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 fill out an process, show your documents, and pay a fee — but the documents you bring matter. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll need the specific document that proves it.

The entire transaction usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at the DPS office. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. There is no written test or road test required for a name change; you're straightforward updating the information on an existing license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change — no online or mail options exist.
  • The document proving your name change depends on how you changed it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change.
  • You will pay a fee (currently $16 for a standard license renewal with a name change, though fees can vary) and receive a temporary paper license when ready.
  • Your new plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks; you can use the temporary paper license until it arrives.
  • A name change does not require a new photo, written test, or road test unless your license is also expiring soon.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DPS Office

The document you bring depends on why 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 you made yourself. If you divorced, bring your certified divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed your name by court order (for any other reason), bring the certified court order from the district court that issued it.

You also need your current Texas driver's license and one form of proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. If your address has not changed, the address on your license may be enough, but calling ahead to your local DPS office can confirm what they accept.

Bring the original certified document, not a photocopy. "Certified" means it has an official seal or stamp from the issuing agency. You can order a certified copy from the county clerk (for marriage or divorce) or the district court (for a court order) if you do not have one. This usually costs $5 to $15 and takes a few days to a week.

How to Find Your Nearest DPS Office and Make an Appointment

You can find your nearest DPS office and check hours on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Use the office locator tool to search by city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices offer Saturday hours, but this varies by location.

You do not need an appointment for a name change at most DPS offices, but making one can save you time. You can schedule an appointment through the DPS website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times can be 30 minutes to an hour or longer during busy times. If you go without an appointment, arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

The Fee and What Happens at the Office

The fee for a name change on your Texas driver's license is currently $16 if you are renewing your license at the same time, or $11 if your license is not expiring and you are only changing the name. Fees are subject to change, so confirm the current amount when you call or visit. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.

When you arrive, you will fill out Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License). The DPS staff will review your documents, take a new photo if needed (though a name change alone does not require a new photo), and process your process. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot that is valid when ready. Write down the number on this temporary license — you may need it for identification until your plastic license arrives.

When Your New License Arrives and What to Do With the Temporary

Your new plastic license with your updated name will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, which gives you plenty of time. Once your plastic license arrives, you can throw away the temporary one.

If your plastic license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS by phone or visit the office again. Delays are rare, but they do happen. Keep the temporary license with you until the plastic one shows up, since it is your proof of a valid license.

If Your License Is Expiring Soon

If your license expires within the next few months, you have two options: change only the name now and renew later, or renew and change the name at the same time. Changing the name and renewing together costs $32 (the standard renewal fee plus the name-change fee) and means you will not need to return to the DPS office again for several years.

If you change only the name now, you will need to return to renew when your license expires. Most people find it simpler to do both at once if the expiration date is close. Check your license to see the expiration date, and ask the DPS staff which option makes sense for your situation.

Special Situations: Hyphenated Names, Middle Name Changes, and Corrections

If you are adding a hyphen to your name, combining names, or changing the order of your names (such as after marriage), you still follow the same process — bring your marriage certificate and visit the DPS office. The staff will update your name exactly as it appears on your legal document.

If you want to add or change a middle name, you will need a court order or certified document showing the change. A marriage certificate alone does not authorize a middle name change. If you are correcting a misspelling on your current license (for example, your name was spelled wrong when you first got it), bring documentation showing the correct spelling, such as your birth certificate or Social Security card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate or divorce decree?

No — the DPS requires a certified copy with an official seal. You can order one from the county clerk where you were married or divorced. This usually takes three to seven business days and costs $5 to $15. Some county clerks allow online orders and will mail the certified copy to you.

Do I need a new photo when I change my name?

No, a name change alone does not require a new photo. The DPS will use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you can request one, but it is not required and may cost extra.

What if I changed my name years ago but never updated my license?

You can still update it now. Bring your certified legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) proving the name change, along with your current license. The DPS does not have a time limit on how long ago the name change happened.

Can I change my name on my license by mail or online?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office with your documents and current license. There is no mail-in or online option for name changes.

What if my name change document is from another state?

You can still update your Texas license. Bring the certified document from the other state along with your current Texas license to a DPS office. The staff will verify the document and process your name change.