What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Texas License

You can change the name on your Texas driver's license by visiting 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 takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office, and you will receive a new license with your updated name on the same day or within a few business days, depending on the office.

The key requirement is that you must have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows your new legal name. Without one of these documents, DPS will not process the change. If you have already changed your name legally but do not yet have the paperwork in hand, you will need to obtain it from the court or vital records office before you visit DPS.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your new legal name.
  • Texas does not process name changes by mail, online, or by phone, so an in-person visit is required.
  • You will need to complete Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) at the DPS office, and staff will help you fill it out.
  • A new license with your updated name is typically issued the same day or within a few business days, and you may pay a replacement fee.
  • If your name change was due to marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate; if due to divorce, bring your certified divorce decree.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring your current Texas driver's license and the legal document that proves your name change. This document must be an original or certified copy—a photocopy will not be accepted. The three most common documents are a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order for name change.

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate issued by the county clerk or vital records office where you were married. If you changed your name through divorce, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree that shows your new name. If you obtained a legal name change through the courts (not related to marriage or divorce), bring the certified court order from the district court that granted the change.

You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your Texas residency. Acceptable documents for residency include a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return.

Step-by-Step Process at the DPS Office

When you arrive at the DPS office, check in at the front desk and tell staff you are there for a name change on your driver's license. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When called, you will go to a window where a DPS employee will review your documents and ask you to complete Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License).

The employee will verify that your legal name change document is valid and matches the name you are requesting on your new license. They will take a new photo for your license (unless you have a valid reason to use your current photo) and will ask you to sign the process. You will then pay the replacement fee, which is typically $16 for a standard driver's license valid for five years. After payment, you will receive a receipt and information about when your new license will arrive.

In most cases, your new license will be issued when ready or within a few business days. Some offices issue licenses on-site; others mail them to your address on file. Ask the DPS employee which method applies at your location before you leave.

Fees and Timeline for Your New License

The replacement fee for a name change on your Texas driver's license is $16 for a standard five-year license. This fee is the same whether you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or a court order. You must pay this fee in cash, debit card, or credit card at the time of your visit—DPS does not bill you later.

Your new license will be ready the same day in most DPS offices, though some locations may mail it to you within three to five business days. Ask the employee at your visit which method your office uses. If your license is mailed, you will receive it at the address currently on file with DPS. If you need to update your address at the same time as your name, tell the DPS employee before you leave, and they can make that change as well.

Finding a DPS Office Near You and What to Expect

You can find the nearest DPS Driver License office by visiting the Texas DPS website and using their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.

Call ahead or check the office's hours online before you go, because hours vary by location and some offices close for lunch. Bring all required documents and plan to spend 15 to 20 minutes at the office. Arrive early in the day if possible, as offices tend to be busier in the afternoon. If your office requires an appointment, you can schedule one online through the DPS website or by calling the office directly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing a photocopy of your legal name change document instead of an original or certified copy. DPS will not accept photocopies, and you will have to leave and obtain a certified copy from the court or vital records office before returning. To avoid this, contact the office that issued your document (the county clerk for a marriage certificate, the district court for a name change order, or the vital records office for a divorce decree) and request a certified copy before your DPS visit.

Another frequent error is not bringing proof of residency or Social Security number. DPS requires both, and without them you cannot complete the name change. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works for residency. Your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return works for your Social Security number.

Do not assume your current address on file with DPS is still correct. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address at the same time as your name change. Tell the DPS employee about the address change before you leave the office so both updates are recorded together.

What Happens If Your Legal Name Change Document Is Not Yet Ready

If you have legally changed your name but do not yet have the paperwork, you cannot change your driver's license until you obtain it. Contact the office that issued the document and request a certified copy. For a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the district court clerk in the county where your divorce was finalized. For a court-ordered name change, contact the district court clerk in the county where the order was issued.

Most offices can mail you a certified copy within one to two weeks, though some offer expedited service for an additional fee. Once you have the certified copy in hand, you can visit a DPS office to change your license. There is no important date for making this change, so you can do it whenever your paperwork arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my Texas license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. DPS does not require citizenship to change your name on a driver's license. You will need the same legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and proof of residency and Social Security number, just as a citizen would. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Do I need to renew my license at the same time as changing my name?

No. A name change is separate from a renewal. You can change your name at any time during your license's validity period. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one, unless you also choose to renew at that time. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew and change your name together to avoid two trips to DPS.

What if I changed my name but do not have the original legal document?

You must obtain a certified copy from the office that issued it. DPS will not accept a photocopy or a document that is not certified. Contact the county clerk (for marriage certificates), the district court clerk (for divorce decrees or name change orders), or the vital records office and request a certified copy. Most offices charge a small fee, usually $5 to $15, for a certified copy.

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

No. Texas requires you to visit a DPS office in person for a name change. You cannot do this by mail, online, or by phone. You must bring your current license and your legal name change document to the office yourself.

Will my old license still be valid after I get my new one?

No. When you receive your new license with your updated name, your old license is no longer valid. Destroy your old license or return it to DPS if the office asks you to do so. Use only your new license for identification going forward.