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 first have a legal name change document on file with the state, then explore for a replacement license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Texas does not allow you to change your name directly through the DMV — the name on your license must match the name in the state's vital records system. You will need to visit a DPS driver's license office in person, bring your legal name change document and proof of identity, and pay a replacement fee.

The process takes two separate steps: obtaining the legal name change (which happens outside the DPS), and then updating your license to reflect it. Most people complete the legal name change through a district court in their county, though some changes — such as those following marriage or divorce — can be recorded through vital records without a court order. Once that document is recorded, you can then go to any DPS office to update your license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain a legal name change document before the DPS will change your license; the DPS cannot process a name change without it.
  • Marriage, divorce, and court-ordered name changes each require different documents, and you must bring the original or certified copy to the DPS office.
  • A replacement license costs $16 for a Class C (standard) license and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail after you explore in person.
  • You must visit a DPS driver's license office in person; name changes cannot be done by mail, online, or by phone.
  • If your legal name change is recent, bring both your old and new documents to prove the change is recorded in state records.

How to Get a Legal Name Change Before Updating Your License

The first step is to obtain a legal name change document. The method depends on why your name is changing. If you are changing your name due to marriage, you do not need a court order — you can use your marriage certificate as your legal name change document. If you are changing your name due to divorce, use your divorce decree. If you are changing your name for any other reason, you must file a petition in the district court in your county.

For a court-ordered name change, contact the district court clerk's office in the county where you live. You will file a petition, pay a filing fee (typically $100 to $300, depending on the county), and attend a brief hearing. The judge will issue an order granting the name change, and the clerk will provide you with certified copies. Keep at least one certified copy — you will need it when you go to the DPS.

If your name change is due to marriage or divorce, obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree from the vital records office in the county where the event was recorded. You can request this by mail or in person, and it usually costs $20 to $30. The DPS will accept either the original or a certified copy.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring your legal name change document — the original or a certified copy — along with your current driver's license and one form of proof of identity. The DPS requires that your identity document show your new name if possible, but if it does not yet, you can bring the legal name change document as proof that the name is valid.

Your proof of identity must be an original document (not a photocopy) and must include your photograph and signature. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two secondary identity documents instead, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or bank statement with your name and address.

You will also need to bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. If you have recently moved and your license still shows your old address, bring both your old address proof and your new address proof.

Steps to Take at the DPS Office

Visit any DPS driver's license office in Texas. You do not have to go to the office that issued your original license. Bring all documents listed above, arrive during business hours, and tell the clerk you need to update your name on your license.

The clerk will review your legal name change document and verify it is recorded in state records. This verification usually takes a few minutes. You will then complete an process form (the DPS will provide it), pay the replacement fee of $16, and have your photograph taken if your current license photo is more than five years old.

After you complete the process, the DPS will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 14 business days. Do not discard the temporary license until you receive the permanent one.

Fees and Timeline for Your New License

The replacement license fee is $16 for a standard Class C license. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal travel as of May 2025), the fee is $32. You pay this fee at the time you explore in the DPS office.

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and can be used for identification and driving. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 14 business days under normal circumstances. If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this varies by location — call ahead to confirm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume your name has been automatically updated in the DPS system once you have a legal name change document. The DPS does not receive automatic notification of name changes — you must go in person to request the update. If you drive on your old license after obtaining a legal name change, you are not breaking the law, but your license will not match your other documents.

Do not bring a photocopy of your legal name change document. The DPS requires an original or certified copy. If you only have a photocopy, contact the court clerk or vital records office and request a certified copy before you visit the DPS office.

Do not go to the DPS office without your current license. You will need it to verify your identity and to show the clerk what name is currently on file. If your license has been lost or stolen, report it first and obtain a replacement, then return to change the name.

What Happens If Your Legal Name Change Is Very Recent

If your name change was granted within the last few days or weeks, there may be a delay before it appears in the state's vital records system. The DPS clerk will attempt to verify your legal name change document in the system, but if it has not yet been recorded, the clerk may ask you to return after a few days or may process your process with a note that verification is pending.

To avoid this delay, contact the court clerk or vital records office before you go to the DPS and confirm that your name change has been recorded in the state system. If it has not yet been recorded, ask when it will be and plan your DPS visit accordingly. Bringing documentation from the court or vital records office showing the date the change was recorded can also help speed up the process.

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's license office to change your name. You cannot do this by mail, phone, or through the online portal. You must bring your legal name change document and current license to an office during business hours.

Do I need to change my name in court if I got married?

No. If you are changing your name due to marriage, you do not need a court order. Your marriage certificate is your legal name change document. Bring the original or a certified copy to the DPS office along with your current license.

What if I lost my old license and cannot bring it to the DPS?

Report your lost license to the DPS first and obtain a replacement with your old name. Once you have that replacement, you can then return to change the name. Alternatively, bring your legal name change document and two secondary identity documents (such as a birth certificate and Social Security card) to show who you are.

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

Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 14 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days, so you can drive and travel during the wait. If you need your license faster, ask the DPS office whether expedited service is available in your area.

Will my license number change when I update my name?

No. Your license number stays the same. Only your name, and possibly your photograph if it is outdated, will change on the license itself.