What you need to do to change your name on your Texas license
To change the name on your Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with proof that your name has legally changed. Texas does not allow name changes by mail or online. The DPS will not process a name change based on a verbal request or a document you mail in — you must appear with the required paperwork, and a DPS employee must see the original documents.
The specific documents you bring depend on why your name changed. If you were married, divorced, or had a court order, each route requires different proof. Once you submit your documents and pay the fee, you will receive a new license with your updated name, usually within one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with original proof documents — name changes cannot be done by mail, phone, or online.
- A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order are the documents DPS accepts as proof of a legal name change.
- The fee for a name change on an existing license is $16 if your license is not expiring soon, or you can renew and change the name together for the standard renewal fee.
- Bring your current driver's license, Social Security card, and proof of residency along with your name-change document.
- You will receive your new license in the mail within one to two weeks after your visit.
Documents required by reason for name change
Texas DPS requires different documents depending on how your name legally changed. The document you bring must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.
| Reason for Name Change | Document Required |
|---|---|
| Marriage | Original or certified marriage certificate |
| Divorce | Original or certified divorce decree showing your new name |
| Court-ordered name change | Original or certified court order from a Texas district court |
| Name change through adoption | Original or certified adoption decree |
If your marriage certificate or divorce decree was issued outside Texas, you will still need the original or a certified copy. DPS will not accept a certified copy from a county clerk's office in another state unless it bears the official seal and signature of that office. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the county or state where the document was issued before you visit DPS.
Other documents to bring to the DPS office
In addition to your name-change document, bring your current Texas driver's license, your Social Security card (original or certified copy), and one document showing your current address. The address document can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. If you have recently moved and your license still shows an old address, bring both your old address proof and your new address proof.
If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a Social Security Administration letter or a W-2 form showing your Social Security number. DPS will not process your name change without proof of your Social Security number on file.
Fees and processing time
A name change on an existing Texas driver's license costs $16. This fee is separate from any renewal fee. If your license is expiring within the next year, you may choose to renew your license and change your name at the same time for the standard renewal fee (currently $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license), which may save you money depending on when your license expires.
After you submit your documents at the DPS office, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your new plastic license with your updated name will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this varies by location.
Where to go and how to schedule
You can visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas. Find the office nearest you on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Most offices accept walk-ins, but many also allow you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Scheduling an appointment typically reduces your wait time from 30 minutes to an hour or more down to 15 to 20 minutes.
Call the DPS at 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927) to schedule an appointment or find your nearest office. Some offices have longer wait times than others, particularly in urban areas during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). If you have the flexibility, visiting early in the morning or on a weekday morning tends to mean shorter lines.
What happens if your name change document is from outside Texas
If you were married, divorced, or received a court order in another state, you can still change your name on your Texas license. Bring the original or certified copy of the document from that state. DPS will accept it as long as it is certified by the issuing authority and bears an official seal.
If you are unsure whether your document is certified, contact the county clerk's office or vital records office in the state where the document was issued. They can tell you whether what you have is acceptable or whether you need to request a certified copy. This step can take one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you need your name changed quickly.
Name changes and your vehicle registration
Changing your name on your driver's license does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must also update your registration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) separately. Visit your county tax assessor-collector's office with your new driver's license and your vehicle registration card. The fee to update your registration is typically $10 to $20, depending on your county.
You can update your vehicle registration by mail, online through the Texas DMV website, or in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office. If you update by mail or online, you will receive a new registration card within one to two weeks. Updating your registration is not legally required when ready, but your registration should match your current name for insurance and vehicle title purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I got married outside the United States?
Yes. Bring your original or certified marriage certificate from the country where you were married. DPS will accept it if it is certified and translated into English by an official translator. Contact your nearest DPS office before you visit to confirm they have received and can process international documents, as some offices may ask you to provide an official English translation in advance.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the county clerk's office or vital records office in the county or state where you were married or divorced. Request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some counties now offer online requests. Once you have the certified copy, you can visit DPS to change your name on your license.
Do I need to change my name on my Social Security card before I go to DPS?
No. You can change your name at DPS first, then update your Social Security card afterward using your new driver's license as proof. However, some people prefer to update Social Security first. Either order works. If you update Social Security first, bring your new Social Security card to DPS. If you update DPS first, bring your old Social Security card and your new driver's license to Social Security.
What if my current driver's license has a different name than what I want now?
DPS will change your license to match the name on your legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If the name on your legal document does not match the name you want, you will need a separate court order for a name change from a Texas district court before DPS can process your request. Contact a district court in your county for information about filing for a legal name change.
Can I change my name on my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, as long as you have a valid Texas driver's license and proof of a legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Your citizenship status does not affect your ability to change your name on your license. Bring the same documents any other person would bring.