What you need to do to change your name on your Texas license

If your legal name has changed — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — you must update your Texas driver's license to match your new legal name. Texas does not automatically update your license when your name changes; you have to request it yourself. The process is straightforward: you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of your legal name change and your current license, and complete an process. Most people finish in one visit.

The key difference from a standard license renewal is that you must prove your name change happened. Texas accepts specific documents as proof — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified name change document. Without one of these, DPS will not process your request. You cannot change your name by mail or online; you must appear in person at a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and a document proving your legal name change.
  • Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified name change document issued by a court.
  • You will complete an process (Form DL-43) and pay a fee, which varies depending on whether your license is also expiring soon.
  • Processing usually takes a few minutes at the office, and you will receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring your current Texas driver's license and one original or certified copy of a document that proves your legal name change. The DPS accepts:

  • A certified copy of your marriage certificate (if you took your spouse's name)
  • A certified copy of your divorce decree showing your new name
  • A certified copy of a court order granting a legal name change
  • A certified copy of an adoption decree (if applicable)

A photocopy is not enough — the document must be an original or a certified copy issued by the court or vital records office. If you do not have a certified copy yet, contact the county clerk's office or vital records office in the county where the document was issued and request one. This usually takes a few days to a week and costs a small fee.

You will also need to bring proof of your identity and Social Security number. Your current license serves as identity proof. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement instead.

The process and fee

At the DPS office, you will fill out Form DL-43, the process for Texas Driver's License. The form asks for your new legal name, your current address, and other standard license information. A DPS employee will help you if you have questions.

The fee depends on whether your license is also expiring soon. If your license is not expiring within the next 60 days, a name change costs less than a full renewal. If your license expires within 60 days, you may choose to renew it at the same time, which costs more but gives you a fresh expiration date. Ask the DPS employee which option makes sense for your situation. Fees change, so check the DPS website or call your local office for the current amount.

How long the process takes

The office visit itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use right away if you need to drive.

Your new plastic license card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. During that time, carry your temporary paper license along with your current license as proof of your identity and driving status. Once your new card arrives, your old license is no longer valid and should be destroyed.

Finding a DPS office near you

Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and towns. You do not have to go to the office in your hometown — you can visit any DPS office in the state. To find the office nearest you, go to the DPS website and use their office locator tool, or call 1-844-DPS-TEXAS (1-844-377-8329).

Some offices are busier than others, especially during lunch hours and on Fridays. If you want to avoid a long wait, call ahead or check whether your local office takes online appointments. Many DPS offices now allow you to reserve a time slot online, which means you will not have to wait in line.

What happens if you drive with an outdated name

Driving with a license that does not match your legal name is not illegal, but it can cause problems. If you are pulled over, a police officer may question why your license name does not match your legal documents. You can explain that you have applied for a name change, but it is simpler to update your license before the situation arises.

An outdated name on your license can also cause issues when you renew your vehicle registration, explore for a job, or travel. It is worth updating as soon as you have your proof document in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my name with other agencies too?

Yes. Updating your driver's license is only one step. You will also need to update your name with the Social Security Administration, your employer, your bank, your insurance company, and any other organization that has your name on file. Each has its own process, so check their websites or call them for instructions.

Can I change my name at the same time as renewing my license?

Yes. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it and change your name in the same visit. Bring both your current license and your proof of name change. The fee will be higher than a name change alone, but you will get a fresh expiration date.

What if I lost my proof document?

Contact the county clerk's office or vital records office in the county where your name change was recorded and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes a few days to a week. You cannot proceed with your license name change until you have it.

Can I change my name online or by mail?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office with your original or certified proof document. You cannot change your name by mail, online, or through any other method.

What if my name change was through a court order in another state?

Bring a certified copy of the court order to a Texas DPS office. Texas recognizes legal name changes issued by courts in other states. The DPS employee will review your document and let you know if it meets their requirements.