your name is after the divorce. If the decree does not specify a name change, you will need to obtain a separate court order before visiting the DPS office.

Documents to bring to the DPS office

Bring your current Texas driver license, your proof of legal name change (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree), and one form of identification that shows your current legal name. Acceptable forms of identification include a passport, military ID, or another government-issued ID.

If your proof document is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. The DPS office will not process your request without both documents. If you have changed your name multiple times, bring documentation for each change in order.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive at a DPS office, check in and tell the staff member you are changing your name on your license. They will review your documents, verify that your proof of name change is valid, and confirm your identity. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will then have a new photo taken (unless you have a valid photo waiver) and sign your new license. You will receive your new license with your updated name before you leave the office. Your old license becomes invalid once you receive the new one.

Fees and license validity

The fee for a name change on your license depends on the type of license you hold and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. If your current license is not yet expired, you may be able to renew it at the same time you change your name, which may save you a trip to the DPS office later.

Ask the DPS staff member whether renewing your license at the same time makes sense for your situation. If your license expires soon, it may be worth renewing it while you are there, even if you have to pay both fees.

Finding a DPS office near you

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and many smaller towns. You can find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit.

Many DPS offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's website or call before you go to find out whether an appointment is needed. Bringing all required documents on your first visit will prevent you from having to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if my court order is from another state?

Yes, but you must bring the original or certified copy of the court order from the other state. The DPS office will verify that the order is valid before processing your name change. If the order is not in English, bring a certified English translation.

What if I lost my current driver license?

You can still change your name, but you will need to report your license as lost and request a replacement at the same time. Bring your proof of name change and one form of government-issued ID. The DPS office will issue a new license with your updated name.

How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?

You receive your new license in person at the DPS office on the same day you explore. There is no waiting period. If you need your license mailed to a different address, ask the staff member about that option when you visit.

Do I need to change my name with Social Security before or after changing my driver license?

You can do either order, but changing your driver license first is often easier because it gives you a government-issued ID with your new name. You will then use that ID when you visit the Social Security office to update your Social Security card.

What if my name change documents have a different spelling than what I want on my license?

Your license must match the name on your legal documents exactly. If you want a different spelling, you must go back to court and file an amended order with the correct spelling before visiting the DPS office.