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) driver license 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 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a new license with your updated name the same day if you pass the vision test and photograph requirements.
The key requirement is proof that your name change is legal. This means a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document showing your new name. Without this document, DPS will not process the change, and you will have to leave and return with the correct paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and a legal document proving your name change.
- Acceptable proof includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or certified name change document from another state.
- You will pay a replacement fee (currently $16 for a standard license) and receive your new license the same day.
- If your license has expired or will expire within 60 days, you may need to renew it at the same time, which costs an additional fee.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document that proves your legal name change. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy or photo of the document will not work.
Acceptable documents include:
- A court order granting a name change (from any Texas court)
- A marriage certificate (if you took your spouse's name)
- A divorce decree or final divorce order (if you changed your name back or to a different name)
- An adoption decree (if your name changed through adoption)
- A certified name change document from another state or country
If your name change document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. DPS will not accept notarized translations — the translation must be certified by a court or official translator.
Step-by-Step Process at the DPS Office
When you arrive at a DPS driver license office, follow this order:
- Take a number or check in at the front desk. Tell the staff member you are changing your name on your license.
- Hand the staff member your current license and your legal name change document.
- Complete a DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License). The staff member will usually fill this out with you or provide it for you to complete. Make sure the name on the form matches the name on your legal document exactly.
- Pay the replacement fee. As of 2024, this is $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Fees vary slightly by office and may change — call ahead to confirm the exact amount.
- Pass a vision test (the standard eye chart test).
- Have your photograph taken for the new license.
- Receive your new license on the spot. Your old license will be returned to you or destroyed by DPS.
The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Arrive early in the day or on a weekday if possible — evenings and Saturdays tend to have longer wait times.
Finding a DPS Driver License Office Near You
Texas has over 130 DPS driver license offices across the state. You can find the office closest to you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. A few offices in major cities stay open until 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Call the office before you go to confirm it is open and to ask about current wait times. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online through the DPS website, which can cut your wait time significantly. If your local office does not offer appointments, you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you live far from any office or have mobility issues, ask the DPS staff whether a mobile license office visits your area. Mobile units travel to smaller towns and rural areas on a rotating schedule.
What Happens If Your License Is Expiring Soon
If your license expires within 60 days of your name change visit, you have two options: change your name only now and renew later, or change your name and renew at the same time.
If you renew and change your name together, you will pay both the replacement fee ($16) and the renewal fee (which varies by license type — standard licenses cost $33 for five years or $66 for eight years). This costs more upfront but means you will not have to return to a DPS office again soon.
If you change your name only, you will pay just the replacement fee now. Your new license will have your updated name and will expire on the same date your old license was set to expire. You can renew by mail or online when that date approaches, and you will not need to visit an office again unless you want to change your address or other information.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Name Change
The most common reason a name change is rejected at the DPS office is bringing a document that is not certified or original. A photocopy of a marriage certificate, even if it looks official, will not work. A notarized copy is also not acceptable — DPS requires an original or a certified copy issued by the court or vital records office.
Another frequent mistake is having the name on your legal document spelled differently from how you want it on your license. If your marriage certificate says "Katherine" but you want your license to say "Catherine," DPS will put "Katherine" on your license to match the legal document. You cannot change the spelling without a court order.
Bringing an expired license can also cause delays. If your license expired more than two years ago, DPS may require you to take a written driving test in addition to the vision test. Renew your license before it expires by two years if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my Texas license if I got married in another state?
Yes. Bring your marriage certificate from the other state along with your current Texas license. DPS will accept an original or certified copy of any marriage certificate issued by a U.S. state, territory, or country. If the certificate is in another language, bring a certified English translation.
What if I lost my current license and need to change my name at the same time?
You will need to report your license as lost or stolen first, then explore for a replacement with your new name. Bring your legal name change document and a form of ID (passport, state ID, or birth certificate). The process is the same as a regular name change, but you may pay a replacement fee for the lost license plus a fee for the new license with your updated name.
How long does it take to get a new license in the mail if I change my name?
You do not receive your license in the mail. You get it the same day you visit the DPS office. Texas issues your new license on the spot after you complete the process. If you need a copy of your license for records before you pick it up in person, ask the DPS staff for a temporary paper license.
Do I need to change my name with other agencies after I update my driver's license?
Your driver's license change does not automatically update your name with the Social Security Administration, IRS, banks, insurance companies, or your employer. You will need to contact each of these organizations separately with your new license and legal name change document. Start with Social Security and the IRS, as many other agencies use those records to verify your identity.
Can I change my name on my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or warrant?
Yes. An outstanding ticket or warrant does not prevent you from changing your name on your license. However, DPS may flag your record, and you should resolve any legal issues as soon as possible to avoid complications when you renew your license or interact with law enforcement.