What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Texas 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 DPS will not process a name change without official documentation showing that your name has legally changed — a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other state-issued document that reflects your new name.

The process itself is straightforward: bring the required documents, pay the fee, have your photo taken, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use when ready while you wait for the plastic card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and official proof of your legal name change.
  • Acceptable proof includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other government-issued document showing your new name.
  • The fee for a name change is the same as a standard renewal — currently $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic license within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your name change was recent, bring the original or certified copy of your legal document; a photocopy alone will not be accepted.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

You need two categories of documents: proof of your legal name change and proof of identity. For the name change itself, bring the original or a certified copy of whichever document created the change. A marriage certificate works if you took your spouse's name. A divorce decree or court order works if the court changed your name as part of the divorce. A court order for name change (filed in district court) works if you changed your name through the formal legal process. A corrected birth certificate issued by the state where you were born works if the name on your birth certificate was corrected.

For identity, bring your current Texas driver's license. If your license is expired, bring it anyway — the DPS will still accept it as proof of identity during the name change process. You do not need to bring a second form of ID unless your current license is lost or stolen.

Do not bring a photocopy of your marriage certificate or court order. The DPS requires the original document or a certified copy issued by the court or vital records office. A certified copy has an official seal and signature from the issuing agency. If you do not have the original, contact the court that issued the order or the vital records office in the state where the document was created and request a certified copy.

Where to Go and How to Schedule

You can visit any DPS driver license office in Texas. There are offices in every major city and most counties. To find the office nearest you, go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool, or call 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927). Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require an appointment. Check the office's hours and appointment availability before you go.

If you want to schedule an appointment, you can book one online through the Texas DPS website or by phone. Online appointments often have shorter wait times. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is. Bring all your documents with you — if you forget the certified copy of your name change document, the office will not process your request and you will have to return another day.

The Fee and What Happens at the Office

A name change on your Texas driver's license costs the same as a standard license renewal: $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The DPS does not charge an extra fee for the name change itself — you are paying for the new license.

At the office, a DPS employee will check your documents, verify that your name change is legal, and ask you to confirm your address and other information on your license. They will take a new photo for your license. You will then pay the fee. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that shows your new name. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your new plastic license arrives.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved since your last license was issued, tell the DPS employee your current address so the new license goes to the right place. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, ask the office staff whether expedited mail is an option in your area — some offices offer it for an additional fee.

Name Changes from Marriage, Divorce, or Court Order

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. The certificate must show both your former name and your new name. If you were married in Texas, you can get a certified copy from the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. If you were married in another state, contact the vital records office in that state.

If you changed your name through divorce, bring your divorce decree. The decree must show that the court approved your name change as part of the divorce. If you lost your original decree, contact the district court that handled your divorce and request a certified copy. The court clerk can mail it to you or you can pick it up in person.

If you changed your name through a formal court petition (not marriage or divorce), bring the court order signed by the judge. This order is filed in the district court in the county where you live. If you need a certified copy, contact the district court clerk's office in that county.

What Happens If Your Name Change Document Is from Another State

Texas recognizes name changes that were legally made in other states. If your marriage, divorce, or court order came from another state, bring the certified copy issued by that state's court or vital records office. The DPS will accept it as long as it is an official document with a seal and signature.

If you were married in another state but now live in Texas, bring your marriage certificate from that state. If you were divorced in another state, bring your divorce decree from that state. The DPS does not require you to re-file anything in Texas — your out-of-state document is sufficient to change your name on your Texas license.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing a photocopy instead of the original or certified copy. The DPS will not accept a photocopy, even if it looks official. If you do not have the original, order a certified copy from the issuing agency before you go to the DPS office.

Another mistake is not bringing your current license. Even if it is expired, bring it. The DPS uses it to verify your identity and pull up your existing record. Without it, the process takes longer and the staff may ask for additional ID.

A third mistake is going to the wrong office location or showing up without an appointment when the office requires one. Check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm the office's hours and whether it takes walk-ins. Some offices are appointment-only.

Finally, do not assume your temporary paper license will work everywhere. While it is valid for driving, some businesses or agencies may not recognize it. Keep your old license until your new one arrives, even though it has your old name on it — you may need it as backup proof of identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the DPS office. Some offices offer expedited mail for an additional fee, which can reduce delivery time to 3 to 5 business days. Ask the DPS employee at the office whether expedited mail is available in your area.

Can I change my name on my license if I am under 18?

Yes, but you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you to the DPS office. The guardian must bring a photo ID and sign consent forms. The same documents proving your legal name change still explore.

What if my marriage certificate does not show my old name?

Some marriage certificates only show the names you took after marriage. If yours does not show your former name, bring both your marriage certificate and another document that shows your old name — such as your current driver's license, birth certificate, or a passport. This helps the DPS verify that the name change is legitimate.

Do I have to renew my license at the same time I change my name?

No. A name change and a renewal are separate transactions. If your license is not expiring soon, you can change your name without renewing. You will pay only the name change fee, and your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one. If your license is expiring within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time to avoid a second trip to the DPS office.

What if I changed my name but never updated my Social Security card?

You can change your name on your driver's license without updating your Social Security card first. However, it is a good idea to update your Social Security card as soon as possible after your name change. You will need to bring your name change document and your current Social Security card to your local Social Security office. Having both documents match makes life easier for taxes, employment, and banking.