What You Need to Do to Change Your Last Name
To change your last 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 DPS will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can choose whether to keep your current license number or receive a new one.
The process itself is straightforward, but the requirement that matters most is having the right document proving your name legally changed. Without it, DPS will not process the change, no matter how long you have been using the new name.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a DPS office with your current license and legal proof of your name change — no mail or online options exist.
- Legal proof means a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree showing your new name.
- Bring your Social Security card or other document showing your SSN, because DPS will verify your identity against federal records.
- The new license is issued the same day in most cases, though you may wait 1 to 2 hours depending on office traffic.
- You will pay a replacement fee (currently $16 for a standard license), even though you are not renewing — you are changing the name on an active license.
Documents That Prove Your Name Change
Texas law recognizes four types of documents as legal proof of a name change: a court order from a name change proceeding, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption decree. The document must show both your old name and your new name clearly.
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate issued by the county clerk where you were married. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the divorce decree that shows your new name. If you obtained a legal name change through the courts (which happens when someone wants a name change unrelated to marriage or divorce), bring the court order signed by the judge. If you were adopted and your name changed as a result, bring the adoption decree.
Certified copies are preferred but not always required — ask the DPS office when you call ahead whether a photocopy is acceptable in your situation. Many offices will accept a photocopy if it is clear and legible, but having a certified copy eliminates any question.
What to Bring to the DPS Office
Bring your current Texas driver's license, your legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree), and proof of your Social Security number. For the SSN, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub showing your full SSN.
You will also need to bring proof of your current address if it has changed since your license was issued. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If your address has not changed, you do not need this document.
Bring your original documents or certified copies. DPS will not accept photographs or faxes of your name-change document. If you do not have a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree, you can order one from the county clerk's office where the document was issued before you go to DPS.
How to Find and Visit a DPS Office
Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. The site has a location finder where you enter your city or zip code and see all offices near you, along with their hours and phone numbers. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask whether you need an appointment.
Some DPS offices accept walk-ins and serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis. Others require appointments, especially in larger cities. A few offices use a ticket system where you take a number when you arrive. Calling ahead takes five minutes and tells you exactly what to expect when you walk in.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait. Arrive early in the day if possible — most offices are less crowded in the morning, and you are more likely to finish before lunch.
What Happens at the Office and What It Costs
When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are changing your name on an active license. Hand over your current license, your name-change document, and your SSN proof. The staff member will scan or photocopy your documents and enter your new name into the system.
You will be asked to sign a form confirming the name change and to have your photograph taken for the new license. You can keep your current license number or request a new one — most people keep the same number to avoid updating records elsewhere, but the choice is yours. The new license is usually printed and ready within 10 to 15 minutes, though busy offices may take longer.
The fee for a replacement license due to a name change is $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for a Real ID-compliant license. You pay at the counter when you submit your documents. Texas does not charge extra for a name change itself — you are paying the standard replacement fee because you are receiving a new card with updated information.
If Your Name Change Was Recent or Out of State
If your name change happened very recently — within the last few weeks — bring the original court order or marriage certificate, not a photocopy. DPS may need to verify the document with the issuing court or county, and an original is harder to question than a copy.
If you changed your name in another state and have since moved to Texas, bring your out-of-state name-change document along with your Texas driver's license process. You will need to explore for a new Texas license rather than straightforward update your current one, because your license was issued under your old name in a different state. Bring the same documents listed above, plus your out-of-state license or ID if you still have it.
What Happens After You Receive Your New License
Your new license is valid when ready. Update your name with your bank, employer, insurance company, and any other organization that has your driver's license on file. You do not have to do this right away, but it prevents confusion if you are asked to show ID.
Your old license becomes invalid once you receive the new one. You can destroy it or keep it as a record — there is no requirement to return it to DPS. If you kept your same license number, your driving record and any points or violations stay attached to that number automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
You can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married — it usually takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs $10 to $25. Some DPS offices will accept an uncertified photocopy if it is clear and legible, so call ahead and ask. If the office says no, ordering the certified copy is faster than arguing.
What if I lost my current driver's license?
You will need to report it lost to DPS and get a replacement before you can change the name. Bring your name-change document and SSN proof to the DPS office and ask for a replacement license with your new name. You will pay one replacement fee that covers both the lost license and the name change.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I go to DPS?
No. You can change your name at DPS and then update Social Security afterward, or do it in either order. However, updating Social Security first makes the DPS process smoother because your SSN records will already match your new name in federal databases.
How long does the new license take to arrive if I do not get it the same day?
Most DPS offices print licenses on-site and hand them to you before you leave. If your office mails licenses, ask when you arrive — it usually takes 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with your old license until the new one arrives.
Can I change my name on my license if I am on probation or have an active warrant?
Yes. A name change on your license does not affect probation status, warrants, or any criminal record. DPS will process the name change regardless of your legal history. If you have questions about how a name change affects probation conditions, contact your probation officer.