What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on a Texas Driver's License

To change the 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 on the same day in most cases.

You cannot straightforward show up with a court order or marriage certificate. DPS requires specific documents that prove both your identity and your legal name change. The documents you bring depend on how your name changed — whether through marriage, divorce, court order, or another legal process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a Texas DPS driver license office with your current license and proof of your legal name change.
  • Acceptable proof of name change includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified birth certificate showing your new name.
  • You will need to complete form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) at the office, and the new license is usually issued the same day.
  • The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a standard renewal, which varies based on your license type and validity period.
  • If your name change document is not in English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original document.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Your current Texas driver's license is required. If you do not have it, bring a valid form of photo ID instead. DPS will not process a name change without proof of your current identity.

The second document must prove your legal name change. The specific document depends on why your name changed:

  • Marriage: Original or certified copy of your marriage certificate.
  • Divorce: Certified copy of your divorce decree that shows your new name.
  • Court-ordered name change: Certified copy of the court order granting the name change.
  • Name change by birth certificate: Certified copy of your birth certificate showing your new name (issued after the name change was recorded).
  • Adoption: Certified copy of your adoption decree.

If your name change document was issued outside the United States, or if it is not in English, bring both the original document and a certified English translation. DPS will not accept uncertified translations.

How to Get Certified Copies of Your Name Change Documents

A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the office that issued the original document. You cannot use a photocopy you made yourself, even if you have the original.

For a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married. In Texas, this is the district clerk's office in that county. You can request a certified copy by mail, phone, or in person. The fee is usually between $20 and $30, and processing takes one to two weeks by mail.

For a divorce decree, contact the district clerk's office in the county where your divorce was finalized. The process and fees are similar to marriage certificates.

For a court-ordered name change, contact the district clerk's office in the county where the order was issued. If you do not know which county, you can search the Texas court records online or call the county clerk's office where you live.

The process Process at the DPS Office

When you arrive at the DPS office, you will complete form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License). The staff will ask you to verify your current address and confirm that your name change is the only update needed. If your address has also changed, you can update both at the same time.

You will be asked to take a new photo for your license. Bring glasses if you normally wear them while driving. You will also be asked to provide your Social Security number and answer questions about your driving history and any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive.

After you submit your process and documents, DPS will verify your name change document and run a background check. If everything is in order, you will pay the fee and receive your new license before you leave the office. The new license will have your updated name and a new license number.

Fees and License Validity Periods

The fee for a name change on your driver's license is the same as the fee for a standard renewal. Texas charges different amounts based on the type of license and how long it is valid for.

A standard Class C driver's license (for regular passenger vehicles) costs $33 for an 8-year license or $16 for a 2-year license. If you are over 85 years old, a 5-year license costs $16. Commercial driver's licenses and motorcycle endorsements have different fees.

You do not pay extra for the name change itself — you pay only for the license renewal. If your current license is not yet expired, you can still change your name and receive a new license with the same expiration date as your current one, or you can renew it for a longer period and pay the corresponding fee.

What Happens If Your Name Change Document Is Missing or Damaged

If you cannot locate your original name change document or it is damaged, you will need to request a replacement from the office that issued it. For marriage certificates and divorce decrees, contact the vital records office in the county where the event occurred. For court orders, contact the district clerk's office in the county where the order was issued.

Requesting a replacement can take one to three weeks and costs money. If you are in a hurry, some vital records offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. Once you have the replacement document, you can return to the DPS office to complete your name change.

If you are unable to obtain a certified copy of your name change document, you may be able to use an affidavit or other legal document as proof. Contact your local DPS office to ask what alternatives they will accept in your specific situation.

Name Changes for Minors and Guardianship Situations

If you are under 18 and your name has changed, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the DPS office. They will need to bring proof of guardianship (such as a birth certificate showing them as a parent, or a court order if they are a legal guardian but not a biological parent).

The minor's name change document and the guardian's photo ID are both required. The process is otherwise the same as for adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if my court order or marriage certificate is from another state?

Yes. DPS will accept name change documents from any U.S. state or territory. If the document is not in English, bring a certified English translation. If the document is from outside the United States, bring both the original and a certified translation.

What if I lost my current driver's license and need to change my name at the same time?

Bring your name change document and a valid photo ID (such as a passport or state ID). You will complete the name change and replacement license process together. You will pay one fee that covers both the replacement and the name change.

How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail if I cannot get it the same day?

In most cases, you receive your new license the same day you explore. If DPS needs to verify additional information, they may mail it to you within one to two weeks. Ask the staff at the office whether your license will be issued when ready or mailed.

Do I need to update my name with my car insurance and vehicle registration after I change my license?

Yes. Contact your insurance company and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) separately to update your name on your vehicle registration and insurance policy. Your driver's license change does not automatically update these documents.

What if my name change document has a different spelling than what I want on my license?

Your license must match the name on your legal name change document exactly. If there is a spelling error on your court order, marriage certificate, or other document, you will need to correct that document first. Contact the office that issued it to request a corrected version.